Asha Ventures

We’re excited to share that British International Investment has committed $10 million to Asha Ventures Fund I—bringing us closer to our $91M target and reinforcing confidence in our thesis: backing high-growth, high-impact businesses at the intersection of inclusion, climate, and innovation. As a 2X-aligned, knowledge-led fund, we are proud to partner with institutions like BII, whose deep experience in emerging markets will help us scale catalytic capital across India’s underserved sectors. As a sector-focused investor driving innovation in sustainability, healthcare, and financial inclusion, this milestone reaffirms our commitment to empowering founders solving some of India’s most critical challenges. Thank you to all our partners who share our vision of building a more equitable, sustainable, and profitable future through impact-aligned venture capital. Srini Nagarajan Pramod Bhasin Vikram Gandhi Amit Mehta #ImpactInvesting #VentureCapital #IndiaGrowthStory #FinancialInclusion #ClimateFinance #EmergingMarkets #2XChallenge #GenderLensInvesting #BII #AshaVentures

As we celebrate the festival of colors, we are reminded of the vibrant possibilities that innovation, sustainability, and financial inclusion bring to the future. Just as every colour adds depth and brilliance, every bold idea and investment shapes a stronger, more resilient tomorrow. Wishing you a Holi filled with joy, prosperity, and new beginnings! If you’re an entrepreneur building in the fields of Sustainability, Healthcare, or Inclusion, please reach out to us at deals@ashaventures.in. #HappyHoli #AshaVentures #Innovation #Sustainability #FinancialInclusion

Exciting news from our portfolio! Truemeds , India’s leading telehealth and affordable medicine platform, has raised $44 million in a Series C round led by Accel in India, with participation from WestBridge Capital and Info Edge India Ltd. This funding underscores the growing demand for accessible, cost-effective healthcare solutions in India. India’s generic medicine market is on the rise, driven by government initiatives and consumer awareness. As a disruptor in this space, Truemeds empowers consumers to find affordable, high-quality medicine alternatives—enhancing accessibility without compromising on quality. At Asha Ventures, we are proud to back companies like Truemeds, who are not only scaling rapidly but also reshaping India’s healthcare landscape. If you're an entrepreneur building solutions in the healthcare space, reach out to us at deals@ashaventures.in. #AshaVentures #Truemeds #HealthcareInnovation #Telehealth #FundingNews #AccessibleHealthcare #Sustainability Akshat Nayyar Dr. Kunal Wani

India is making significant strides in green hydrogen, positioning it as a key driver of the clean energy transition. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is set to establish India as a global hub for hydrogen production, usage, and export—reducing fossil fuel dependence and fostering energy self-reliance. Key Goals of the Mission: ✔ 5 Million Tonnes of annual production by 2030 ✔ Development of at least two hydrogen hubs ✔ Strategic investments in low-carbon steel, mobility, and shipping Why This Matters: ✅ Decarbonizing Heavy Industries – Sectors like steel, cement, and transport will benefit the most. ✅ Reducing Energy Imports – Strengthening India’s energy security by cutting fossil fuel reliance. ✅ Unlocking Investment Potential – The global green hydrogen market is projected to reach $12T in the coming decades. The Opportunity for Startups & Innovators: As India shifts towards a clean energy economy, the potential for green hydrogen startups is immense. At Asha Ventures, we believe in backing scalable solutions that drive sustainability while delivering long-term financial value. The sector presents exciting opportunities for early-stage capital, and we are actively looking to support ventures that leverage technology, efficiency, and new business models in this space. Are you an entrepreneur building solutions in green hydrogen and clean energy? Let’s talk! Reach out to us at deals@ashaventures.in. #AshaVentures #GreenHydrogen #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #IndiaNetZero #Innovation

What makes a great investor? How do you identify high-growth opportunities in sustainability, healthcare, and financial inclusion? And what does it take to navigate the highs and lows of venture investing? Our Managing Partner, Amit Mehta, sits down with 🎙️ Akshay Datt on the Founder Thesis podcast to share his journey—from analyzing stocks in business school to leading Asha Ventures, a firm investing in visionary startups shaping India's future. In this deep-dive conversation, they discuss: 🔹 Key investment principles that drive long-term success 🔹 Why financial inclusion & healthcare are billion-dollar opportunities 🔹 The biggest trends in sustainability and where the next wave of startups will emerge 🔹 The toughest investment decisions—and what they teach us …and much more! If you're a founder, investor, or just curious about the world of venture capital, don’t miss this insightful episode. Catch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dk_hfy3v Reach out to us at deals@ashaventures.in. #AshaVentures #VentureCapital #Podcast #Sustainability #Healthcare #FinancialInclusion #Investing

