Vivek Oberoi reveals that his family office has invested in over 30 companies, and exited 11 with returns of up to 300%: Dharma ‘Every business is a profit’

While many know Vivek Oberoi as an actor, he has quietly built a significant presence in the investment world. In a recent interview, the actor spoke about his journey from learning the value of money as a child to creating a family office focused on generational wealth, impact investing, and supporting promising entrepreneurs.

Vivek Oberoi remembers learning about money when he was 11 years old

Talking about his childhood, Vivek said that financial discipline was introduced to him at a very young age despite growing up in a financially comfortable family.He revealed that his father, actor Suresh Oberoi, taught him concepts like debit and credit when he was just 11 or 12 years old and insisted on keeping accounts to understand the value of money.Recalling his father’s upbringing, Vivek said the lessons stem from the family’s experiences during Partition.“Even though my father was very successful, he was very disciplined with money. My grandfather lost everything during Partition, so my father learned to never take wealth for granted,” he told Outlook Business.According to Vivek, those early lessons shaped his belief that money should not only represent past success, but should become “a fuel for future innovation and growth.”

Dharma “All work is profit”

Explaining why he started a family office when the concept was still relatively new in India, Vivek said he wanted to combine financial sustainability with social impact.

He said: “I sincerely believe that the dharma of every company is profit, but the dharma of every entrepreneur must have a goal.”He added that the goal was never to build a traditional institutional asset management company, but to support founders and businesses that are meaningful and contribute to India’s economic growth.The actor also revealed that one of the main goals behind the family office is to create and preserve generational wealth.“When I established the family office, the idea was to create generational wealth and create a structure to preserve it, along with an investment spirit for future generations,” he said.Vivek shared that investment discussions have become a part of family life, and revealed that he regularly talks to his 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter about the companies they invest in and the reasons behind those decisions.

Vivek Oberoi’s investment philosophy

Describing his investment strategy, Vivek said he follows what he calls a “steady and exciting” approach.The “fixed” side consists of investing in mainly strong family businesses that can grow through digitalisation, AI integration and improved management.Meanwhile, the “exciting” side focuses on high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, deep technology, life sciences and lifestyle brands.He cited his investment in premium analog watch startup Rotoris, saying the company generated about $600,000 in revenue during its first year and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

The portfolio includes more than 30 companies

According to Vivek, his family office has invested in more than 30 companies while successfully exiting more than 11 investments.He also revealed that the current year is expected to bring another six or seven liquidity events, including three public listings.Speaking about one of his successful investments, Vivek said his team exited a listed company with returns of nearly 300% in about two years.

Why are family offices different from traditional funds?

Vivek explained that one of the biggest advantages of a family office is the flexibility it offers.Unlike venture capital or private equity funds, where investors have fiduciary obligations to limited partners, a family office allows them to back companies that create meaningful impact even if they do not promise the highest financial returns.“There are times when I intentionally invest in something where the financial upside may not be the highest possible, but the impact is significant enough for me to continue doing so,” he said.He also stressed that his team aims to become long-term partners to the founders rather than just aiming for quick returns.

On the startup ecosystem in India

Speaking about the business landscape in India, Vivek described the country as one of the most exciting growth markets in the world.He highlighted opportunities across AI, SMEs, technology startups and real estate, while also noting that the regulatory environment in India is gradually becoming more investment-friendly.However, he believes there is still room to simplify tax and governance rules, especially for startups navigating compliance as they try to scale.

“Investing gives me a different kind of satisfaction.”

Despite his growing presence in the investment ecosystem, Vivek said acting still holds a special place in his heart.“The joy I feel when I face the camera…this passion is something else,” he said.At the same time, he admitted that investing has brought him a different sense of purpose.He said that seeing young founders succeed reminds him of his early ambitions, adding that many of the entrepreneurs he has supported have become lifelong friends long after his investing journey with them has ended.