Next Bharat Ventures, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, on Monday launched a Rs 2,000 crore impact-focused venture fund, one of the largest of its kind in India, to invest in startups building businesses for rural and under-served communities.
The new fund will back early-stage companies across agriculture, rural supply chains, financial inclusion, healthcare, rural mobility and AI for social good. The firm said it will provide not only capital but also mentorship, strategic partnerships and market access to portfolio companies.
The launch comes two years after Next Bharat Ventures set up its first Rs 340 crore fund. The firm said it has since supported more than 50 impact entrepreneurs and invested in over 20 startups, including MeMeraki, E-Bik, SGB Agro and Atypical Advantage. Several of its portfolio companies have also begun business pilots in Japan, the fund said.
"Our first fund is proof that impact and business can co-exist, and that strong businesses can be built around livelihoods and improved quality of life," said Vipul Jindal Nath, founder and chief executive of Next Bharat Ventures.
The company said over 90% of its portfolio companies are moving towards profitability in their early years.
The fund will invest in about 50 startups over three years and reverse half of the capital for follow-on rounds. Nath told ET that the average ticket size of these investments will be anywhere between $500,000 to $1 million.
Toshihiro Suzuki, representative director and president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, in a statement said the company is deepening its long-term commitment to India by supporting entrepreneurs building businesses that generate jobs and strengthen local economies.
Founded in 2024, Next Bharat Ventures also runs a 10-day residency programme for early-stage founders and typically invests Rs 1-5 crore in startups.
