Tokyo and Mumbai-based Unleash Capital Partners invests in startups in India that are improving the affordability and delivery of financial services. It has raised three billion rupees ($33.8 million) for its first fund from nearly three dozen investors in Japan.
The fundraising milestone comes as Japanese investment firms, corporations and its development finance institution, JICA, are ramping up their impact investments in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
“This fund represents a powerful bridge, channeling Japanese capital and expertise into India’s most promising fintech and financial service innovators,” said Unleash Ventures’ Natsuki Sugai.
The fund is co-managed with Gojo & Company, a Japanese microfinance institution.
First deals
Unleash has invested in seven companies toward a goal of 12 to 15. In the portfolio:Zype offers small personal loans to skilled frontline workers. Ayekart provides market linkages and financing to farmers, food processors and other businesses in the agri-food chain. CredRight is a financial services firm for self-employed workers and small businesses.
Unleash writes checks of $500,000 to $2 million.
