IIM-Ahmedabad’s tech incubator’s cleantech fund invests in four companies
Initially, four startups from different parts of the country will be supported by Infuse Ventures in the field of cleantech segment.
“The startups require piloting support at the initial stage. We have been able to bring global partners to support these entrepreneurs. This would benefit entrepreneurs in getting global expertise and finance and a right ecosystem to grow,” said Kunal Upadhyay, Chief Executive, CIIE.
Infuse had announced its initial closing in May 2013 with committed support from global energy major BP, International Financial Corporation (IFC) and Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Technology Development Board (TDB). Over the past one year, additional partners including Godrej Industries, ICICI Bank, SIDBI, Bank of India and Union Bank have emerged.
So far, Infuse has disbursed Rs.15 crore among the startups. Earlier, Infuse had announced its co-investment with IFC in Ecolibrium Energy, an energy management startup in Ahmedabad.
“The cleantech industry is relatively new and at its initial stage. The potential is huge, probably even bigger than the internet industry. The cleantech industry require multi disciplinary expertise, hence Infuse is able to rope in global expertise for the start-ups,” said Anil Paranjape of Infuse Capital.
In recent past, Infuse has partnered with Asian Development Bank, IIT Mumbai and TiE Chennai to guide aspiring cleantech entrepreneurs in India.
“More than finance what is important to us is ecosystem, where we can grow in right direction. That is how we can differentiate Infuse Venture with other VC funds,” said Vishal Pandya, director, REConnect Energy, a Bangalore-based startup which is engaged in the renewable energy credits trading.
