News Broadcasting
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.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
