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.
UNLEASH Capital Partners, Inc. is an early-stage venture capital fund established in 2023, dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion in India. The firm operates as a group company of Gojo & Company, Inc., a Tokyo-based financial inclusion holding firm. UNLEASH has successfully raised approximately INR 300 crores (around $33 million USD) at its final close in November 2023, exceeding its initial target of INR 250 crores. The fund is backed by around 35 Japanese limited partners, including institutional investors and family offices.
Headquartered in India, UNLEASH Capital Partners focuses on deploying capital in the Indian fintech sector. The firm aims to support innovative startups that are transforming the financial landscape, particularly those that provide accessible financial services. Notable milestones include the announcement of seven investments in early-stage companies, showcasing the firm’s commitment to fostering impactful financial solutions.
UNLEASH Capital Partners invests primarily in early-stage startups within the fintech sector, emphasizing financial inclusion as a core investment thesis. The fund targets companies that leverage technology to enhance financial services and improve the overall financial ecosystem in India. Investments are categorized into two main areas: direct impact services, which include microfinance, lending, insurance, and payment solutions, and indirect impact through technology and infrastructure innovations.
The typical check size ranges from INR 5 to 18 crores (approximately $0.5 to 2 million USD) per investment. UNLEASH aims to make between 12 to 15 investments, focusing on startups that demonstrate a clear potential for growth and a commitment to addressing financial inclusion challenges. The firm’s geographic focus is exclusively on India, aligning with its mission to support local entrepreneurs and innovative solutions.
UNLEASH Capital Partners has made a total of seven investments in early-stage fintech companies, reflecting its commitment to financial inclusion in India. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify UNLEASH's strategy of investing in startups that not only aim for financial returns but also create a positive social impact by enhancing financial accessibility.
Natsuki Sugai — Founder & Managing Partner; previously a founding-stage member of Gojo & Company, dedicated to financial inclusion in developing regions. Sugai has a background in NGO work, having founded a student NGO that built schools in Laos.
Sohil Shah — Investment Partner; represents Gojo & Company with over 15 years of impact investment experience, particularly in microfinance across emerging markets. Shah serves as Gojo's Investment Lead and Head of Venture Capital.
Thomas Hyland — Investment Committee Member; joined post-launch, contributing expertise to the investment decision-making process.
UNLEASH Capital Partners was founded in November 2023 and has since announced a total of seven investments in early-stage fintech companies. The firm successfully closed its first fund at INR 300 crores (approximately $33 million USD), oversubscribing its initial target of INR 250 crores. This milestone reflects strong interest from Japanese limited partners, including institutional investors and family offices.
As of now, there are no further public updates or announcements regarding additional investments or portfolio developments.
What are UNLEASH Capital Partners' investment criteria?
UNLEASH Capital Partners focuses on early-stage fintech startups in India that enhance financial inclusion. The firm looks for companies that leverage technology to provide accessible financial services, including microfinance, lending, and insurance.
How can startups apply or pitch to UNLEASH Capital Partners?
Startups interested in pitching to UNLEASH should prepare a detailed presentation that outlines their business model, market potential, and how they address financial inclusion. Specific application channels or forms are not publicly disclosed.
What makes UNLEASH Capital Partners different from other venture capital firms?
UNLEASH Capital Partners differentiates itself through its strong backing from Japanese limited partners and its focus on financial inclusion in India. The firm provides specialized fintech knowledge and access to Japanese capital for equity, debt, and M&A opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The typical check size for investments made by UNLEASH Capital Partners ranges from INR 5 to 18 crores (approximately $0.5 to 2 million USD).
What is the geographic scope of UNLEASH Capital Partners?
UNLEASH Capital Partners exclusively focuses on investments in India, aiming to support local startups that enhance financial inclusion.
What kind of post-investment involvement does UNLEASH Capital Partners have?
While specific details on post-investment involvement are not disclosed, UNLEASH Capital Partners aims to provide value-added support through its specialized fintech knowledge and connections to Japanese capital.
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.