Kunal Upadhyay

Join us at #SankalpBharat2024 for an engaging panel discussion where I’ll be sharing insights on the inspiring grassroots innovations transforming communities. Let’s explore how local solutions are creating real impact as we discuss the immense potential of local innovations, the critical role of #Investors, and the opportunities in supporting grassroots enterprises. Let’s celebrate and invest in those who understand the challenges and solutions better than anyone else. #GrassrootsImpact #Sustainability #Innovation #InvestInLocal

22

1 Comment

We believe #Hydrogen will play a key role in decarbonising industries in #India, accelerating India’s #NetZero Journey. We are actively looking for startups not just in India, even globally. Startups that are building solutions in the Hydrogen value chain.

21

It is often said that Impact investing does not deliver financial returns. At C4D Partners, we are proving this wrong. Our Fund 1 has already achieved a 51% DPI on the India portfolio within 6 years of fund life, delivering a robust IRR. We’re not just about investing for impact, but also prioritizing strong, sustainable financial returns. We carefully select companies that are cash flow positive and demonstrate a clear path to profitability within a couple of years of our investment. This has enabled us to keep our mortality rate under 20%, lower than the industry average. Our approach - We invest in early-growth stage companies that are well-governed and on a clear path to positive cash flows, and be there for the long haul. Our approach comprises not just capital infusion, but active involvement in fostering a culture of transparency, operational excellence and sustainable value creation. We position our investments for sustainability and success in an ever-evolving market. If you’re a startup or investor interested in partnering with us, or just curious to learn more, let’s connect. Mirakle Couriers, Ecotasar, LabourNet, Saahas Zero Waste, Aarohan , 1BRIDGE, Ananya Finance, Freyr Energy Services Pvt Ltd #VentureCapital #Startups #SMEs #GrowthCapital #InvestmentStrategy #C4DPartners

129

7 Comments

Excited to announce two new investments by Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund in the #Childcare space! India, with a median age of ~28 years, has a substantial number of young citizens, with those aged 0-12 years making up ~22% of the total population. This makes India home to the largest number of children in the world. Currently, the average childcare product spending in India is around ₹8,000 compared to ₹2,10,000 in the USA (CY 2022). However, this spending is projected to grow rapidly at 15%, reaching approximately $56-60 billion by 2027. In line with this promising market potential, we are thrilled to announce our latest investments: 1️⃣ EMoMee - Our fourth investment is in EMoMee, an innovative edutainment brand dedicated to fostering emotional intelligence in children through engaging content, play, and learning tools. Founded by industry leaders Pooja Jauhari, Varun Duggirala, and Suraksha Subramaniam, EMoMee is set to revolutionize the way children develop emotional skills. According to global reports, the Social & Emotional Learning market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 24.3% from 2021 to 2030. This growth is driven by the rising awareness among parents and educators about the role of emotional intelligence in shaping children’s success and well-being. 👉 For more on EMoMee’s journey, visit https://lnkd.in/d7YQdEzz 2️⃣ Bebe Burp - Our fifth investment supports Bebe Burp’s mission to offer nutritious alternatives that make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for kids from birth. By blending grandma's recipes with expertise from nutritionists and chefs, Bebe Burp provides a range of products like multi-flavored porridge mixes, millet puffs, ragi cookies, and organic jaggery powder, all made from natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. Founded by Shruti Tibrewal, Chirag Gupta, and Bharat Tibrewal, Bebe Burp aims to make healthy eating a reality from birth. 👉 You can try their products at https://bebeburp.com/ We are excited to partner with both EMoMee and Bebe Burp as they continue to make significant strides in their respective fields. #VC #GruhasCollectiveConsumerFund

144

23 Comments

We at LeapFrog Investments are strong believers in the India story for impact investments. As I mentioned to Jaden, India has a lot of potential. It’s not a five-year story, it’s hopefully a 25-year story.... the reasons being growth, depth of talent, digital public infrastructure, and the depth of capital markets. Thanks to Jaden Paul for the interview in Business Standard. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gyV-UTAv

109

2 Comments

Looking forward to speaking at the Impact Investing in India webinar today!

58

5 Comments

Impact Investors Council (IIC), recently released its report on 'India Impact Investment Trends 2023' at our India Room event in Singapore. In this short video, Divya Pinge, Head of Research and Varun Reddy, Asst Manager - Research & Programs, at Impact Investors Council (IIC), take you through a synopsis of the report. For your soft copy of the report, please write to us at : [email protected]

18

1 Comment

🚨#AvaanaCapital Closes $135M Fund to Propel Bharat's Net-Zero Journey🚨 Avaana Capital has closed its $135 million #Climate and #Sustainability Fund to support early-stage startups focused on Bharat's transition to a #NetZeroEconomy. Targeting critical sectors like #Energy, #Mobility, and #SustainableAgriculture, which account for 90% of the country’s #CarbonEmissions, the fund has garnered backing from major investors including the Green Climate Fund, #DFC, and SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd. This initiative aims to encourage innovative solutions to climate change and create scalable models for other emerging markets, aligning with Bharat's projected $10 trillion investment need to reach net-zero by 2070. Array of Zero #Journalism #TechNews #TechStartups #TechTrends

