Capria Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in investments in the Global South, has announced the first close of its $100 million fund, which will focus on investing in 20 to 25 tech startups in key entrepreneurial hotspots across India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
The new fund has already received support from previous institutional investors, including OIP Investment Trust and Gates Ventures, as well as numerous foundations, individuals, and family offices.
The fund will seek out founders harnessing the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to transform companies across multiple sectors, with a new focus on climate startups.
Capria Ventures has been making direct investments in key tech hubs of the Global South for over a decade, using its experience and networks to source and create value for a new generation of startups.
Its current investments in India and Southeast Asia include fintech firm Alami, agritech firm BharatAgri, and jobtech company Betterplace.
Capria’s Fund II will make early-growth investments in fintech, mobility/logistics, agtech/foodtech, climate, and jobtech/HRtech sectors, supporting tech-enabled innovators primarily focused on domestic-first transformative solutions of many of the fastest-growing emerging economies.
India and Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystems are thriving, with immense potential for growth and innovation. Dave Richards, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Capria Ventures, said that Capria’s Fund II aims to invest in the most promising early-growth tech startups in both regions.
The fund recognizes the synergies of these regions and seeks to invest in startups at the forefront of innovation, primed to disrupt traditional sectors, forge new industries, and propel economic growth in the Global South.
Capria Ventures’ family of funds collectively manage assets exceeding $200 million, with offices in Seattle, Bangalore, Nairobi, and Washington DC.
The firm’s strategy of partnering with local managers in the Global South, providing organized mentoring, collaboration, and training, has led to the emergence of strong and sustainable companies.
David Setyadi Gunawan, Founder and CEO of Eden Farm, said that the firm deeply values Capria Ventures’ unwavering support and partnership as they strive to become a leader in the B2B food supply chain sector.
