Gaja Capital

Gaja Capital is a private equity firm based in Mumbai, India, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in investing in mid-market companies across various sectors, including education, financial services, consumer services, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure. Gaja Capital focuses on providing growth capital and Series C investments, as well as engaging in buyouts, turnarounds, and pre-IPO deals. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $18.36 million in its portfolio companies, seeking minority stakes and often co-investing with global investors and prominent Indian entrepreneurs. With a team that possesses extensive experience and networks within India’s business landscape, Gaja Capital aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and businesses. The firm typically exits its investments within three to seven years through initial public offerings or sales of entire stakes.

Manoj Balan

Senior Director

Sushane Chopra

Partner

Dasgupta, Ranjan Panchu Gopal

Operating Partner

Dheeraj Devata

Senior Director

Joni Iljazi

Principal

Gopal Jain

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Kaustubh Kumar

Principal

Avinash Luthria

Partner

Komal Modi

Principal

Sriranjan Seshadri

Principal

Himanshu Shah

Operating Partner

Farrzana Wadia

Principal

34 past transactions

AmberStudent

Private Equity Round in 2024
AmberStudent is a leading long-term accommodation booking platform specifically designed for students, offering a streamlined process for finding and securing housing near universities worldwide. It addresses common challenges faced by students, such as complex paperwork and payment issues, by providing a user-friendly platform with over one million listed housing units across more than 80 cities and 400 universities. Serving over four million students annually, AmberStudent simplifies the search for various types of accommodations, including furnished rooms, studios, and flats, while ensuring proper background verification. The platform operates without the need for a local credit score or offline payment methods, making it accessible and affordable for students. With a current gross bookings value run-rate of $500 million, AmberStudent aims to reach $1 billion by 2024, solidifying its position as the largest and fastest-growing student housing platform globally.

AmberStudent

Debt Financing in 2024
AmberStudent is a leading long-term accommodation booking platform specifically designed for students, offering a streamlined process for finding and securing housing near universities worldwide. It addresses common challenges faced by students, such as complex paperwork and payment issues, by providing a user-friendly platform with over one million listed housing units across more than 80 cities and 400 universities. Serving over four million students annually, AmberStudent simplifies the search for various types of accommodations, including furnished rooms, studios, and flats, while ensuring proper background verification. The platform operates without the need for a local credit score or offline payment methods, making it accessible and affordable for students. With a current gross bookings value run-rate of $500 million, AmberStudent aims to reach $1 billion by 2024, solidifying its position as the largest and fastest-growing student housing platform globally.

Signzy

Series B in 2022
Signzy provides a digital onboarding and identity verification platform designed for banks and financial institutions, facilitating customer authentication and compliance across over 180 countries. Utilizing artificial intelligence and cryptography, Signzy's no-code platform and APIs streamline processes such as KYC, KYB, and fraud checks, making it easier for businesses to integrate secure identity verification into their workflows. The company collaborates with numerous prominent clients, including major banks in India and a top acquiring bank in the U.S., as well as strong partnerships with Mastercard and Microsoft. Customers have reported significant improvements, including a fourfold increase in applicant growth, a 99% reduction in fraud, and an 80% decrease in costs. Signzy aims to enhance security and ensure global compliance for its clients.

LeadSquared

Series C in 2022
LeadSquared is a marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) platform that assists B2B and B2C businesses in efficiently tracking, nurturing, and managing leads. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bengaluru, India, LeadSquared offers a comprehensive suite of services, including sales CRM, mobile CRM, marketing automation, and integrations. The platform is designed to streamline the entire marketing and lead generation process, from initial lead capture to final conversions, thereby enhancing sales execution and operational efficiency. Its intuitive interface allows clients to manage their databases effectively and implement custom strategies to increase closure rates and manage sales pipelines.

Kinara Capital

Private Equity Round in 2021
Kinara Capital is a financing company based in Bengaluru, India, that specializes in providing flexible collateral-free loans to small business entrepreneurs. Founded in 2011 by Hardika Shah, the company primarily targets growing businesses that need funding for working capital, capital assets, and startup expenses. Its lending portfolio encompasses various industries, including agri-products, handicrafts, water, food, and energy. Kinara Capital aims to bridge the gap between microfinance and commercial capital by offering loans ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 15 lakh to micro and small enterprises. The company is recognized for its personalized customer service and rapid loan processing, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance its offerings. Kinara Capital has received accolades such as being named 'Bank of the Year-Asia' by the IFC/World Bank in 2019 and being listed among the Top 100 High-Growth Companies in the Asia-Pacific by the Financial Times.

