Next Bharat Ventures Launches ₹2,000 Crore Impact Fund to Back Rural Innovation and Social Enterprises

Suzuki Motor Corporation anchors one of India’s largest impact venture funds to support entrepreneurs across agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion, AI and rural livelihoods.

Mumbai, July 6, 2026: Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited has announced the launch of its second impact venture fund with a corpus of ₹2,000 crore, making it one of India’s largest impact-focused venture funds. The new fund aims to support entrepreneurs building solutions that improve livelihoods and quality of life across rural India as well as among migrant and underserved urban communities.
Founded in 2024, Next Bharat Ventures focuses on sectors including agriculture, rural supply chains, financial inclusion, healthcare, rural mobility and AI for social good. The initiative aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 by supporting enterprises that generate employment, strengthen rural value chains, improve farmer incomes and encourage women-led entrepreneurship.

The second fund is anchored by Suzuki Motor Corporation and builds on the success of Next Bharat Ventures’ first ₹340 crore fund. Through its first fund, the organisation supported more than 50 impact startups and invested in over 20 ventures through capital, mentorship and ecosystem support. Several portfolio companies have also initiated business pilots with companies in Japan.
Speaking on the announcement, Vipul Jindal Nath, Founder and CEO, Next Bharat Ventures, said, “Our first fund has demonstrated that impact and business can grow together. Entrepreneurs working on grassroots challenges are building scalable businesses while creating meaningful social change. More than 90 per cent of our portfolio companies are already moving towards profitability in their early years. We encourage founders to build businesses that solve real problems faced by rural and informal communities because creating meaningful impact also creates long-term commercial value.”

Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, “Japan’s investment in India has always been built on a shared belief in India’s potential. Over four decades, our partnership has helped create thousands of entrepreneurs through dealerships, supplier ecosystems and local businesses. Through this second fund, we are deepening our commitment to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Beyond funding, Next Bharat Ventures provides founders with a broader support ecosystem through its flagship ten-day residency programme, which offers mentorship, industry networks and equity investments ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore. The organisation also operates the Why Club, a founder community that promotes collaboration, access to funding and long-term support for impact entrepreneurs.

Its portfolio includes MeMeraki, an Indian folk art marketplace; E-Bik, which develops affordable electric mobility kits for rural transportation; SGB Agro, focused on affordable farm mechanisation for small farmers; and Atypical Advantage, a platform creating livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
With the launch of its second fund, Next Bharat Ventures plans to expand investments across sectors that combine commercial growth with measurable social impact, supporting entrepreneurs developing solutions for India’s evolving rural economy.

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