3

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed easing angel fund regulations and opening up these funds to more diverse investor groups. In a major step, the regulatory body will soon allow family trusts and sole proprietorships to invest in angel funds.   These measures are likely to boost opportunities for startup funding and supply young ventures with essential capital for growth, highlighting SEBI’s commitment to cultivating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g3aGwgJP #StartupFunding #AngelInvestors #SEBINorms #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #IndiaStartups #BusinessGrowth #StartupEcosystem

50

9 Comments

Climate change is accelerating rapidly, with emerging markets facing disproportionate risks despite contributing less to emissions. In India, climate tech startups have received investments exceeding $7 billion from 2018-2023, showcasing robust growth and innovation in sectors like Electrification, Renewables & Energy Storage, and Climate Adaptation/Mitigation. The climate tech evolution and growth in India has been bolstered by progressive government policies, technology innovation, ongoing infrastructure development and increased corporate adoption. At B Capital , Climate is a key pillar of our investment strategy, and we see India's climate investment landscape reaching a critical inflection point. We are excited to partner with visionary founders emerging from India, contributing to sustainable solutions and impactful change. Explore our thoughts on climate investments in India as part of an ongoing series and join us in shaping the future of climate technology together. Jeff Johnson Don Wood Deepanshu Pattanayak Karly Wentz https://lnkd.in/gjxyq_yp

65

1 Comment

🚀 Breaking Ground with VC Grid: India's Venture Odyssey! 🚀 Thrilled to unveil VC Grid, a paradigm shift in venture syndication crafted exclusively for the visionary minds of family offices & UHNIs. With a formidable war chest of Rs 900 crore, VC Grid embarks on a mission to empower 100-120 startups over the next triennium, spanning diverse realms from agritech to financial frontiers, seeding each venture with an infusion ranging from INR 4-16 crore. Powered by the backing of esteemed Indian family offices, entrepreneurs, and UHNIs, VC Grid's helm is steered by Vansh Oberoi, a dynamic VC professional in early-stage investments with an illustrious six-year journey at Venture Catalysts alongside Sidhi Dalmia, former Goldman Sachs executive, captaining our venture towards new horizons. Already carving its mark, VC Grid has infused INR 40 crore into five trailblazing ventures, catalyzing an unprecedented INR 100 crore in follow-on funding. Notable among these are Autocracy Machinery Pvt Ltd, KisanKonnect Safe Foods and Ideal Insurance. But VC Grid isn't just about capital infusion; it's a beacon of collaborative innovation, fostering a nexus of expertise and domestic capital. Our mandate? Backing ventures grounded in research, profitability, and ESG principles, with an eye on delivering over 30% IRR. Join us on this exhilarating venture odyssey as we redefine the contours of India's startup landscape, one disruptive idea at a time! Venture Catalysts++ | India's 1st Multi-Stage VC, 9Unicorns, Anuj Golecha, Anil G Jain, Gaurav Jain, Vansh Oberoi, Sidhi Dalmia, Shreeyesh Chandgothia #VentureCatalysts #AngelInvestor #VC #IndianStartups #StartupFunding #SyndicateFund #FamilyOffices #IndianStartups #ESGInvesting https://lnkd.in/de65Wk9p

94

4 Comments

Proud to announce that auctusESG, along with Carbon Markets Association of India, Invest India and National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) launched the much-awaited report titled ‘Carbon Markets as a tool for Climate Financing: The India Story’. The rise in global net-zero commitments, regulatory requirements and investor pressures to demonstrate transition has significantly expanded carbon markets, providing new opportunities for stakeholders to reach climate goals and net zero pledges. The nascent Indian carbon market is growing, akin to the EU’s Emission Trading System, with efforts needed on improving transparency and standardisation. The report emphasises how carbon markets can bridge the climate finance gap, accelerating climate action, scaling up new technologies and attracting private capital to high-potential projects. With India's ongoing efforts to institutionalize a carbon trading mechanism, along with favourable market conditions and scalability, there is a compelling case for deploying low-carbon technologies. This report is particularly timely given the Indian government’s intention to roll out its carbon credit trading scheme by 2026. Give it a read here: https://lnkd.in/eigbEpwY #CarbonMarkets #ClimateFinance #Sustainability #GreenInvestments #CDM Deepanshu Kaul Philip | Gaurav Sishodia | Manish Dabkara | Rohit Kumar | Smitha Hari, SCR (GARP) | Suranjali Tandon | Aarti Bansal | Keshav Daga | Shubhi Goel

33

We have written a sector report on the Indian power sector which breaks down the opportunities across the value chain. Please feel free to reach out if you need a copy. The main points are- Per-capita consumption of electricity in India reached 1327KWh in 2022-23 versus international average of >3600kWh. Power capex to be over $500 billion between FY24-32. A sustained period of peak power deficit has just begun. Renewable energy led by solar to reach 35% of the generation mix up from 13% currently. Storage and Transmission spending to be around $100 billion until 2030.