LeadSquared

Series B in 2020
LeadSquared is a marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) platform that assists B2B and B2C businesses in efficiently tracking, nurturing, and managing leads. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bengaluru, India, LeadSquared offers a comprehensive suite of services, including sales CRM, mobile CRM, marketing automation, and integrations. The platform is designed to streamline the entire marketing and lead generation process, from initial lead capture to final conversions, thereby enhancing sales execution and operational efficiency. Its intuitive interface allows clients to manage their databases effectively and implement custom strategies to increase closure rates and manage sales pipelines.

Xpressbees

Series E in 2020
Xpressbees is an e-commerce logistics company that specializes in providing a wide range of logistics solutions to its partners. The company focuses on last-mile delivery, offering same-day and next-day services, as well as reverse logistics, payment collection, drop shipping, and vendor management. Additionally, Xpressbees supports cross-border services and fulfillment solutions, ensuring that clients have access to comprehensive supply-chain management. Its platform includes an online shipment tracking system, which enhances customer satisfaction by enabling clients to offer timely deliveries and value-added services. Through these offerings, Xpressbees aims to address the diverse logistics needs of its clients effectively.

Suryoday Small finance Bank

Venture Round in 2020
Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited is a small finance bank based in Navi Mumbai, India, dedicated to serving the unbanked and underbanked populations with a focus on financial inclusion. Founded in 2008 and previously known as Suryoday Micro Finance Limited, the bank operates through various segments, including Treasury, Retail Banking, and Wholesale Banking. It offers a wide range of financial products, including savings and current accounts, term deposits, home loans, and loans tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, Suryoday provides insurance products, pension schemes, and a suite of digital banking services, such as mobile and internet banking. The bank aims to empower economically weaker sections by facilitating access to credit and financial services, thus improving their quality of life. As of July 2020, Suryoday operated 482 banking outlets across 12 states and union territories in India.

Navi Technologies

Private Equity Round in 2020
BAC Acquisition is a company focused on acquiring and developing consumer-centric and technology-driven businesses in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services & Insurance) sector. Leveraging innovative technologies and a customer-centric approach, BAC Acquisition aims to enhance and expand its portfolio of businesses within the financial services industry.

Kinara Capital

Private Equity Round in 2019
Kinara Capital is a financing company based in Bengaluru, India, that specializes in providing flexible collateral-free loans to small business entrepreneurs. Founded in 2011 by Hardika Shah, the company primarily targets growing businesses that need funding for working capital, capital assets, and startup expenses. Its lending portfolio encompasses various industries, including agri-products, handicrafts, water, food, and energy. Kinara Capital aims to bridge the gap between microfinance and commercial capital by offering loans ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 15 lakh to micro and small enterprises. The company is recognized for its personalized customer service and rapid loan processing, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance its offerings. Kinara Capital has received accolades such as being named 'Bank of the Year-Asia' by the IFC/World Bank in 2019 and being listed among the Top 100 High-Growth Companies in the Asia-Pacific by the Financial Times.

Chumbak

Series D in 2019
Chumbak is a Bangalore-based gifting startup founded by Subhra Chadda, specializing in design-led lifestyle products inspired by various cultures and art forms. The company offers a diverse range of items, including apparel, home decor, tableware, stationery, and gift sets. Chumbak operates retail stores and an online platform, allowing customers to conveniently purchase unique designer products such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, bags, and posters. With a focus on creativity and cultural inspiration, Chumbak aims to enhance personal style and home aesthetics for its consumers.

Suryoday Small finance Bank

Venture Round in 2019
Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited is a small finance bank based in Navi Mumbai, India, dedicated to serving the unbanked and underbanked populations with a focus on financial inclusion. Founded in 2008 and previously known as Suryoday Micro Finance Limited, the bank operates through various segments, including Treasury, Retail Banking, and Wholesale Banking. It offers a wide range of financial products, including savings and current accounts, term deposits, home loans, and loans tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, Suryoday provides insurance products, pension schemes, and a suite of digital banking services, such as mobile and internet banking. The bank aims to empower economically weaker sections by facilitating access to credit and financial services, thus improving their quality of life. As of July 2020, Suryoday operated 482 banking outlets across 12 states and union territories in India.

