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HDFC AMC Invests in Athera’s Rs 900 Cr Fund to Back Emerging Tech Startups

Athera Venture Partners, the tech-focused venture capital firm formerly known as Inventus India, has secured a significant investment from HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC). This partnership will support Athera’s Fund IV, a Rs 900 crore fund targeting emerging tech startups, with a close set for 2025.

HDFC AMC’s Role in Athera’s Fund IV

HDFC AMC’s Select AIF FoF I Scheme will be a dominant limited partner (LP) in Athera’s Fund IV, providing a solid foundation for the fund’s next phase of growth. The strategic partnership will help Athera accelerate its investments in cutting-edge technologies and expand its portfolio in the consumer internet, enterprise software, artificial intelligence (AI), and other high-growth sectors.

The tech-focused venture capital fund has already started building a diverse portfolio, investing in a mix of innovative startups across various industries. Athera’s approach emphasizes high-potential companies that are working on next-generation technologies, making it an attractive proposition for HDFC AMC, which sees long-term growth potential in these areas.

Focus Areas of Athera Fund IV

  • Consumer Internet
  • Enterprise Software
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Emerging Technologies

Athera’s decision to focus on these sectors aligns with the growing interest in disruptive technologies that are transforming industries globally. With HDFC AMC on board, Athera is poised to take its investments to the next level, positioning itself as a key player in the venture capital space for technology-driven companies.

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Current Portfolio: Six Startups and Counting

As of now, Athera’s Fund IV has already made six investments, which constitute about 30% of the portfolio. Notably, these startups are tackling high-impact areas like autonomous robotics, 3D immersive gaming, logistics management, AI automation, and computer vision for robotics.

Among the notable investments are:

  • Ati Motors: Focuses on autonomous robotics
  • Terra: Specializes in 3D immersive gaming platforms
  • ClickPost: A logistics management software provider
  • Cyn:Lr: A computer vision firm for robotics
  • Hyperbots: Works on AI automation technologies
  • Billion Hearts: A digital consumer products brand targeting a global audience

With these investments, Athera’s Fund IV is already seeing positive internal rate of return (IRR), signaling strong potential for future growth. The firm is expected to continue deploying capital over the next 18-24 months, adding more high-potential startups to its portfolio.

Athera’s Previous Successes

In addition to its ongoing investments, Athera has made its mark by backing more than 40 companies to date. These include some of India’s most notable startups, such as:

  • redBus: A leading online bus ticketing platform
  • PolicyBazaar: India’s largest insurance aggregator
  • Pixxel: A space-tech company focused on satellite imagery
  • MoveinSync: A corporate transportation solution
  • Sokrati: A marketing automation platform
  • FundsIndia: A wealth management platform
  • Euler Motors: An electric vehicle manufacturer
  • BluArmor: A tech-based health product company
  • Healthifyme: A health and fitness platform
  • Playshifu: An educational technology company

These companies have gone on to redefine their respective categories, proving Athera’s knack for identifying high-growth, category-defining ventures early on.

Looking Ahead: A Focus on Future Tech

With its current fund already in positive IRR territory and a strong portfolio of tech investments, Athera is set to expand its reach further. The firm’s upcoming investments in Fund IV are expected to focus on a wide range of emerging technologies, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of India’s growing tech ecosystem.

HDFC AMC’s backing is a testament to the confidence investors have in Athera’s ability to identify and nurture tomorrow’s tech leaders. The venture capital firm’s focus on high-impact sectors like AI, enterprise software, and consumer internet ensures it is well-positioned to capitalize on the next wave of technological innovation.

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