Next Bharat Ventures launches ₹2,000 crore impact venture fund to support rural startups
Mumbai: Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited has announced the launch of its second impact-focused venture fund with a corpus of ₹2,000 crore, making it one of India’s largest impact venture funds. The new fund is intended to support entrepreneurs working to improve livelihoods and quality of life in rural India, as well as among migrated and urban marginalised communities.
The fund will be anchored by Suzuki Motor Corporation and will focus on sectors including agriculture, rural supply chains, financial inclusion, healthcare, rural mobility and artificial intelligence for social good.
The announcement follows the company’s first ₹340 crore fund, through which Next Bharat Ventures supported more than 50 impact startups and invested in over 20 organisations by providing capital, mentorship and ecosystem support. According to the company, several of these startups have also initiated business pilot projects with companies in Japan.
Established in 2024, Next Bharat Ventures works with early-stage entrepreneurs through a 10-day residential programme that provides mentorship, business networks and equity investments ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore. The organisation also operates the Why Club, a founder-led community that supports collaboration, funding and long-term growth for impact entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the launch, Vipul Jindal Nath, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Next Bharat Ventures, said the first fund demonstrated that businesses focused on improving livelihoods and solving social challenges can also achieve commercial success. He added that the organisation aims to support entrepreneurs developing solutions for rural and informal communities.
Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, said the company’s long-standing partnership with India has contributed to the growth of entrepreneurship and small business ecosystems. He stated that the second fund reflects Suzuki’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and India’s vision of self-reliance.
Next Bharat Ventures said the expanded fund will strengthen its ability to invest in impact-driven enterprises across sectors aligned with rural development. The company has previously invested in startups including MeMeraki, E-Bik, SGB Agro, and Atypical Advantage, which operate in areas such as rural mobility, agriculture, handicrafts and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