John Distilleries

Private Equity Round in 2019
John Distilleries Pvt Ltd is a producer of alcoholic beverages, specializing in a diverse range of products that includes whisky, brandy, rum, wine, and vodka. The company is committed to delivering high-quality liquors, allowing customers to enjoy a variety of premium options. Through its focus on craftsmanship and quality, John Distilleries has established itself in the competitive beverage market.

CL Educate

Private Equity Round in 2019
CL Educate Ltd is an Indian education company that operates in two primary segments: EdTech and MarTech. With a focus on diverse education sectors, the company caters to learners of various age groups. The EdTech segment generates the majority of its revenue, offering educational services such as coaching, content creation, and platform services aimed at enhancing the academic and career prospects of students. In addition, CL Educate's MarTech segment provides integrated solutions for corporate clients, which include experiential marketing, event management (both physical and virtual), marketing communications, customized engagement programs, manpower services, and sales management. Established over twenty years ago and led by a team of qualified professionals, including alumni from prestigious institutions, CL Educate is dedicated to shaping the educational journeys and futures of its students.

Bonanza Online

Private Equity Round in 2019
Bonanza Portfolio Limited is a prominent financial services and brokerage company based in New Delhi, India, established in 1993. It provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including equity broking, commodity derivatives, and fixed income products such as IPO underwritings and mutual fund distribution. Additionally, Bonanza offers advisory services, portfolio management, and insurance product distribution. The company is known for its innovative trading platform, enabling clients to trade both online and offline. With a vast network of over 1,784 outlets across 560 cities in India, Bonanza has established itself as one of the largest and fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. The firm is also committed to technological advancement and boasts a dedicated research team with extensive market expertise, further enhancing its service offerings.

EuroKids International

Corporate Round in 2018
EuroKids International is the companies in the education space in India which has its presence in the pre-schooling, K-12 sector and online learning domain. EuroKids pre-schools is one of the leading pre-schools in India, specializing in early childhood education and pre-school programs.

Educational Initiatives

Private Equity Round in 2018
Educational Initiatives (EI) is an edtech company focused on transforming K-12 education through innovative research and technology-driven solutions. It aims to foster an environment where children learn with understanding by providing personalized learning content and teaching aids. EI's platforms utilize insights derived from over five billion data points, offering a range of assessments, activities, and multimedia resources designed to evaluate students' learning levels. The company has spent two decades building a unique database that not only identifies common misconceptions and errors among students but also provides actionable insights for educators. By adopting a scientific approach to product development, EI seeks to create a comprehensive repository of the 'Science of Learning' that empowers teachers to enhance their instructional methods and improve student outcomes.

Massive Restaurants

Venture Round in 2017
Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., founded in December 2012 by Zorawar Kalra, aims to elevate Indian cuisine on a global scale. Known for his previous success in the restaurant industry, Kalra, along with his father Jiggs Kalra, a renowned figure in Indian gastronomy, established the company to create premier restaurant brands that cater to various market segments. Massive Restaurants operates a chain of fine dining establishments and cafes in Mumbai and Gurgaon, offering a diverse range of cuisines and cocktails. The company focuses on revolutionizing the dining experience by showcasing the evolution of Indian food and enhancing the nightlife scene, thereby making Indian cuisine a prominent choice for both local and international patrons.

Chumbak

Venture Round in 2017
Chumbak is a Bangalore-based gifting startup founded by Subhra Chadda, specializing in design-led lifestyle products inspired by various cultures and art forms. The company offers a diverse range of items, including apparel, home decor, tableware, stationery, and gift sets. Chumbak operates retail stores and an online platform, allowing customers to conveniently purchase unique designer products such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, bags, and posters. With a focus on creativity and cultural inspiration, Chumbak aims to enhance personal style and home aesthetics for its consumers.

Avendus Capital

Venture Round in 2017
Avendus Capital is a prominent financial advisory firm based in Mumbai, India, founded in 1999. It offers a range of services, including investment banking, asset management, credit transactions, and wealth management. The firm specializes in private equity syndication and mergers and acquisitions, catering to a diverse clientele that includes mid-market companies and large global organizations. Avendus Capital operates in six key sectors: Digital & Technology, Consumer and Financial Services, Healthcare, Enterprise Technology & Services, Infrastructure & Real Assets, and Industrials, leveraging its deep domain expertise to provide tailored financial solutions. The firm's extensive experience and understanding of regulatory environments enable it to navigate complex transactions and deliver strategic advice effectively.

