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Matrix Partners launches $150 million consumer services risk capital fund
MUMBAI: Matrix Partners India, co-founded by Avnish Bajaj and Rishi Navani in partnership with Matrix Partners US, today announced the closing of its first fund.
The $150 million, multi-sector, multi-stage fund will focus on early to growth stage businesses in the internet, mobile, financial services, media and entertainment, healthcare and travel and leisure sectors.
The first fund of its kind in India, it aims to partner with entrepreneurs to build market leading companies in the consumer services domain. The fund was heavily oversubscribed and current investors in the fund include leading US university endowments and family foundations.
“Matrix Partners is the first leading venture capital firm to establish a fund in India. The Indian economy is in a very exciting phase and Matrix Partners’ is looking forward to participating in the region’s growth story,” said Matrix Partners US founding partner Paul Ferri.
“As co-founders of Matrix Partners India, Avnish and Rishi bring incomparable experience in working with India-based companies in the consumer services sector. We have the ideal team in place to help Matrix Partners continue its strong legacy of building the best-performing companies and long-term relationships with talented entrepreneurs,” said Matrix Partners US managing partner Timothy A. Barrows.
Domestic entrepreneurs would benefit from the rich experience of the Indian founders and the strong company-building expertise of Matrix Partners US. Bajaj’s entrepreneurial experience (co-founder, chairman and former CEO of India’s largest online marketplace Baazee.com, acquired by eBay) and Navani’s venture and domain experience (former managing director at WestBridge Capital Partners) provides the ideal background to help entrepreneurs realise their ambitions. Matrix Partners US also brings to bear its experience as the top performing venture firm over the past two decades with assets under management of more than $3 billion.
Matrix Partners India founding managing director Avnish Bajaj said, “Matrix Partners India is focused on presenting a unique proposition to the emerging businesses in the consumer services sector. We believe that the founding team has an unparalleled competency to recognize and support potential market leading companies in this sector. By leveraging on Matrix Partners’ proven approach to investing, we are determined to emerge as the trusted partner of choice for Indian entrepreneurs.”
“The domestic consumer services industry is the key driver of India’s Gross Domestic Product growth. The industry is set to witness an era of innovative business models and significant value creation. We are delighted to partner with Matrix Partners, and appreciate the overwhelming support from our marquee investor base,” added Matrix Partners India founding managing director Rishi Navani.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