India’s transition to sustainable mobility is accelerating, and our portfolio company, Ascend Capital, is leading the charge in making EV ownership more accessible. Founded by Lokesh Chandra and Gaurav Maheshwari, finance and mobility professionals, Ascend Capital is revolutionizing EV financing with technology-driven solutions that simplify access to credit for individuals and businesses. By providing accessible and tailored EV financing solutions, Ascend Capital is enabling individuals and businesses to transition to clean mobility with ease. Their technology-driven approach simplifies financing, making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. At Asha Ventures, we believe in backing ventures that create long-term impact. As India’s EV ecosystem continues to evolve, solutions like Ascend Capital’s are critical in driving large-scale adoption and sustainable growth. If you're an entrepreneur building solutions in the EV or clean energy space, reach out to us at deals@ashaventures.in. #AshaVentures #PortfolioSpotlight #ElectricVehicles #SustainableMobility #EVFinancing #CleanEnergy #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

India Takes a Historic Step with the World's First Green Steel Taxonomy India has launched the world's first Green Steel Taxonomy, aligning its steel sector with net-zero targets by 2070. Why Does This Matter? -Steel’s Role: Integral to infrastructure, transportation, and modern life. -Environmental Impact: Contributes 12% of India’s CO₂ emissions. -Projected Growth: Demand is set to quadruple by 2050, potentially tripling emissions. Understanding the Green Steel Taxonomy The taxonomy classifies steel based on emission intensity, setting 2.2 tCO₂ per tonne as the threshold for green certification:  5-Star: <1.6 tCO₂/t  4-Star: 1.6–2.0 tCO₂/t  3-Star: 2.0–2.2 tCO₂/t Currently, no Indian steel qualifies for even a 3-star rating, with a national average of 2.6 tCO₂/t—38% above the global average. The Path to Green Steel -Iron Ore Reduction: Hydrogen-based DRI and electric arc furnaces can cut emissions. -Steel Refining: Alternative slag formers and carbon capture (CCUS) reduce CO₂ output. -Energy Efficiency: Renewables and waste heat recovery lower carbon footprints. The Challenges Ahead -High Costs: Green steel plants cost $3B per million tonnes per year—3x more than conventional. -Infrastructure Needs: A robust supply chain for production & distribution is required. -Market Demand: Policy incentives & awareness are needed to drive adoption. India’s Green Steel Taxonomy is a bold step towards sustainable industry, pushing innovation and setting clear standards. Collaboration between industry, policymakers, and consumers will be key to making green steel a reality. If you are leveraging technology to drive innovation in sustainable manufacturing or related fields, please reach out to us at deals@ashaventures.in. #AshaVentures #SustainableInvesting #GreenSteel #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #FutureOfIndustry #NetZero #CarbonNeutrality #Innovation #SustainableGrowth

The true test of a founder isn’t just building — it’s also bouncing back from adversities. At Asha Ventures, we have seen resilient entrepreneurs turn things around, but one lesson remains clear—understanding unit economics is non-negotiable. Our Managing Partner, Amit Mehta, recently shared his insights on this at the NDTV TechXpedite VC Roundtable, discussing what it takes for founders to navigate tough times and build for the long term. Catch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/dFkYriV5 Are you building a scalable, high-growth business? Reach us at deals@ashaventures.in #AshaVentures #TechXpedite #VentureCapital #Startups #Entrepreneurship #ScalingUp

Our Managing Partner, Amit Mehta, recently spoke at the TechXpedite VC Roundtable, exploring the power of investing in emerging technologies. In this insightful session, Amit shared his perspective on navigating the dynamic world of venture capital and investing in cutting-edge technologies. He emphasized the immense potential of AI and Inclusive Tech, in India. In case you are leveraging technology and building something in Inclusive Tech please reach out to us at deals@ashaventures.in #AshaVentures #TechXpedite #VentureCapital #Innovation #AI #InclusiveTech

India’s Union Budget lays a strong foundation for Deep Tech and Clean Tech, unlocking new frontiers in AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy. With expanded access to capital and policy support, these initiatives will empower startups, first-time entrepreneurs, and investors to drive meaningful innovation and sustainable growth. Our Managing Partner, Amit Mehta, shares his perspective on how these measures will shape India’s technology and investment landscape. #UnionBudget #DeepTech #CleanTech #Innovation #AshaVentures #Sustainability #StartupEcosystem