Kinara Capital

Series C in 2017
Kinara Capital is a financing company based in Bengaluru, India, that specializes in providing flexible collateral-free loans to small business entrepreneurs. Founded in 2011 by Hardika Shah, the company primarily targets growing businesses that need funding for working capital, capital assets, and startup expenses. Its lending portfolio encompasses various industries, including agri-products, handicrafts, water, food, and energy. Kinara Capital aims to bridge the gap between microfinance and commercial capital by offering loans ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 15 lakh to micro and small enterprises. The company is recognized for its personalized customer service and rapid loan processing, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance its offerings. Kinara Capital has received accolades such as being named 'Bank of the Year-Asia' by the IFC/World Bank in 2019 and being listed among the Top 100 High-Growth Companies in the Asia-Pacific by the Financial Times.

Avendus Capital

Private Equity Round in 2017
Avendus Capital is a prominent financial advisory firm based in Mumbai, India, founded in 1999. It offers a range of services, including investment banking, asset management, credit transactions, and wealth management. The firm specializes in private equity syndication and mergers and acquisitions, catering to a diverse clientele that includes mid-market companies and large global organizations. Avendus Capital operates in six key sectors: Digital & Technology, Consumer and Financial Services, Healthcare, Enterprise Technology & Services, Infrastructure & Real Assets, and Industrials, leveraging its deep domain expertise to provide tailored financial solutions. The firm's extensive experience and understanding of regulatory environments enable it to navigate complex transactions and deliver strategic advice effectively.

Kinara Capital

Private Equity Round in 2017
Kinara Capital is a financing company based in Bengaluru, India, that specializes in providing flexible collateral-free loans to small business entrepreneurs. Founded in 2011 by Hardika Shah, the company primarily targets growing businesses that need funding for working capital, capital assets, and startup expenses. Its lending portfolio encompasses various industries, including agri-products, handicrafts, water, food, and energy. Kinara Capital aims to bridge the gap between microfinance and commercial capital by offering loans ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 15 lakh to micro and small enterprises. The company is recognized for its personalized customer service and rapid loan processing, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance its offerings. Kinara Capital has received accolades such as being named 'Bank of the Year-Asia' by the IFC/World Bank in 2019 and being listed among the Top 100 High-Growth Companies in the Asia-Pacific by the Financial Times.

Suryoday Small finance Bank

Venture Round in 2017
Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited is a small finance bank based in Navi Mumbai, India, dedicated to serving the unbanked and underbanked populations with a focus on financial inclusion. Founded in 2008 and previously known as Suryoday Micro Finance Limited, the bank operates through various segments, including Treasury, Retail Banking, and Wholesale Banking. It offers a wide range of financial products, including savings and current accounts, term deposits, home loans, and loans tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, Suryoday provides insurance products, pension schemes, and a suite of digital banking services, such as mobile and internet banking. The bank aims to empower economically weaker sections by facilitating access to credit and financial services, thus improving their quality of life. As of July 2020, Suryoday operated 482 banking outlets across 12 states and union territories in India.

Kinedu

Convertible Note in 2016
Kinedu is an educational platform that focuses on fostering meaningful relationships between parents and their children through creative activities. It offers personalized video-based developmental activities specifically designed for toddlers, which aim to enhance cognitive, social, linguistic, emotional, and physical development during early childhood. By providing engaging content, Kinedu helps parents support their children's growth and development at a crucial stage in their lives.

Kiddo Health

Seed Round in 2016
Kiddo Health Inc offers a connected care platform tailored for children facing physical and behavioral health challenges. The platform is centered around a smart pediatric band designed for children aged three and above, which monitors vital signs including perspiration, activity levels, heart rate, and skin temperature. Accompanied by a companion app, Kiddo provides parents with actionable health insights, alerts, and recommendations to enhance the care of their children. Additionally, the platform facilitates care integrations such as telehealth services and doctor appointments in select markets, allowing healthcare providers to manage admission rates effectively and deliver proactive, cost-efficient care. Overall, Kiddo aims to improve the health and well-being of school-aged children and adolescents by integrating various health metrics to support both parents and healthcare professionals.

Suryoday Small finance Bank

Venture Round in 2016
Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited is a small finance bank based in Navi Mumbai, India, dedicated to serving the unbanked and underbanked populations with a focus on financial inclusion. Founded in 2008 and previously known as Suryoday Micro Finance Limited, the bank operates through various segments, including Treasury, Retail Banking, and Wholesale Banking. It offers a wide range of financial products, including savings and current accounts, term deposits, home loans, and loans tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, Suryoday provides insurance products, pension schemes, and a suite of digital banking services, such as mobile and internet banking. The bank aims to empower economically weaker sections by facilitating access to credit and financial services, thus improving their quality of life. As of July 2020, Suryoday operated 482 banking outlets across 12 states and union territories in India.

