Suzuki Motor unveils Rs 340 crore fund to support social impact startups

Japanese automobile firm Suzuki Motor on Thursday launched its first investment fund in India--Next Bharat Ventures--a Rs 340 crore fund dedicated to fostering impact entrepreneurs who create value in Tier-II and below geographies.

This Suzuki initiative aims to support social impact startups in the domains of agriculture, financial inclusion, rural supply chains, and rural mobility, through a residency programme.

"Next Bharat will invest in growth-stage impact firms and early-stage impact entrepreneurs through its flagship residency programme. In order to improve synergy among our early-stage portfolio, We do Fund of Fund operations, investing in Indian Early Stage Venture Capital firms, this investment will also help in establishing strong strategic synergies for the Next Bharat Impact Fund," Next Bharat CEO and MD Vipul Nath Jindal told PTI.

During the 4-month hybrid residency programme, selected impact entrepreneurs will receive extensive mentorship, access to resources, and ...