Automotive giant Suzuki has launched a new venture investing arm, Next Bharat Ventures, with a fund of Rs 340 crore aimed at supporting the social impact startup ecosystem, according to media reports. The subsidiary will focus on fostering entrepreneurs who drive value in tier-II cities and underdeveloped regions of India.
Next Bharat Ventures is designed to empower impact entrepreneurs, cultivating a community dedicated to solving social problems through sustainable business models. The initiative includes a residency program starting in October, with applications already open.
The selection criteria emphasise impact-first entrepreneurs with clear problem-solving approaches, committed to rural and informal sectors of India. Participants in the program will receive ongoing support and resources even after completion, including extensive mentorship from industry leaders.
According to media reports, selected startups will receive equity investments ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore post-residency. The goal is to provide these ventures with the necessary knowledge, networks, and resources, including risk capital, to scale up and become small and medium-sized enterprises.
The initiative will be led by Vipul Nath Jindal, an IIT Hyderabad alumnus. Next Bharat Ventures aims to create a community-oriented impact entrepreneurship ecosystem, focusing on horizontal scaling to develop hundreds of profitable SMEs over a fund cycle.
