UNLEASH Capital Partners Closes Inaugural Fund at INR 300 crores
UNLEASH Capital Partners, a venture capital fund management company dedicated to driving financial inclusion, has announced the final close of its first fund at INR 300 crores (approximately USD 33 million), which was oversubscribed against the initial target. The fund, co-general partnered by Natsuki Sugai and Gojo & Company, is poised to invest in innovative early-stage startups revolutionizing the financial ecosystem in India.
The fund attracted approximately 35 Japanese Limited Partners (LPs). This significant backing from Japanese investors underscores a shared mission to extend financial inclusion and build the future of finance in emerging markets.
UNLEASH’s investment strategy is deeply rooted in the belief that financial inclusion can be achieved and amplified beyond traditional micro-credit models. UNLEASH Capital has already announced seven investments from the fund, demonstrating its proactive approach to identifying and supporting impactful ventures.
“We have plans to make a total of 12 to 15 investments. Individual ticket sizes will range from INR 5 to 18 crores (approximately USD 0.5-2 million), with UNLEASH Capital having the flexibility to lead investments or co-invest alongside like-minded investors.”, said Natsuki Sugai, Founder and Managing Partner at UNLEASH Capital Partners.
The fund’s focus areas are strategically chosen to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the financial ecosystem, reinforcing its mission to help build the future of finance. The firm invests in ventures that drive direct impact through accessible financial services, as well as those that create indirect impact by advancing the capabilities of ecosystem players through technology and infrastructure innovation. This approach reflects UNLEASH Capital Partners commitment to backing scalable solutions that deliver long-term financial equity.
A key differentiator for UNLEASH Capital is its unique value proposition for portfolio companies. Beyond providing capital, the fund offers:
- Deep industry knowledge: A specialized focus on the financial services and fintech sectors.
- Impact-minded investment: A commitment to generating both financial returns and positive social impact, aligning with standard venture capital return targets.
- Global connectivity: The ability to connect portfolio companies with Japanese investors for equity and debt capital, as well as business collaborations and potential M&A opportunities.
Natsuki Sugai founded UNLEASH Capital Partners in collaboration with Gojo & Company. Natsuki brings a lifelong dedication to financial inclusion, stemming from his early experiences with a student NGO that he founded, which built schools in Laos and a profound realization of the need for financial services in developing regions. Sohil Shah, an Investment Partner at UNLEASH Capital representing Gojo & Company, brings over 15 years of impact investment experience, including significant roles in scaling early-stage investment practices and leading microfinance investments across emerging markets. Together, they leverage their extensive experience in finance, venture capital, and impact investing to support India's burgeoning early-stage ecosystem.
Norbert Gehrke
