Finance | Page 3

India is a large fintech market behind only the US and China. The sector boasts of over 23 unicorns as of quarter one of 2023. However, breaking into new markets is still a challenge for fintechs.

While the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India, has been a figurehead for fintech adoption, with UPI and other digital technologies, such as Aadhar, cross-border remittance continues to be a lengthy-tedious process.

They appeal most to the GenZ who see the information provided by them as easy to understand, easily accessible, and in many cases, free (or low-cost), compared to traditional financial advice.

The key feature of the Web3 wallet is its strong encryption that keeps hackers and malicious activities at bay

Kae Capital is continuously searching for category-defining startups to invest in and is hopeful about discovering them during this time.

Co-founder and CEO Neeraj Tyagi stated that We Founder Circle would prioritise adding more tech startups to its portfolio during times of crisis, especially in industries like SaaS, Climate tech, AI, and Fintech.

Lead Angels evaluates high conviction ideas that, among other things, have a notable amount of traction, a valuable offer, a high entry barrier, and a good founder pedigree.

3one4 Capital is targeting early-stage startups in consumer internet, SaaS, fintech, and enterprise & SMB digitization, while expanding its investments in digital health and climate tech.

The early-stage, technology-focused, sector-agnostic investment firm Stellaris Venture Partners is optimistic about founders who are persistent and committed to tackling significant challenges in India.

According to Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner of Speciale Invest, "We prefer to be the first institutional VC investor in the startup and preferably lead the round."

Compared to the loss of USD 68.16 million posted during the same quarter last year, the company's net loss decreased to USD 35.04 million in the second quarter of 2023. It anticipates that its total revenues in 2023 will be between USD 587 million and USD 595 million.

At Artha Venture Fund, its investment strategy has always been built on the following tenets: solving genuine human problems, having scalable positive unit economics, having strong moats, and employing technology as an enabler.

Shared economy platforms (co-living and co-working) and construction technology get maximum funding, according to a report by Housing.com.

BEENEXT's funding prospects for the coming year are optimistic as it continues to identify promising founders and their ground-breaking startup ideas.

Capital A believes in working closely with the portfolio companies. There is a huge need for mentoring, information and knowledge sharing, and warning them away from the cash-burn trap because it works predominantly with early-stage ventures.

Blume is particularly focused on sectors like SaaS, fintech, AI, climate tech and environment.

100X.VC claims to have invested in 105 businesses from its inception to the end of FY 23, and it plans to invest in an additional 70-75 startups in this current FY 23-24, bringing the total to 170-175 portfolio companies.

The VC firm on Thursday announced the first close of Together Fund II – its second early stage fund of USD 150 million focused on SaaS and AI startups.

India is a strong market overall, and B Capital General Partner Karan Mohla anticipates that growth will continue to pick up speed despite the current economic climate. He thinks that being a value-added partner to their founders and investing with the long term in mind are important.

With loans disbursed through the platform totaling INR 14,845 crore in the first quarter, up 167% year-over-year, Paytm's lending business continued to expand.

Inflection Point Ventures evaluates startups based on fundamentals and technological demand, prioritising companies with solid foundations and sustainable growth prospects.

However, investments were up 33% in value terms compared to July to December 2022, the report by industry lobby Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) and consulting company EY said.

According to Mumbai Angels, during the past two years, both its new investments and next round investments have increased at a similar rate. Additionally, it will maintain its growth momentum for the rest of this year.

Options include friends and family, debt financing, and financing through clients.

Brendan Rogers, co-founder, 2amVC says that unit economics always mattered, but in hot markets they were overlooked. According to Rogers, businesses that didn't pay attention towards it, will need to recalibrate to meet market expectations today.

In order to raise capital and foster their growth, startups in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities are increasingly turning to their local network of investors. For this article, we spoke with angel networks that are either based locally or that identify and assess prospective investment opportunities in small geographic areas.