Ashwin Damera
CEO & Co-founder
Emeritus
BII was the first institutional cheque in Emeritus. They helped us in expanding our online business, globally, which was a game changer for us. Having Pranjal, formerly BII’s principal and now our CFO at Emeritus, on board has been incredibly valuable.
Abhay Hanjura
Founder
Licious
BII led our Series C round in 2018. Pankaj and team were our first preference as investors, given their very strong inter-personal skills and their ability to be long term growth partners
Saahil Goel
CEO & Co-founder
Shiprocket
BII has been much more than an investor; they've been a genuine thought partner. It stood by us through every funding round and major business pivot. Today, Rohit and Pankaj are not just investors but cherished family friends.
WE ARE BERTELSMANN
INDIA INVESTMENTS
B&C
per Company
and counting
BERTELSMANN
Bertelsmann is a media, services, and education company with around 75,000 employees that operates in some 50 countries around the world. It includes the entertainment group RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the music company BMG, the services provider Arvato Group, Bertelsmann Marketing Services, the Bertelsmann Education Group ,and Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds. The company generated revenues of €19 billion in the 2024 financial year. Bertelsmann stands for creativity and entrepreneurship. This combination promotes first-class media content and innovative service solutions that inspire customers around the world.
BERTELSMANN
INVESTMENTS
Bertelsmann Investments (BI) comprises Bertelsmann's global venture capital activities as well as the Bertelsmann Next growth unit. The venture capital arm includes the funds Bertelsmann Asia Investments (BAI), Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) and Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments (BDMI), as well as selected fund and direct holdings in markets including Europe, the United States, Brazil, Southeast Asia and Africa. The Bertelsmann Next unit advances the entrepreneurial development of new growth sectors and business areas, including HR Tech, Mobile Ad Tech and Pharma Tech. To date, around €1.9 billion has been invested in about 500 innovative companies and funds through Bertelsmann Investments. Bertelsmann Investments currently holds over 370 active investments worldwide through its network of start-ups and funds.
Amount
Invested
Innovative
Companies
Active Investments
YOUR GROWTH PARTNERS
Since 2012, we’ve been more than just investors - we’re your partners in growth. BII is a sector-agnostic venture capital fund, backing game-changing companies like Eruditus, Licious, Shiprocket, Lendingkart, Letstransport and many more. We don’t just invest; we believe in building long-term relationships. That’s why we invest directly from our Balance Sheet, offering unwavering support and a shared vision for the future.
With $500 million committed over the next five years, we’re here for the long run. Our focus is on early growth-stage tech startups, spanning sectors like healthtech, fintech, agritech, edtech, and beyond. From Series A to D, we tailor our strategy to your unique journey, with initial investments from USD 2-5 million, scaling up to USD 20 million as you grow.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work alongside leading VCs and entrepreneurs, maintaining a dynamic reserve to ensure continued support for standout companies. As the strategic investment arm of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA in India, we bring a global perspective and deep expertise in the Indian startup ecosystem.
At BII, we don’t just invest in businesses—we believe in their potential, standing by founders and teams every step of the way. We are a trusted long-term partner for best-in-class entrepreneurs and investors in the global venture capital industry.
"As a venture capitalist, my greatest joy comes from working with resilient founders. I see entrepreneurs tackling tough challenges with innovation to build strong businesses step by step. Their passion and vision are what India needs, and that’s what drives me."
- Pankaj Makkar
WHY DO WE MAKE BETS? WHAT MAKES US BERTELSMANN INDIA INVESTMENTS.
OUR PORTFOLIO
Built by champion founders, Innovating to become sectoral leaders.
OUR PEOPLE
CULTIVATING SUCCESS,
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
BRUNCH LABS
BII Brunch Labs is a delectable blend of insights, anecdotes, and actionable advice from founders in a candid avatar! Discover the visionary leadership, innovative strategies, and untold stories that have transformed businesses into household names.
Pramath Sinha on building self-sustaining new-age institutions
Harshvardhan Lunia on leveraging data as the new fintech collateral
Tanmay Bhat on Viral and Influencer Marketing for Startups
ENJOY LISTENING TO PODCASTS BY CHAMPION FOUNDERS & ECOSYSTEM BUILDERS?
EMPOWERING CONNECTIONS WITH
OUR NETWORKING EVENTS
GEAR UP FOR
THE BERTELSMANN
BADMINTON
CHAMPIONSHIP
2025
INSIGHTS
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Patient Capital in an Impatient World
Bertelsmann India Investments's Pankaj Makkar and Rohit Sood on building sectoral champions, staying the course, and why Bharat is their next big bet.
Global Expansion Strategies for Indian Startups
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