Colossa Ventures, a SEBI-registered independent venture capital management company, has heralded the launch of its trailblazing fund – the Colossa WomenFirst Fund. This pioneering initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and reshape traditional investment paradigms. The fund has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing an impressive Rs 100 crore in its first close, signaling robust support and enthusiasm from investors.
The Colossa WomenFirst Fund, with a formidable target corpus of Rs 500 crore, is poised to redefine the startup ecosystem by focusing on investments in the pre-Series A funding stage and beyond. Rooted in comprehensive research and strategic insights, the fund seeks to catalyze innovation and drive growth across critical sectors such as healthcare & healthtech, fintech, climate & cleantech, deeptech, and consumer industries.
At the heart of the fund’s philosophy lies a commitment to leveraging gender diversity as a catalyst for generating alpha, underscoring the transformative potential of women-led ventures. This unique approach has garnered significant interest and participation from esteemed institutions like SIDBI and prominent family offices, including Dr. Ranjan Pai’s Family Office and the Shriram Ownership Trust, among others, who have enthusiastically backed the fund’s mission.
Founded in 2022 by visionary entrepreneurs Ashu Suyansh and Vandana Rajadhyaksha, the Colossa WomenFirst Fund represents a paradigm shift in venture capital investment. With a sector-agnostic approach, the fund aims to revolutionize the startup landscape by exclusively focusing on women-founded or co-founded ventures, as well as those where women are primary beneficiaries.
The launch of the Colossa WomenFirst Fund comes at a time when the Indian startup ecosystem is witnessing a surge in women-led entrepreneurship. Despite significant strides, women entrepreneurs continue to face formidable challenges in accessing funding and resources. By providing a dedicated platform and capital support, the Colossa WomenFirst Fund seeks to address these barriers and unlock the full potential of women-led innovation.
Commenting on the launch, Ashu Suyansh, Co-founder of Colossa Ventures, expressed, “We are thrilled to unveil the Colossa WomenFirst Fund, which represents our unwavering commitment to fostering gender diversity and driving meaningful change in the startup ecosystem. By channeling capital and resources towards women-led ventures, we aim to not only generate superior returns but also create a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape.”
Vandana Rajadhyaksha, Co-founder of Colossa Ventures, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The launch of the Colossa WomenFirst Fund marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering women entrepreneurs. Through strategic investments and robust support mechanisms, we aspire to catalyze innovation and drive sustainable growth across diverse sectors. This fund is not just about financial returns; it’s about fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity.”
The Colossa WomenFirst Fund joins a growing cohort of women-focused initiatives within India’s startup ecosystem. Kalaari Capital’s CXXO initiative, Achieving Women Equity (AWE) Funds, and Google for Startups Women Founders Fund are among the prominent platforms dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. Additionally, funds such as Saha Fund, She Capital, and StrongHer Ventures have also made significant strides in backing women founder-led startups.
The launch of the Colossa WomenFirst Fund underscores the increasing recognition of the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs and the pivotal role they play in driving innovation and economic growth. As the fund continues to garner support and expand its portfolio, it is poised to usher in a new era of inclusive entrepreneurship, where gender diversity thrives, and opportunities abound.