SportzVillage

Series A in 2015
SportzVillage is a sports education and management company operating in India, focusing on enhancing sports participation and fitness among children and communities. Over the past five years, it has established a comprehensive ecosystem that connects federations, media, sponsors, associations, brands, schools, and sports enthusiasts. The company’s diverse offerings include sports marketing and events, school sports programs, sports infrastructure services, new media in sports, and sports ticketing. With a strong presence in five cities, SportzVillage aims to foster sports education and management for schools, corporations, and leagues, promoting health and fitness through organized sports activities. Founded by alumni from prestigious institutions, the company leverages extensive experience from various industries to drive its mission forward.

Bakers Circle

Venture Round in 2015
Bakers Circle is an attractive, yet defensive, way to derive upon the country's F&B (food and beverages) opportunities. Bakers Circle, which pivoted to the B2B model in 2006-07, reported revenue of Rs 63 crore in 2013-14 and expects to post a top-line of between Rs 65-70 crore in the current fiscal.

RBL Bank

Venture Round in 2014
RBL Bank Limited is a private-sector scheduled commercial bank based in Mumbai, India, established in 1943. The bank operates through several segments, including Corporate/Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, Treasury, and Other Banking Operations. It offers a diverse range of deposit products such as savings and current accounts, as well as fixed deposits. RBL Bank provides various lending options, including personal, home, car, education, and business loans, along with financial services like insurance, wealth management, and online banking. The bank also engages in advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, project finance, and trade services. With a focus on expansion, RBL Bank has developed a network of branches and ATMs across India, servicing over 500,000 customers and maintaining a robust business size. Following a transformational journey initiated in 2010, the bank has strengthened its governance and technology infrastructure to support its growth strategy.

Carnation Auto India

Venture Round in 2013
Carnation Auto operates as an automotive care center that provides a comprehensive range of services, including auto repairs, vehicle inspections, and warranties. In addition to servicing vehicles, the company specializes in the retail of pre-owned cars and car accessories. It also facilitates car exchanges, ensuring a convenient experience for customers seeking to upgrade their vehicles. With a focus on multi-brand automobile sales and service, Carnation Auto aims to meet the diverse needs of car owners through its extensive offerings.

TeamLease Services

Venture Round in 2011
TeamLease Services is a prominent provider of human resource services in India, established in 2002 with a mission to enhance employment opportunities across the nation. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including temporary staffing solutions, permanent recruitment, and regulatory consultancy for labor law compliance. It operates through two main segments: General Staffing and Allied Services, which encompass staffing, temporary recruitment, and payroll services, and Other HR Services, which include regulatory compliance and training. TeamLease is recognized as one of the largest temporary staffing firms in India, with a workforce of approximately 99,090 associates and a history of providing employment to around 1.12 million individuals. The majority of its business is concentrated in India, supported by a network of eight regional offices and over 1,000 full-time employees, with a vision to further expand its impact on employment and employability across the country.

RBL Bank

Venture Round in 2011
RBL Bank Limited is a private-sector scheduled commercial bank based in Mumbai, India, established in 1943. The bank operates through several segments, including Corporate/Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, Treasury, and Other Banking Operations. It offers a diverse range of deposit products such as savings and current accounts, as well as fixed deposits. RBL Bank provides various lending options, including personal, home, car, education, and business loans, along with financial services like insurance, wealth management, and online banking. The bank also engages in advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, project finance, and trade services. With a focus on expansion, RBL Bank has developed a network of branches and ATMs across India, servicing over 500,000 customers and maintaining a robust business size. Following a transformational journey initiated in 2010, the bank has strengthened its governance and technology infrastructure to support its growth strategy.

Haldia Coke

Private Equity Round in 2010
Haldia Coke is one of India’s top three metallurgical coke (“met-coke”) producers. The company is part of the Shriram Group based in South India. Haldia Coke currently has an in-house met-coke manufacturing capacity of 0.27 MTPA (million tons per annum). It has also backward integrated into coking coal mines, and owns two mines in the United States. The company is one of three merchant producers of met-coke in India which has a captive raw-material supply to hedge against price volatility, as prices of coking coal are dynamic and is also one of two merchant producers that can produce power as a by-product of the process.
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