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The Technology Development and Information Company of India (TDICI), set up by
ICICI and UTI in 1988, was one of the first VC firms.
Focus was on funding technology-based startups.
2. 1990s Liberalization Era
Economic liberalization in 1991 opened India to global investors.
Private VC firms began entering the market.
Sectors like IT and software saw early VC activity.
Example: Infosys and Wipro benefited from early-stage funding.
3. 2000s Dot-Com Boom
The rise of internet companies attracted VC funding.
Though many dot-coms failed, the ecosystem matured.
Foreign VC firms like Sequoia Capital and Accel Partners entered India.
4. 2010s Startup Explosion
Indias startup ecosystem grew rapidly, especially in e-commerce, fintech, and
edtech.
Companies like Flipkart, Paytm, and Byjus received massive VC funding.
Government initiatives like Startup India (2016) boosted confidence.
5. 2020s Unicorn Era
India became home to over 100 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion).
Venture capital funds played a crucial role in this growth.
Global investors like SoftBank, Tiger Global, and Sequoia invested heavily in Indian
startups.
Current Practices of Venture Capital in India
1. Sector Focus
o VC funds target high-growth sectors: IT, fintech, healthcare, edtech, e-
commerce, renewable energy.
2. Stages of Funding
o Seed Stage: Small funding to test ideas.
o Early Stage: Larger funding to scale operations.
o Growth Stage: Big investments to expand market presence.
3. Exit Strategies
o VCs exit through IPOs, mergers, or selling shares to other investors.
o Example: Flipkarts acquisition by Walmart gave huge returns to early VCs.
4. Government Support
o Policies like Startup India, tax incentives, and easier regulations encourage VC
activity.