PDF

Suzuki Subsidiary Next Bharat Ventures Launches Second Fund, Bringing Together Companies and Investors Who Share Its Vision

-Expanding Collaboration with Japanese Companies
To Support India’s “Next Billion” -

Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited (hereinafter “NBV”), a 100% subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation in India, has officially launched NBV Fund 2, its second fund aimed at creating businesses for India’s “Next Billion”*1 and addressing the social challenges they face. Building on NBV’s two years of support for impact entrepreneurs, the new fund will bring together multiple partners rather than being funded solely by Suzuki, as a growing number of companies and investors have endorsed the initiative and chosen to participate.

Since its establishment in 2024, NBV has invested in and supported impact entrepreneurs*2 seeking to address the social challenges faced by the Next Billion and create new markets. NBV Fund 2 will further advance these efforts and provide a foundation for working alongside a broader range of entrepreneurs to tackle social challenges.

In addition to Suzuki, following Japanese companies that support the initiative will participate in NBV Fund 2. (alphabetical order)

• • Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.
• • Kanematsu Corporation
• • The Shizuoka Bank, Ltd.
• • Toyota Tsusho Corporation

By bringing together the expertise, services and networks of participating companies with the business foundations and customer touchpoints of NBV's portfolio companies in India, the initiative aims to accelerate solutions to social challenges and to create new business opportunities for Japanese companies.

NBV Fund 2 will serve not only as an investment framework, but also as a Japan-India collaboration platform connecting Japanese companies with Indian startups.

Through the fund, NBV will promote the creation of new value in the Indian market while expanding opportunities for Japanese companies to develop their businesses internationally.

Comments from Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation

“Two years have passed since the launch of Next Bharat Ventures in 2024, and with each passing day, we have grown more convinced that supporting impact entrepreneurs can help generate both meaningful social impact and sustainable economic value in rural areas and smaller cities across India. We are deeply grateful that companies who share Suzuki’s vision have chosen to join us as partners in NBV Fund 2. In addition to capital, Suzuki will contribute the experience and networks it has built over many years in India, as well as connections with Japan. Together with entrepreneurs and participating companies, we will work to create new opportunities and greater value for the Next Billion.”

Comments from Vipul Nath Jindal, CEO, Next Bharat Ventures

“Next Bharat Ventures is committed to creating and nurturing impact entrepreneurs who aim to improve the lives of India’s “Next Billion.” Sustaining and scaling social impact requires strong, growing businesses, and Japanese investors who contribute far more than capital are key to supporting that growth. We are greatly encouraged that, in addition to Suzuki, leading Japanese companies with deep business expertise and growth know-how share our mission and will support the growth of our portfolio impact startups and their expansion into the Japanese market. I am confident that collaboration between Japanese companies and entrepreneurs will create new opportunities for both Japan and India. We will continue to expand this community connecting the two countries, creating even greater impact for the Next Billion and the world."

• *1 “Next Billion” refers to the approximately one billion people who are expected to emerge as the next drivers of India’s economic growth, particularly in rural areas and smaller cities where living standards and incomes are on the rise.
• *2 “Impact entrepreneurs” are startup founders who seek to create positive social impact on people's lives and communities through their businesses and activities.