Our Enduring Impact
Chiratae Ventures operates at the intersection of technology, innovation, financial returns and ESG/Impact. A subset of Chiratae's investments in tech-led solutions has been directed to yield results in contribution towards UN SDG targets.
Our Focus Areas
Underserved Geographies
With over two-thirds of online consumer demand arising from Tier II & III towns of India, there is a need to democratise tech access to essential products and services. Existing market offerings largely cater to metropolitan cities, creating a huge access gap. We want to tap into these underserved areas, paving the way toward improved social and economic conditions for the local population.
Underserved Target Groups
Underserved target groups include lower to middle-lower income segments, marginalised segments, women, vernacular populations with limited English literacy, smallholder farmers, small borrowers, individual and MSME entrepreneurs, and the differently abled. We work to transform these groups' access to education, healthcare and finance, while extending knowledge on markets and business techniques.
Gender
Addressing the gender gap has garnered increased attention in India, with a long road ahead. Chiratae Ventures has been 2X gender certified by CDC and strives to continue strengthening gender diversity within the firm. We aim to invest in businesses that aid our vision to address the representation and experience of women as entrepreneurs, leaders, employees and customers.
Nano Entrepreneurs & MSME
MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, with over 63.4M units employing 120M people and contributing nearly 30% of GDP. Digital empowerment of micro, small and nano entrepreneurs enables their potential to double revenue. We want to enable tech companies to increase MSMEs' access to technology, finance, logistics, sourcing and markets.
Employment & Employability
Unemployment and under-employment are two big problems India has long faced, exacerbated by the pandemic — especially for female labour. We believe the startup sector can generate more employment while honing the employability skills of the young Indian workforce, scoping towards the larger goals of "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat".
Climate Action
The latest addition to Chiratae's impact strategy is Climate Action — an SDG urging the world to take necessary steps to combat climate change. We invest in new-age companies working towards controlling and reversing the adverse effects of climate, many offering ideas for smart climate agriculture, food security, and sustainable production and consumption.
Responsible Investing
We understand the importance of ESG aspects, and we have been integrating ESG risk management in our operations since 2016. Chiratae Ventures, being a responsible investor, is committed to ensuring adherence by all our portfolio companies to the ESG standards prescribed by IFC, CDC & DFC.
We aim to bring positive impact through combining financial performance with the values of our stakeholders, to benefit people and planet in the long term.
For any questions or concerns about the Fund's Environmental, Social & Governance Policy and/or the portfolio investments financed by the fund, please reach out to us at: compliance@chiratae.com. We will respond within a reasonable period of time. Where the question or concern relates to a portfolio investment financed by the Fund, the interested or affected person(s) are first encouraged to discuss the matter directly with the portfolio company. In cases where the concerns are not addressed sufficiently at the portfolio company level, please do email us.
There is no cost or fee associated with submitting a question or concern. Interested and affected parties can request confidentiality of identity.
