Hakuhodo DY Holdings has entered into an investment agreement with Next Bharat Venture Fund-2, an impact investment fund managed by NBV, a Suzuki Group affiliate. The investment will support the growth of startups addressing social issues in the Indian market and promote business co-creation between Japan and India.
Hakuhodo DY Holdings has entered into an investment agreement with Next Bharat Venture Fund-2, an impact investment fund managed by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited, an Indian subsidiary of the Suzuki Group. The objectives are to support the growth of startups working to address social issues in India and promote business co-creation connecting Japanese companies with the Indian market.
The company positions its incubation business as one of its growth areas under its medium-term management plan. Through this investment, it will step up its activities in the Indian market. In India, digitalisation is advancing not only in urban areas but also in regional cities and rural areas, creating new business opportunities in sectors related to the foundations of daily life, including agriculture, finance and healthcare.
Through investment in and support for startups that address challenges faced by local consumers through business, Hakuhodo DY Holdings aims to accumulate expertise in growth support based on a consumer-centric approach and create new business opportunities as a partner for Japanese companies expanding into the Indian market.
Next Bharat Venture Fund-2 is an impact investment fund established by NBV, with investment targets including agricultural and rural supply chains, financial inclusion and healthcare. NBV's first fund, established in 2024, has invested in 26 startups to date.