TILT, the impact-first investment platform of The/Nudge Foundation, has launched a Rs 250 crore venture fund to invest in early-stage businesses building solutions for India’s Next Billion.
The fund will primarily focus on Seed to Series A-stage startups, with investment cheques ranging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 16 crore. TILT plans to support businesses leveraging science and technology to address challenges and opportunities across agriculture, climate resilience, informal work, employment, employability, MSMEs, financial inclusion, market access and AI-led livelihood solutions.
Unlike traditional venture capital models that often prioritise rapid scale, TILT’s new fund is designed to provide patient capital to businesses that may need longer timelines to develop products, build distribution networks and establish sustainable business models.
Beyond capital, TILT will work closely with its portfolio companies through research, market development, strategic partnerships and ecosystem infrastructure, aiming to help founders build businesses with both commercial sustainability and measurable social impact.
The fund is backed by the Livelihood Impact Fund, along with a group of entrepreneurs, investors and philanthropists, including Deep Kalra, Amit Gupta, Hari Menon, Binny Bansal, the Raj & Indra Nooyi Family Office and Vidit Aatrey.
Founded by Richa Singh and Atul Satija, TILT builds on The/Nudge Foundation’s eight-year experience of supporting social enterprises and livelihood-focused businesses.
Over the years, The/Nudge Foundation has supported more than 190 social enterprises and deployed approximately Rs 180 crore in grants. With the new venture fund, TILT plans to invest in 150 startups over the next 15 years, with an ambition to positively impact 100 million lives through its investments and wider ecosystem initiatives.
The launch marks TILT’s move towards creating a dedicated pool of long-term venture capital for businesses working at the intersection of technology, livelihoods and inclusive economic growth in India.
By: Arushi Agarwal