8

#Climatechange #Delhiheatwave #impactonSolarPV North India is facing a severe heat wave. We are witnessing extreme summer and winter climates already. As part of the Renewable Energy ecosystem, we need to carefully plan project performance which has material impact on return on investment. High summer temperatures can significantly impact solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects in several ways: 1. Efficiency Loss: - Temperature Coefficient: Solar panels have a temperature coefficient which indicates how much efficiency drops per degree Celsius above a certain temperature (usually 25°C). Higher temperatures reduce the efficiency of solar cells, leading to lower power output. - Overheating: Excessive heat can cause overheating, reducing the performance of solar panels. This is because higher temperatures increase the resistance within the cells, hindering electron flow. 2. System Degradation: - Material Stress: Continuous exposure to high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of materials used in solar panels, such as the encapsulants, back sheets, and the photovoltaic cells themselves. This can lead to a reduction in the lifespan of the panels. - Thermal Expansion: Repeated thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations can cause physical stress on the panels and connections, potentially leading to micro-cracks and other mechanical failures. 3. Inverter Performance: - Thermal Management: Their efficiency and lifespan can be reduced if not adequately cooled. - Derating: To prevent overheating, inverters might automatically reduce their output (derating), leading to lower overall system efficiency. 4. Balance of System Components: - Wiring and Connections: High temperatures can affect the performance of wiring, connectors, and other balance of system components. Insulation materials can degrade, and connections may become less reliable. - Mounting Structures: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can impact the integrity of mounting structures and tracking systems, potentially leading to misalignment. 5. Operational Challenges: - Increased Maintenance: Higher temperatures may necessitate more frequent maintenance to address issues like overheating components, degraded materials, and system malfunctions. To mitigate these impacts, several strategies can be employed: - Using solar panels with lower temperature coefficients or advanced cooling technologies. - Optimal Installation: Installing panels with adequate ventilation, proper angling, and using materials that reflect rather than absorb heat. - Regular Maintenance: Address any thermal-related degradation promptly. Solenco Infra Pvt Ltd Equicap Asia Pte Ltd

32

1 Comment

FoaK-tales for India: what it will take to address this critical funding gap, types of capital, access and support.

8

"There are no Energy poor, rich countries", Madhav Pai once told me during one of our discussions, sharing a graph highlighting a near perfect correlation between the GDP of the country and its energy demands. As India continues to grow, our energy demands are going to increase. And despite all that we see around us, we are still quite early in our energy needs demand curve, a fact that is confirmed by McKinsey's recent global energy report that highlights India as the country that will have the highest increase in Energy demand in the upcoming decades. This also presents an opportunity for India to reimagine its energy future - The economic growth of the global north was fuelled by fossil fuels. The economics, technology maturity and momentum around renewable energy offers India an opportunity to build an energy reality that is greener, smarter and more sustainable. Dr. Nikit Abhyankar, senior scientist at University of California, Berkeley joined me in the recent episode of Decoding Impact to talk about India's energy transition. We spoke about where India is today in its energy transition, ways in which we can reimagine our future and also immediate opportunities across the supply side and demand side of energy that will help us there. Nikit brings a deep understanding of the subject, is articulate and structured in his responses and is filled with informed optimism, which make him a great podcast guest. Do give the episode a listen and let me know what you think You can find it here - https://lnkd.in/ghWaSPDW Sattva Knowledge Institute Sattva Consulting

34

We are looking to invest in carbon removal / capture companies. In india. Entrepreneurs & Investment bankers welcome. Please DM. Or Whastapp +919820608727 #decarbon #ESG #carbonremoval #directaircapture #carboncapture #biochar #reforestation #carbonsequestration #casi #casinewyork #casiglobal #casiglobalnewyork

25

2 Comments

Sharing my op-ed published this week by Forbes India. In it, I discuss the most exciting startup trends that we at Vertex Ventures SE Asia & India are currently seeing in India.   We have been active investors in India and even more so, in the current environment. In my article, I cover:   (a) Being digital first is what matters for consumer brands. We have seen this in Licious, Kapiva and Pilgrim. (b) The opportunity to provide AI-enabled technology services to large enterprises looking for cost-efficient automation solutions. Lenity Health is leveraging this opportunity. No, Artificial Intelligence will not replace BPOs. (c) Make-In-India combined with Geopolitics is creating manufacturing opportunities from Toys to Semiconductors. The new ToysRUs store in Bandra run by ace turtle probably has 70 percent of its products made in India. We also strongly believe the time has come for some home-grown semiconductor companies. (d) The EV ecosystem is driving technological innovations that will be sought after by other countries with attributes similar to ours: densely populated cities with overloaded energy grids. (e) Software of all variations is being built in India and sold globally such as in companies like Signzy, Certa.ai & Attentive.ai.   What other exciting trends do you see? https://lnkd.in/gDhbch3A

173

9 Comments