The/Nudge Foundation has launched TILT, an impact-focused venture investment platform with a Rs 250 crore fund to back early-stage businesses serving low-income and underserved communities in India. The fund will primarily invest in Seed-to-Series A startups, with cheque sizes ranging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 16 crore.
TILT To Focus on Early-Stage Impact Businesses
TILT will invest in science- and technology-led businesses working across agricultural value chains, climate resilience, informal work, emerging employment models, MSME productivity, employability, and financial inclusion. The fund will also look at startups focused on market access, distribution, and technology and AI applications for livelihood challenges.
The fund is backed by the Livelihood Impact Fund, along with entrepreneurs, investors, and philanthropists including Deep Kalra, Amit Gupta, Hari Menon, Binny Bansal, the Raj and Indra Nooyi Family Office, and Vidit Aatrey. TILT is designed to provide patient capital to businesses that may require more time to build product-market fit, distribution networks and sustainable economics.
The/Nudge Expands From Grants To Venture Capital
The launch builds on The/Nudge Foundation’s work with social enterprises over the past eight years. The foundation has supported more than 190 social enterprises and deployed around Rs 180 crore in grants, with its experience highlighting the need for investment capital as several ventures moved from early validation towards scale.
Beyond funding, TILT will provide startups with support in research, market development, partnerships and ecosystem infrastructure. The platform plans to back more than 150 startups over the next 15 years and aims to meaningfully improve 100 million lives through its investments.
FAQs
- What is The/Nudge Foundation?
The/Nudge Foundation is a nonprofit organisation that works to improve livelihoods and support social enterprises in India.
- What is the TILT Fund?
TILT is a Rs 250 crore venture fund launched by The/Nudge Foundation to invest in early-stage impact startups.
- Who will TILT invest in?
TILT will invest in early stage startups working on areas such as agriculture, climate, employment, financial inclusion and livelihoods.
- How much will TILT invest in startups?
The fund plans to invest between Rs 2 crore and Rs 16 crore in eligible startups.
- What stage of startups will TILT support?
TILT will primarily back startups from the Seed stage through Series A.
