Dinika Mahtani
Partner
London-based Partner, Dinika, leads Cherry’s UK and Ireland investments strategy, and focuses on Cherry’s vertical software and AI investments, with key areas across Health, Commerce, Fintech. She also spends time in consumer tech. She is a former UberEats EMEA executive. She 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.
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. 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".