Latest news with #tierII
Entrepreneur
10-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Partners Group to Acquire Majority Stake in Infinity Fincorp for INR 1,950 Cr
Infinity is expected to deploy the INR 600 crore primary infusion to accelerate branch rollouts, enhance technology platforms, and improve customer onboarding and experience. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a major private equity move, global private markets investment firm Partners Group is set to acquire a significant majority stake in Mumbai-based Infinity Fincorp Solutions for INR 1,950 crore, making it one of the largest NBFC transactions in India this year. The existing shareholder Jungle Ventures also participated in the round. The deal includes a primary capital infusion of INR 600 crore along with a secondary purchase from Indium IV (Mauritius) Holdings Limited, a Fund managed by Global Opportunity Advisors (Mauritius) Limited which is advised by True North Managers LLP and other shareholders. Infinity, a growing NBFC, provides secured loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs across 120+ branches in eight states. The firm boasts assets under management (AUM) of INR 1,200+ crore and serves around 50,000 customers, many from underserved tier II and III towns engaged in agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. "We are dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and business owners across tier III towns in India," said Shrikant Ravalkar, Founder, MD and CEO of Infinity. "We welcome Partners Group and intend on leveraging their operational expertise to further broad base our mission of serving the Indian MSME sector." According to Vageesh Gupta, Managing Director at Partners Group, "The MSME segment contributes a significant share to India's GDP. We believe non-bank lenders like Infinity are best positioned to serve these businesses through specialised, localised lending models." Infinity is expected to deploy the INR 600 crore primary infusion to accelerate branch rollouts, enhance technology platforms, and improve customer onboarding and experience. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Nitin Nayak, board nominee of Indium IV, added, "Infinity has scaled up remarkably within a few years, demonstrating strong credit quality and profitability. The management team's understanding of MSME credit needs is exceptional." Murali Krishnan Nair, Partner at Partners Group, highlighted the firm's prior success with Aavas Financiers and stated, "We bring both capital and operational experience. Infinity's employee-centric culture and market understanding give us a strong platform for the next phase of growth." Arpit Beri of Jungle Ventures said, "Infinity is scaling rapidly with discipline and innovation. We are excited to continue our partnership." Sagar Agrawal, Managing Partner at Beams Fintech Fund, noted, "This transaction validates Infinity's business model and its consistent performance in the Micro-LAP segment." Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Infinity and Indium IV on the deal. This acquisition marks Partners Group's strategic entry into India's high-growth NBFC landscape, a sector gaining momentum with the government's push for MSME credit, digitalisation, and financial inclusion.
Entrepreneur
10-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Syngene, RICH, Biocon Foundation Launch Third Cohort of Women-in-STEM Program
Now in its third year, the program is benefitting 40 women students selected after a competitive process that evaluated academic performance, research aptitude, and socio-economic background. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Syngene International, in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) and Biocon Foundation, has announced the launch of the third cohort of its flagship women-in-STEM scholarship and mentoring program. Designed to empower women from tier II and tier III institutions across India, this initiative continues to provide a crucial platform for aspiring scientists to gain industry exposure, financial support, and research mentorship. Now in its third year, the program is benefitting 40 women students selected after a competitive process that evaluated academic performance, research aptitude, and socio-economic background. With a strong emphasis on supporting students from underserved communities, the initiative aims to address the systemic challenges that often prevent women from smaller cities from pursuing successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). "This program is more than an educational intervention," said Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India. "It is a regional solution model that connects science to society, talent to opportunity, and learning to livelihood. What RICH, Biocon Foundation, and Syngene have built here is not just impactful, it is essential to India's scientific and social progress." The program offers structured mentorship, financial assistance and hands-on research exposure, which includes practical experience in real lab environments. Participants will complete project-based internships at top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as esteemed government institutions like CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). These internships are designed to build technical competencies, foster professional networks, and inspire long-term careers in STEM. Pramuch Goel, Head of Corporate Affairs, Syngene International, stated, "As an innovation-driven company, Syngene sees this program as an investment in India's scientific future. It's helping create a stronger, more inclusive research ecosystem by nurturing talent from institutions that often lack access to cutting-edge infrastructure or networks." Revathi Karamalla, from the second cohort, shared, "Before this program, I wasn't sure what a career in STEM looked like. Through mentorship and hands-on exposure, I gained the skills and confidence to shape my career path." Abhirami K, a current participant, said, "Coming from a small village, I never imagined I'd get a chance like this. This program is helping me understand what it takes to build a career in science." Launched in 2022 with 21 students, the program has expanded steadily, integrating features like biotech industry visits and national discussions on women in STEM. Several alumni have progressed to PhD programs or secured roles in research, underlining the initiative's success in bridging academia and industry. Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, highlighted, "This program exemplifies how targeted support can empower talented women to pursue meaningful careers in science. It's encouraging to see students grow in confidence and visualise long-term pathways in STEM." Rashmi Pimpale, CEO of RICH, summed up the initiative's significance: "In just two years, we've seen how structured support can turn potential into progress. This is not a nice-to-have, it's a must-have for inclusive scientific growth." With its growing impact, the Syngene–RICH–Biocon Foundation program stands as a model for industry-academia collaboration in nurturing the next generation of women scientists in India.
