Latest news with #IndianStartups
Entrepreneur
28-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Expert Dojo Launches India-Focused Cohort, to Invest USD 100K Each in 10+ Startups
The India cohort, which opens applications this fiscal year, will focus on startups building scalable, tech-driven solutions across a range of sectors including AI, electric vehicles (EV), B2B, and SaaS. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. US-based early-stage venture capital firm Expert Dojo has announced the launch of a new India-dedicated startup accelerator cohort, committing to invest USD 100,000 each in over 10 high-potential startups. This strategic move marks a significant step in the firm's broader plan to strengthen its footprint in India's rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem. The India cohort, which opens applications this fiscal year, will focus on startups building scalable, tech-driven solutions across a range of sectors including AI, electric vehicles (EV), B2B, and SaaS. While the approach is sector-agnostic, the emphasis is on growth-oriented ventures with strong potential for international expansion. Brian Mac Mahon, Founder and Managing Partner at Expert Dojo, said, "At Expert Dojo, we believe in backing ambition with action. We're not just mentors; we're partners who roll up our sleeves. The funding landscape today demands more than just a great product—it requires clarity, resilience, and strategic guidance. That's where we come in." As part of the accelerator, selected startups will not only receive capital, but also benefit from mentorship, operational support, and access to Expert Dojo's extensive global investor network. The goal is to fast-track these companies to Series A by refining go-to-market strategies and opening up new market opportunities beyond India. The India launch comes on the heels of Expert Dojo's previously announced USD 15 million India-focused fund, which aims to invest in 20–25 early-stage startups by FY 2026. Ashutosh Kumar, General Partner at Expert Dojo, added, "India is not just a market for us, it's a priority. We see innovation rising from all corners of the country, from tier-1 cities to rural belts. This fund is not just a financial commitment—it's a vote of confidence in Indian entrepreneurship. We want to support visionary founders who may be overlooked by traditional VC networks but are capable of building global businesses." Since its inception in 2019, Expert Dojo has backed over 300 startups from more than 40 countries. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, 41% of its portfolio includes female-founded companies, significantly higher than the industry average. The India cohort reflects Expert Dojo's continued mission to support international founders and close the global funding gap—this time, with a clear spotlight on India's emerging tech leaders.
Entrepreneur
26-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Info Edge India Approves INR 1,000 Cr Investment in Venture Fund III
Fund III aims to fuel the next generation of tech-driven startups in India. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a bold move reflecting its enduring faith in India's startup ecosystem, Info Edge India has secured shareholder approval to invest up to INR 1,000 crore in its latest venture initiative, IE Venture Investment Fund III. As revealed in its BSE filings, the decision was nearly unanimous. "Results of the Info Edge shareholders postal ballot are in. The proposal to invest up to INR 1000 crores in Info Edge Ventures Fund 3 was approved with 99.9995% of votes in favour. Thank you for the vote of confidence in our investing abilities shareholders," said Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder and Executive Vice Chairman, in a post on X. Announced in February, Fund III aims to fuel the next generation of tech-driven startups in India. Continuing its strategic alliance with Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, Temasek, this new fund is expected to exceed INR 2,000 crore, amplifying Info Edge's influence in the venture landscape. The company's track record speaks volumes. Its landmark investment in Zomato, which began at INR 4.7 crore, grew exponentially, culminating in a INR 3,000 crore windfall post-IPO in 2021. This success underscored Info Edge's knack for identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures. Beyond Zomato, the firm has backed names like Policybazaar, NoBroker, and Adda247, investing over INR 2,000 crore in startups across sectors. Rather than seek control, Info Edge typically takes minority stakes, offering strategic support to help founders scale sustainably. With Fund III now underway, the company looks poised to write the next chapter in India's entrepreneurial success story.
