The/Nudge Foundation has announced the launch of TILT Capital, its inaugural impact-first investment platform, with a substantial ₹250 crore venture fund. This new initiative is designed to support early-stage, science and technology-led businesses dedicated to serving India's Next Billion. TILT aims to provide patient capital to entrepreneurs building scalable solutions for critical livelihood challenges across the country.
Bridging the Impact Investment Gap
TILT Capital has been established to address a significant void within India's entrepreneurial landscape for impact-focused ventures. Many early-stage businesses serving low-income communities struggle to find appropriate funding during their crucial formative years. The platform recognizes that these enterprises often require longer timelines to establish product-market fit and build resilient economic models.
While mainstream capital typically enters once growth prospects are clearer, TILT is designed to support ventures much earlier in their journey. This model provides patient capital that reflects the operating realities of impact-led businesses, fostering sustainable value creation. The fund's approach moves beyond philanthropic support to help ventures navigate the formative stages of building resilient businesses.
Strategic Focus and Investment Thesis
The fund will primarily target startups from the seed to Series A stages, with investment cheque sizes ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹16 crore. TILT's strategy is centered on backing science and technology-led businesses across several key sectors. These areas include agricultural value chains, climate resilience, MSME productivity, and financial inclusion for underserved populations.
In addition to direct investment, TILT will also support ventures through research, market development, and ecosystem partnerships. This holistic approach complements the venture fund's work, recognizing that capital alone may not be sufficient for success. The platform will also focus on the application of AI to solve complex livelihood challenges.
Visionary Leadership and Prominent Support
The new fund has garnered support from a distinguished group of backers, including the Livelihood Impact Fund. Prominent entrepreneurs such as Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip, Binny Bansal of Flipkart, and Hari Menon of BigBasket have also invested. The Raj & Indra Nooyi Family Office and Vidit Aatrey of Meesho are among the notable supporters.
Richa Singh, Co-founder and Managing Partner, stated that the focus is on backing founders early and aligning capital with market realities. Founder and Managing Partner Atul Satija articulated a long-term goal of backing over 150 startups and impacting 100 million lives. This vision builds on The/Nudge's eight-year history of supporting social enterprises with grant capital.
The launch of TILT Capital marks a significant development in India's impact investment ecosystem, promising to reshape how capital supports social enterprises. By providing patient, strategically aligned funding, the platform empowers entrepreneurs to tackle deep-rooted societal issues with innovative, market-based solutions. This initiative represents a crucial step forward in creating lasting value and fostering inclusive economic growth across the nation.