MAM
Matrix Partners overrides China to direct funds to India
BANGALORE: Matrix Partners, the US-based venture capital firm, prefers India over China to do some major investments. The firm, which focuses on early stage technology startups, has opened an office in Bangalore to augment its investment plans in product based technology companies in India.
“We are looking at both India and China, but the major chunk of funding would go to India,” Matrix Partners general manager Tim Barrows told Indiantelevision.com.
Matrix partners had collected around $500 million during their 7th round of funding in 2002; of which only 40 per cent had been utlised. According to company sources, Matrix is looking out for companies/partners who require around $3 million to 10 million. Apart from a controlling stake, the company also wants a person from their end on the board of the company they fund. A second round of funding will be done if required and Matrix generally stays on in the company they’ve invested in and profit from this.
“We see India as a very exciting growth opportunity and hope to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit here. Many of Matrix Partners portfolio companies have either a presence in India for their R&D and/or has Indian Founders. We perhaps have had more success backing in Indian led companies than any other VC firm in the USA and have been fortunate to be in the business with a number of terrific Indian entrepreneurs,” explains Barrows.
Matrix partners has lead investments in reputed firms including OpenWave, Veritas, Tivoli Systems, Alteon Web systems, SANDisk, Apollo Computer, Cascade Communications, Sonus Networks and Sycamore Networks. Five of the Matrix Partners were named in the Forbes Midas list.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
