Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) serves as the strategic investment arm of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA in India, established in 2012. The firm specializes in early growth stage investments, primarily targeting technology startups across various sectors. BII operates with a committed capital of $500 million over a five-year horizon, focusing on companies that demonstrate potential for significant growth.
As of 2023, BII manages approximately $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) and has a portfolio of over 30 companies. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including winning the Best Fund Performance Award at the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) in 2023. BII's offices are located in Noida, Gurgaon, and Bangalore, allowing for a strong presence in key Indian markets.
Bertelsmann India Investments targets early growth-stage tech startups, investing primarily in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, agritech, edtech, and artificial intelligence. The firm typically engages with companies at Series A to Series C stages, with initial check sizes ranging from $5 million to $15 million. BII has the capacity to scale investments up to $40 million as companies mature and demonstrate growth potential.
The firm maintains a sector-agnostic approach while concentrating on technology-driven verticals. BII seeks to support entrepreneurs who are building sector-leading businesses, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network. This dual approach enhances the likelihood of success for portfolio companies.
Bertelsmann India Investments has backed a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these, BII has achieved notable exits, including the acquisition of JioSaavn, which was described as its largest exit to date.
Pankaj Makkar - Managing Director; known for a long-term partnership approach with founders and has a strong background in venture capital.
Rohit Sood - Partner; involved in investment decisions and portfolio management.
Jayesh Bavle - Investment Committee Member; contributes to evaluating potential investments.
Swati Murarka - Investment Committee Member; focuses on strategic investment opportunities.
Raghav Syal - Investment Committee Member; brings expertise in technology investments.
Akshay Chiripal - Investment Committee Member; involved in assessing startup viability.
Padmaja Sadagoban - Investment Committee Member; focuses on growth-stage investments.
Vaani Malik - Marketing & Communications; responsible for external communications and branding.
Naman Wadhwa - Investment Committee Member; contributes to the overall investment strategy.
To pitch to Bertelsmann India Investments, founders should use the preferred channel via their website at biifund.com. The pitch deck should include a clear business model, market analysis, and financial projections. BII typically responds within a few weeks, and warm introductions are encouraged to enhance the chances of consideration.
In November 2025, Bertelsmann India Investments led a ₹130 crore (~$15M) Series B investment in Wealthy, an AI-powered platform for mutual fund distributors. Earlier in early 2024, BII led a $22.5 million round in Rozana, a consumer brand in the FMCG sector.
Additionally, BII completed its first buyout in India, marking a significant shift in its investment strategy from minority growth equity to control transactions. This move indicates the firm's expanding approach to investment opportunities.
What are Bertelsmann India Investments' investment criteria?
Bertelsmann India Investments focuses on early growth-stage tech startups across sectors such as healthcare, fintech, agritech, and edtech. The firm typically invests in companies at Series A to C stages, with initial check sizes ranging from $5 million to $15 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to BII?
Startups can pitch to Bertelsmann India Investments through their website at biifund.com. Interested founders should include a detailed business plan and financial projections in their pitch deck.
What makes Bertelsmann India Investments different from other VCs?
BII distinguishes itself by offering not only capital but also strategic support and access to Bertelsmann's global network. This approach helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges and scale their businesses effectively.
What is the geographic scope of BII's investments?
Bertelsmann India Investments primarily focuses on startups based in India, leveraging its local expertise and understanding of the market.
What is the follow-on investment behavior of BII?
BII reserves follow-on capital to support portfolio companies, with the ability to scale investments up to $40 million as companies grow and demonstrate potential.
What is the fund size and check size range for BII?
Bertelsmann India Investments has a committed capital of $500 million, with initial check sizes typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.