Kanematsu Corporation (“Kanematsu”) has decided to invest in the second fund (“NBV Fund-2”) established by Next Bharat Ventures (“NBV”), a venture capital fund. NBV Fund-2 supports impact entrepreneurs working in areas such as agriculture, financial inclusion, supply chains, and mobility, with the aim of improving the quality of life of the country’s next billion people. Through this investment, Kanematsu will strengthen its connections with India’s startup ecosystem and seek to create new business opportunities in the country.
From left: Vipul Nath Jindal, CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, and Ryoichi Kidokoro, Managing Executive Officer and COO, Motor Vehicles & Aerospace General Manager, Kanematsu Corporation
India, with the world’s largest population, is an important market expected to continue achieving strong growth, supported by rapid digitalization and the expansion of its consumer market. At the same time, the country continues to face social challenges, including income disparities and access to basic living infrastructure. NBV, anchored by Suzuki Motor Corporation (“Suzuki”), supports entrepreneurs addressing social issues in India and aims to generate impact. Suzuki established and invested in its first fund in July 2024, and has since been advancing investments and support mainly in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, and food processing. The newly established NBV Fund-2 is intended to further accelerate these initiatives.
Kanematsu has supported the vision behind NBV concept since the launch of its first fund and has been promoting collaboration in the area of business development by assigning Kanematsu personnel to NBV. Through this investment, Kanematsu will participate not only through human resources but also financially, further strengthening its relationship with NBV and expanding its business development activities in the Indian market.
This investment is an initiative that contributes to the creation of new value through co-creation with other companies, as set out in Kanematsu’s medium-term management plan, “integration 1.1.” By expanding its points of contact with Indian startups and operating companies, and by promoting collaboration both within and outside our group, Kanematsu will fulfill its role as a solutions provider that addresses customer issues not only in the mobility field but also in business areas where the Kanematsu Group has strengths, including foodstuffs and food products.
Through its investment in NBV Fund-2, Kanematsu will promote co-creation with startups that aim to achieve both the resolution of social issues in India and business growth. Going forward, while further deepening collaboration with NBV and the Suzuki Group, Kanematsu will work to create new customer value in the Kanematsu Group’s business domains and expand its business in India.
【Contact】
Public Relations Section, Kanematsu Corporation TEL: +81-3-6747-5000 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/inquiry/