Dinika Mahtani
Partner
Our London-based Partner at Cherry Ventures, Dinika, is a former UberEats EMEA executive. She also launched, managed, and scaled Uber’s e-bike brand, JUMP, in the UK, and ran finance and operations at the climate SaaS platform, Kaluza (part of the OVO group).
With backgrounds in both finance and mathematics from her two alma maters, London Business School and Northwestern University, Dinika began her professional career as a technology investment banker in New York. Dinika leads our UK investment and strategic initiatives, and she’s an integral part of our climate tech and commerce verticals.
Early-stage venture is a people business; Dinika’s knack for working with founders is a natural talent of hers. She has spent several years as an angel investor and advisor to female-founded startups, a deep area of passion for her. When not teaming up with Europe’s top founders, you might find her enjoying the best cinnamon buns London has to offer – their location? Top secret.
How has being an operator shaped your work as an investor and support of founders?
Being an operator means I know how to get my hands dirty, build teams, get stuff done quickly, and, most importantly, create a mission and purpose that will keep people motivated day in and day out.
My approach has always been to adapt to what the situation needs. Some founders only need a light touch whereas others want to hold your hand and jump with them. I have found that it’s best to be adaptable and flexible with the situation. In the words of Bruce Lee, “Be water, my friend".