Athera Venture Partners, a prominent tech-focused venture capital firm, has successfully secured a substantial investment from HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC’s) Select AIF FoF I Scheme for its upcoming Fund IV. This strategic move strengthens Athera’s position as a leading investor in India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• Significant Investment: HDFC AMC’s investment will play a major role in Athera’s Fund IV, which is targeting a corpus of ₹900 crore (approximately $108 million). This funding will enable Athera to expand its portfolio and support emerging startups.
• Focus on Tech-Driven Startups: Athera will continue to invest in promising startups operating in sectors such as Consumer Internet, Enterprise Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies. The firm aims to identify and nurture innovative companies that have the potential to disrupt traditional industries.
• Strong Investment Track Record: Athera has a proven history of backing successful startups, including notable names like redBus, PolicyBazaar, and Pixxel. This track record demonstrates the firm’s ability to identify high-potential ventures and provide them with the necessary resources for growth.
• Founder-First Approach: Athera is committed to supporting ambitious founders by providing them with the necessary resources and mentorship to scale their businesses effectively. This founder-centric philosophy is central to Athera’s investment strategy.

Athera’s Vision for the Future

With the backing of HDFC AMC, Athera is well-positioned to capitalize on India’s growing startup ecosystem. The firm aims to identify and nurture the next generation of innovative companies that can create significant value across various sectors.

By providing strategic guidance, capital, and operational expertise, Athera empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable and scalable businesses. The firm’s long-term commitment to its portfolio companies and its strong network of industry leaders contribute to its success.

Recent Developments

Athera Venture Partners recently launched its Fund IV following a rebranding from Inventus Capital in May 2022. The firm has already backed six startups through this fund, including:

• Clickpost: A logistics platform.
• CynLr: A robotics startup.
• Ati Motors: An autonomous electric vehicle manufacturer.
• Terra: A gaming firm.
• Hyprbots: An AI finance startup.
• Billion Hearts: A consumer tech startup founded by Koo co-founder Mayank Bidwatka.

The fund focuses on seed and Series A deals, looking to invest between ₹5 crore to ₹25 crore in 16 to 18 companies over the next 18 to 24 months.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Athera Venture Partners and HDFC AMC underscores the growing trend of domestic capital flowing into India’s venture capital space. As more local investors recognize the potential of homegrown startups, firms like Athera are poised to play a critical role in fostering innovation and driving economic growth in India. With a strong investment strategy focused on technology-driven sectors and a commitment to supporting founders, Athera Venture Partners is well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of the Indian startup ecosystem.

Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, has announced a strategic investment of INR 8.3 crore (approximately $1 million) in 4baseCare, a promising healthcare deep-tech firm specializing in precision oncology solutions. This investment underscores Infosys’ commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address critical healthcare challenges.

About 4baseCare

Founded in 2018 by Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi, 4baseCare focuses on utilizing advanced genomics and clinical data to personalize cancer treatment. The firm employs AI and analytics to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and drug discovery. Their unique approach includes the development of comprehensive genomic panels that enable oncologists to select optimal targeted therapies for patients.

Precision Oncology Solutions

4baseCare’s precision oncology solutions are designed to:

• Enhance Cancer Diagnosis: By integrating diverse genomic data, the platform allows for more accurate identification of cancer types and stages.
• Personalize Treatment Plans: Utilizing AI-driven insights, the startup aims to tailor treatment strategies based on individual patient profiles.
• Accelerate Drug Discovery: The data-driven approach helps streamline the development of new cancer therapies.

Strategic Alignment with Infosys

Infosys’ investment in 4baseCare aligns with its broader strategy to foster innovation and drive digital transformation within the healthcare industry. By partnering with 4baseCare, Infosys aims to enhance its offerings and provide advanced solutions to its clients in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Expected Benefits of the Investment

The investment will enable Infosys to tap into 4baseCare’s expertise in precision oncology, allowing it to:

• Develop innovative healthcare solutions that can improve patient outcomes.
• Leverage advanced analytics to reduce healthcare costs through more effective treatments.
• Enhance its portfolio of services aimed at healthcare providers and institutions.

