Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and award-winning actor, is sharpening his focus on impact-driven businesses, with a keen interest in sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and healthcare.

“I’m very excited about impact-driven businesses—especially in areas like AI, biotech, and healthcare,” Oberoi said at the Fortune India Startup Summit, underlining a shift in his investment strategy towards ventures that combine social impact with strong financial returns.

Oberoi, who has built a diversified portfolio spanning fintech, education, and real estate, said the next phase of his entrepreneurial journey will prioritise companies that address critical gaps in access and affordability. 

He hinted at a new venture in the oncology space aimed at improving cancer care outcomes, particularly in price-sensitive markets such as India and parts of Africa.

Without disclosing details, he described the upcoming initiative as one that could “make a difference between life and death” for patients, while still being commercially viable.

His early investments include education financing platform Financepeer—now rebranded as Leo1—which targeted the underpenetrated segment of fee financing at a time when the space was largely untapped.

Explaining his investment philosophy, Oberoi said he prefers backing ideas that are not immediately obvious. 

“I like to find what is not on paper or in the pitch deck. That’s where exponential value lies. I evaluate ventures based on their ability to solve problems in unexpected ways and scale through the right amplifiers including technology, partnerships, or aspirational positioning,” he said.

While many startup founders openly discuss failures as a part of their journey, Oberoi struck a different note, saying he has been “very lucky” with his investments so far. 

“There have been highs and lows, but eventually things have worked out,” he said.

Beyond financial returns, Oberoi indicated a growing inclination towards a backseat role—supporting founders and enabling scale rather than building from the front. Drawing on the concept of “shoonya” or zero, he said the idea is to multiply value by backing strong entrepreneurs. “If you stand behind the right founder, you create exponential outcomes,” he said.

Despite increasing involvement in business, Oberoi said acting remains a passion rather than a profession driven by commercial considerations. He is currently working on film projects including Spirit and Ramayana, though he emphasised that creative satisfaction now takes precedence over financial metrics.