Written by : Nikita Saha
March 7, 2024
Further, the venture capital firm aims to create a niche in healthcare & healthtech, fintech, climate & cleantech, deeptech and the consumer sectors.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Colossa Ventures, a venture capital management company has closed its maiden fund - Colossa WomenFirst Fund at INR 100 Cr.
Colossa WomenFirst Fund aims to support and amplify women-led or women-benefitting startups in India, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Further, the venture capital firm aims to create a niche in healthcare & healthtech, fintech, climate & cleantech, deeptech and the consumer sectors.
The fund with a target corpus of INR 500 Cr is expected to primarily focus on investing in the pre-Series A stage and beyond.
Ashu Suyash, founder & CEO, Colossa said, "Our first close marks an important milestone for Colossa WomenFirst Fund."
Colossa WomenFirst fund, a sector-agnostic venture growth fund, focuses exclusively on high-quality “WomenFirst” businesses, either women-founded or cofounded or where women are main beneficiaries.
Sharing thoughts, Vandana Rajadhyaksha, cofounder, Colossa, said, “Colossa seeks to identify, backing, and fast-tracking high-potential Women entrepreneurs building disruptive businesses through powering them with Colossa’s proprietary 3C framework: Capital, Capability, and Confidence.”
Notable institutions, including SIDBI, as well as family offices such as Ranjan Pai’s Family Office and the Shriram Ownership Trust, have been drawn to invest in the first close.
SP Singh, chief general manager incharge, Venture Finance & Investment Vertical, SIDBI said, “With Women’s contribution to GDP expected to register strong growth in the coming years our organization is looking to back exceptional women founders who can contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive future.’’
Further, Ranjan Pai, chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) noted that Colossa's vision resonates with their commitment to fostering long-term growth by powering underrepresented entrepreneurs in India.
He also highlighted that women are increasingly taking the lead in building substantial businesses, and that Colossa WomenFirst Fund will fuel the growth of women entrepreneurs.
Talking about the partnership with Colossa, DV Ravi, managing trustee, Shriram Ownership Trust said, “Since inception, Shriram has been dedicated to fostering growth in the MSME segment in India. We are committed to unlocking the potential of growing businesses and are pleased to contribute to the Colossa WomenFirst fund to scale women-led businesses and further our mission."
Founded by Ashu Suyash and Vandana Rajadhyaksha, Colossa Ventures is a SEBI registered independent venture capital management company,
With India on track to become a $10 trillion economy by 2035, Colossa WomenFirst Fund aims to unlock the vast potential of the Indian female economy.
By actively engaging in the growth journey of these startups, Colossa looks to chart the new success story of India’s women economy.