Future Prospects

This strategic move comes at a time when the Indian healthtech startup ecosystem is gaining momentum. Despite facing challenges in fundraising—having raised only $7 billion across 886 deals from 2014 to mid-2024—the sector is witnessing increased interest from investors seeking innovative solutions to pressing healthcare issues.

In recent months, 4baseCare has also made headlines by raising $6 million in its Series A funding round led by Yali Capital, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its potential.

Conclusion

Infosys’ investment in 4baseCare represents a significant step toward enhancing its capabilities in the healthcare sector, particularly in precision oncology. By combining Infosys’ technological prowess with 4baseCare’s innovative solutions, this partnership is poised to make a meaningful impact on cancer treatment and patient care. As both companies work together to advance healthcare technology, they are likely to contribute significantly to improving health outcomes and driving efficiencies within the industry.

The US tourism industry is experiencing a welcome boost thanks to a surge in Indian visitors. This increase comes at a time when domestic leisure spending is dipping and travel demand from East Asia remains sluggish, highlighting the significance of Indian tourists in revitalizing the sector.

Numbers Speak for Themselves

Nearly 1.9 million Indian tourists visited the US in the first ten months of 2024, marking a nearly 48% increase compared to 2019. This upswing is fueled by a 50% jump in visas issued for business travel and a 43.5% rise for leisure trips, according to the US National Trade and Tourism Office (NTTO). Notably, India has emerged as the second-largest source of foreign visitors to the United States, surpassing Germany and trailing only behind the UK.

Factors Driving the Boom

Several factors are contributing to this surge in Indian travel:

• Growing Middle Class: India’s burgeoning middle class is increasingly able to afford international travel, leading to higher travel budgets.
• Increased Flight Options: The availability of more direct flights between India and the US has made travel more accessible.
• Changing Travel Preferences: While wealthy travelers from East Asian countries have opted for shorter trips within Asia, Indian tourists are exploring long-haul destinations like the US.

In stark contrast, visitor volumes from East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea have significantly decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels, with declines of 44.5%, 50.8%, and 23.9%, respectively.

Filling the Void

While European tourists are gradually returning to the US, overall visitor numbers from major European countries like the UK, Germany, and France have not yet reached 2019 levels. This has left a gap in the US tourism industry that Indian travelers are now helping to fill.

Laura Lee Blake, CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, stated, “Indian travelers are playing a crucial role in reviving the industry. Their interest in exploring beyond major cities is spreading economic benefits across more destinations.” Budget and mid-scale hotels are particularly popular with Indian tourists, with some properties offering amenities that cater specifically to their preferences—such as chai and samosas in the lobby and Indian TV channels in guest rooms.

A Trend on the Rise

Travel booking platform Tripadvisor’s Viator brand reports a surge in US bookings by Indian travelers, jumping over 50% in 2024 and tripling compared to pre-pandemic levels. Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, Dave Stephenson, confirmed this trend: “We’ve seen nights booked by Indians traveling to the US increase by over 45% in the past three years.”

The scheduled flight capacity between India and the US has also risen significantly—up 42.3% in 2024 compared to 2019—further facilitating this growth.

Looking Ahead

The outlook for the US tourism industry appears promising as it adapts to changing global travel dynamics. Grzegorz Kowalski, CEO of hotel booking platform Tripoffice.com, anticipates “growth in occupancy rates and revenue driven by a younger, experience-driven audience from India” in 2025. As hotels and travel companies continue to cater to Indian preferences and expand their offerings, they are well-positioned to capitalize on this influx of visitors.

Conclusion

The surge of Indian tourists is not only filling gaps left by declining visitor numbers from other regions but also revitalizing the US tourism industry as a whole. With increased flight capacities and tailored experiences for Indian travelers, this trend is likely to continue shaping the landscape of international tourism in the United States for years to come. As both countries strengthen their ties through increased travel opportunities, Indian visitors will play an increasingly vital role in supporting economic growth across various sectors within the US.