raghu mendu is a general partner in ventureeast, a company which funds projects in india in the fields of technology, healthcare and bio sciences. raghu splits his time between india and rancho palos verdes, california, which is where i caught up with him. we met at first in a small outdoor shopping area, but then moved along to more scenic views at a gazebo overlooking the beach, and finally to a nearby beach club.

i always find venture capitalists to be very easy going and agreeable sorts of people. friendly, and eager to give advice about life (but in a non judgmental, earnest sort of way). raghu certainly was this. i always assumed this has something to do with the fact that being the guy who has all the money to give must alleviate a great deal of pressure. at least, it would for me.

raghu talked about his time in southern california and how much he enjoys rancho palos verdes. he talked about his long marriage and gave the usual tips for a happy life with the missus (i.e., let her be right most of the time). he even offered to buy me lunch after the shoot, though i was unable to accept at the time. this was probably the rarest thing of all. i think that’s only happened once or twice before.

in the end it was the simplest picture i ended up liking the best. the one above, in a corner  room in the beach club, by a window. something about the richness of the tapestry behind him felt more like some place far away than some place next to multi million dollar houses and clear oceans.

thanks, raghu.