Puraav Karnavat
C’28
Economics
GRIP: KK Fund in Taiwan Â
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What made my experience unique was that my internship extended far beyond Taiwan. While based in Taipei with KK Fund, I also traveled to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangalore for work, giving me exposure to four different startup ecosystems in one summer. In Hong Kong, I attended the Asia Private Equity Forum, where I met investors and learned how private equity and venture capital intersect across the region. In Singapore, I met with startup founders and gained insight into one of Southeast Asia’s most established innovation hubs. In Bangalore, I attended startup networking events and experienced the energy of India’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem firsthand.
Each city offered a completely different perspective on entrepreneurship, investing, and business culture. Rather than learning about these ecosystems in a classroom, I experienced them by speaking directly with founders, investors, and operators.
Students should ask me about balancing travel with a full-time internship, making the most of professional opportunities across multiple countries, building an international network, and how to turn a study abroad experience into something that extends well beyond the host city.
My Experience Abroad
As an Economics major at Penn, my internship with KK Fund allowed me to apply concepts from the classroom to real investment decisions. Instead of analyzing theoretical case studies, I evaluated early-stage startups across sectors by conducting market research, assessing business models, analyzing financial metrics, and presenting investment recommendations to the investment team. My coursework helped me think critically about market dynamics and data, while the internship showed me how those concepts are used in practice when evaluating high-growth companies.
The experience also reinforced my long-term professional goal of pursuing a career in investing. Throughout the summer, I worked directly with venture capital investors, attended founder meetings, and gained exposure to startup ecosystems across Asia. Traveling to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangalore expanded my perspective beyond Taiwan. At the Asia Private Equity Forum in Hong Kong, I learned how private equity and venture capital interact across global markets. In Singapore, I met founders building companies across Southeast Asia, while in Bangalore I attended startup events that showcased India’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem.
Most importantly, the experience taught me that investing is not just about financial analysis, but rather it also requires understanding different markets, cultures, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Combining my academic background with hands-on investing experience across multiple countries strengthened both my technical skills and my global perspective, preparing me for a career in finance with an international focus.
Other Highlights
- I gained firsthand exposure to venture capital: I evaluated startups, conducted market research, participated in founder meetings, and presented in investment recommendations.
- The opportunity to travel across Asia for work: In Hong Kong, I attended the Asia Private Equity Forum and connected with investors from across the region. In Singapore, I met with startup founders and learned how one of Southeast Asia’s leading innovation hubs supports entrepreneurship. In Bangalore, I attended startup networking events and experienced India’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem firsthand.
- Living in Taipei allowed me to fully immerse myself in Taiwanese culture. Exploring the city, traveling throughout Taiwan, and experiencing everyday life helped me build a deeper appreciation for the country beyond what I could have gained as a visitor. Equally meaningful were the relationships I built with my coworkers, fellow interns, founders, and investors, many of whom became mentors and close friends. Looking back, the combination of meaningful work, international travel, cultural immersion, and lifelong connections made this one of the most transformative experiences of my college career.
