Loading organizations...
Loading organizations...
Matrix Partners India, now operating as Z47, functions as an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and nurturing emerging companies. The firm focuses on identifying promising founders and providing strategic capital and support, aiming to empower businesses leveraging India's unique market potential. Its investment philosophy centers on a "Founders First" approach, emphasizing deep partnerships to cultivate and scale innovative enterprises across various sectors.
The firm was co-founded in 2006 by Avnish Bajaj and Rishi Navani. Bajaj, a notable entrepreneur who previously founded and successfully exited Baazee.com, brought significant operational experience and a founder's perspective to the venture. Their insight recognized the nascent but rapidly growing opportunity within the Indian startup ecosystem for dedicated early-stage capital and mentorship.
Z47 primarily serves early-stage companies and their founders, providing the essential resources needed to transform innovative ideas into impactful businesses. The firm's overarching vision is to contribute to "Developed Nation Building" by fostering a robust entrepreneurial landscape and enabling India to assert its competitive edge on a global scale, supporting companies poised for long-term growth and market leadership.
Key people at Matrix Partners India.
Matrix Partners India is a leading early-stage venture capital firm focused on backing high-potential startups in India and South Asia. Its mission is to partner with visionary founders building transformative businesses in the enterprise and consumer sectors, from seed through early growth stages. The firm follows a founder-first philosophy, emphasizing deep conviction, long-term engagement, and hands-on support rather than just capital.
The firm primarily invests in technology-driven sectors such as SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, logistics, mobility, edtech, and AI/ML. Over the years, Matrix Partners India has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s startup ecosystem by backing category-defining companies like Ola (Ola Cabs), ShopClues, Ola Electric, and others. Its presence has helped institutionalize early-stage investing in India and demonstrated the global scalability of Indian startups.
---
Matrix Partners India was founded in 2006 as the India-focused arm of the global Matrix Partners network, which traces its roots to the U.S.-based venture firm established in 1977. The India fund was launched by Avnish Bajaj and Rishi Navani, both of whom brought strong operational and investing experience to the table. Bajaj, later known for founding and scaling Baazee.com (acquired by eBay), brought deep insight into Indian consumer internet markets, while Navani brought structured investing discipline.
The firm set up its primary office in Mumbai and quickly became one of the earliest institutional investors to back Indian startups at the seed and Series A stages. Over time, it evolved from a regional outpost into a fully autonomous, India-native VC with a distinct identity, while still benefiting from the global Matrix brand, network, and best practices. The firm has since raised multiple funds and built a reputation for backing companies early and staying with them through multiple rounds and exits.
---
---
Matrix Partners India sits at the heart of India’s digital transformation story. It has been instrumental in normalizing early-stage venture capital in a market that was historically dominated by late-stage or PE-style investing. By backing startups at the idea or early traction stage, the firm has helped unlock innovation across sectors—from fintech and logistics to edtech and enterprise SaaS.
The firm’s success with companies like Ola and ShopClues in the first wave of Indian internet startups, and later with Ola Electric and fintech players, reflects its ability to ride and shape key trends: the rise of mobile-first consumers, the digitization of financial services, and the emergence of Indian SaaS for global markets.
Moreover, Matrix Partners India has influenced the broader ecosystem by setting benchmarks for governance, valuation discipline, and founder-friendly terms. It has also helped train a generation of operators and investors through its portfolio and network, contributing to the maturation of India’s venture ecosystem.
---
Looking ahead, Matrix Partners India is well-positioned to continue shaping the next wave of Indian tech. As Indian startups increasingly target global markets and deeper tech (AI, climate tech, deep SaaS, and industrial tech), the firm’s early-stage focus and global network will remain key advantages.
The firm is likely to double down on sectors where India has structural advantages—such as fintech, SaaS, and supply chain/logistics—while also exploring emerging areas like AI-native applications, climate tech, and healthtech. With a strong brand, experienced team, and a history of backing outliers, Matrix Partners India will remain a go-to partner for ambitious founders building from India for the world.
In a landscape where capital is becoming more commoditized, Matrix’s edge will lie not just in its check size, but in its ability to be a true co-founder in the boardroom—precisely what made it a pioneer in India’s VC story.
Key people at Matrix Partners India.
