Jan 26 2017

Impact investment firm Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group said on Wednesday it has raised $25 million (about Rs 170 crore) in an equity funding round led by Triodos Investment Management and Shell Foundation.

The investment arm of European lender Triodos Bank invested $15 million and the Shell Group’s charity arm put the remaining amount, Aavishkaar said in a statement. It added that it will use the capital to consolidate and expand its bouquet of ecosystem building businesses.

Aavishkaar founder Vineet Rai said that the firm is helping entrepreneurs address challenges around job creation, health, energy and financial inclusion and that entrepreneurs and businesses can make a substantial contribution in addressing poverty and hunger.

Founded in 2002, Aavishkaar enables entrepreneurs through equity funds, venture debt, microfinance lending, investment banking intermediation, consulting, research and access to global networks. The group has assets under management of about $400 million and has almost 2,500 team members on three continents.