Entrepreneur
03-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
All In Capital Launches Elevator Pitch 2.0 to Back Tier II & III Startups With INR 5 Cr Fund
The program, open for applications until July 10, aims to select 15 promising startups for a live pitch event in partnership with Bingelabs, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru at the end of July. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Early-stage venture capital firm All In Capital has officially launched Elevator Pitch 2.0, the second edition of India's live venture funding program designed to back high-potential early-stage startups, particularly from tier II and tier III cities. The program, open for applications until July 10, aims to select 15 promising startups for a live pitch event in partnership with Bingelabs, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru at the end of July. Winners will receive direct funding, strategic support, and mentorship, with All In Capital committing a INR 5 crore investment corpus to back selected ventures. "Elevator Pitch was created to provide early-stage founders with a credible platform to access funding, build visibility, and present their ventures directly to active investors," said Aditya Singh, Partner at All In Capital. "The program is intentionally focused on founders who are often overlooked due to geographic, academic, or network disadvantages. We believe true innovation is emerging from India's overlooked regions — and they deserve access to capital and backing." The initiative was first launched in Delhi, where it attracted 300+ applications and saw a diverse pool of entrepreneurs — including a 17-year-old dropout from Bihar and an AIIMS doctor from Jodhpur — pitch their ideas live on stage. The event highlighted the potential of founders who operate outside India's typical startup hotspots like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Elevator Pitch 2.0 retains its unique one-minute pitch format, offering founders a chance to be seen and heard by investors without needing warm introductions or elite networks. The program shortlists startups based on product clarity, founder strength, and early signs of market traction. Selected teams will also get professional assistance in creating pitch videos for evaluation. "The existing venture ecosystem favors those with connections and elite backgrounds. Elevator Pitch is a step toward leveling that playing field," Singh added. Startups applying to the program should be currently raising capital at valuations below INR 50 crore. In addition to All In Capital's backing, the initiative seeks to involve other investors to expand its impact across India's early-stage ecosystem. Founded in 2021 by Aditya Singh and Kushal Bhagia, All In Capital is known for its high-conviction, founder-first investing approach, having backed over 50 startups including Newme, Salty, and Piersight.
Entrepreneur
25-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
D2C Jewellery Brand GIVA Secures INR 530 Cr Led by Creaegis
The newly secured capital will be used to expand GIVA's retail and digital presence, upgrade its tech-enabled supply chain, strengthen its lab-grown diamond offerings, and diversify into new product categories. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. D2C fine jewellery brand GIVA has raised INR 530 crore in a fresh funding round led by growth-stage investment firm Creaegis. Existing investors Premji Invest, Epiq Capital, and Edelweiss Discovery Fund also participated in the round. The newly secured capital will be used to expand GIVA's retail and digital presence, upgrade its tech-enabled supply chain, strengthen its lab-grown diamond offerings, and diversify into new product categories. The brand, known for bringing affordable luxury to modern Indian consumers, is setting its sights on tier II cities as part of its aggressive offline expansion plan. "Welcoming Creaegis as a lead investor in this round marks an important step in our growth journey," said Ishendra Agarwal, Founder, GIVA. "Their deep expertise in building digital-first, consumer-centric businesses makes them an ideal partner as we scale our omni-channel presence and strengthen our capabilities across product, technology, and operations." Founded in 2019 by Ishendra Agarwal and Nikita Prasad, GIVA began with a focus on 925 sterling silver jewellery. Since then, it has evolved to include 14K/18K gold and lab-grown diamond jewellery, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and elegant jewellery options. The Bengaluru-based brand offers a wide range of minimalist designs, including pendants, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and chains. Prakash Parthasarathy, Managing Partner and CIO at Creaegis, said, "We are excited to partner with GIVA as they embark on their next phase of growth in the everyday wear fine jewellery segment. The company's strong digital presence, omni-channel capabilities, and product innovation position it well for market leadership." Today, GIVA operates through over 240 physical stores across India and plans to add 145–150 more this year, focusing on untapped demand in smaller cities. In a key leadership development, Aditya Labroo, previously Chief Operating Officer, has been elevated to Co-founder, recognising his crucial contributions to the company's rapid ascent.
Entrepreneur
19-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Techfino Raises INR 65 Cr from Stellaris Venture Partners and Saison Capital
The fresh funds will be used to expand its secured lending business focused on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in tier II and tier III cities across India. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Bengaluru-based non-banking financial company (NBFC) Techfino has raised INR 65 crore in fresh funding from Stellaris Venture Partners and Saison Capital. The fresh funds will be used to expand its secured lending business focused on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in tier II and tier III cities across India. The startup plans to deploy the capital to grow its branch network, enhance its technology platform, and scale its Loan Against Property (LAP) offerings for underserved micro-businesses. With this strategic move, Techfino aims to deepen its presence in underpenetrated markets and address the significant credit gap in the MSME sector. Rajesh Panda, Co-founder of Techfino, said, "Out of the 640 million registered MSMEs in India, 390 million are not part of the formal credit economy. This segment, especially in rural and semi-urban markets, generates an estimated quarterly demand of INR 200,000 crore. With limited presence of banks and large NBFCs in this space, we are leveraging our underwriting expertise and tech-enabled collections infrastructure to bridge this gap." Founded in 2019 by banking veterans Rajesh Panda (ex-Standard Chartered), Jayaprakash Patra (ex-ICICI Bank and ING), and Ratikant Satapathy (ex-Bajaj Finance), Techfino offers secured loans (LAP) to MSMEs and also education loans through a B2B2C model in partnership with education service providers. The company currently operates across Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, and has maintained profitability since inception. Highlighting the role of technology, Co-founder Ratikant Satapathy said, "Our internally developed tech platform integrates multiple APIs to verify underwriting data, resulting in faster loan processing, better risk assessment, and improved operational efficiency." Ritesh Banglani, Partner, Stellaris Venture Partners, said, "Techfino has shown that it is possible to build a profitable lending business in a high-risk segment through strong underwriting and full tech enablement. We are excited to support them in their mission to empower millions of MSMEs." To date, Techfino has disbursed over 1 lakh loans and crossed INR 200 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM). With this funding, the company plans to double its branch network, scale loan disbursements, and build a significant footprint in secured MSME lending over the next 3–5 years.
