Marwari Catalysts (MCats), the Jodhpur-based startup accelerator often described as one of India’s fastest-growing, has unveiled plans to create a ₹4,000 crore (approximately USD 500 million) impact-focused portfolio by 2027. This initiative, backed by more than 150 co-investors, several family offices, and over 200 global mentors, marks a pivotal step in MCats’ expansion into international hubs such as Dubai and Singapore.
“We believe valuations shouldn’t eclipse values,” said Sushil Sharma, founder of Marwari Catalysts. “This fund is our blueprint for a more resilient and inclusive India. Success isn’t just about unicorns; it’s about building companies that improve lives and create lasting social change.”
Marwari Catalysts Driving Impact Across India
Marwari Catalysts, since it’s opening in 2019, has already supported more than 100 early-stage ventures in India, helping create over 5,000 jobs. Approximately 35% of the portfolio companies are female-led or co-led, and many other female leaders hold senior roles in these ventures. This systemic representation reflects MCats values and mission of diversity and inclusion.
, since it’s opening in 2019, has already supported more than 100 early-stage ventures in India, helping create over 5,000 jobs. Approximately 35% of the portfolio companies are female-led or co-led, and many other female leaders hold senior roles in these ventures. This systemic representation reflects MCats values and mission of diversity and inclusion.
The accelerator aligns its work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advance returns both financially and socially.
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Focus on Sustainable Development Goals
Marwari Catalysts’ investment strategy directly supports multiple SDGs, including:
- Good Health & Well-Being (SDG 3): Investments in healthcare ventures such as Pratap IVF, Sarathi Healthcare, and AI-driven platforms like Onedose aim to increase access to affordable and high-quality healthcare.
- Quality Education (SDG 4): Edtech ventures like Indian Map Service, Learn & Build, and Tutedude are bridging learning gaps, while the MCats Foundation offers training programs for rural students and women to enhance employability.
- Gender Equality (SDG 5): Nearly one-third of its startups are women-led, including ventures such as Book Cafe, Fresh Woof, Nuskha Kitchen, and First Crack, highlighting MCats’ commitment to empowering female founders.
- Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8): By backing startups in Tier II and Tier III cities, such as Jodhpur, Raipur, and Ajmer, MCats creates jobs locally, reducing migration pressures on metropolitan areas.
- Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure (SDG 9): Startups like TURMS, PropFTX, Freshokartz, and Work Affair are building solutions across fintech, agritech, and sustainable infrastructure, positioning India for future-ready growth.
- Sustainable Cities & Communities (SDG 11): MCats fosters ventures that tackle urban challenges, promote clean energy, and strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship, including initiatives like Startup Chaupal and Startpreneur.
Lavender Singh Rathore, founder of Sarathi Healthcare, praised MCats’ approach: “Their guidance and network have enabled us to bring high-quality healthcare directly to patients’ homes, this is a partnership built on purpose, not just profit.”
Programs and Global Expansion
At the heart of Marwari Catalysts’ impact journey is its flagship accelerator program, Thrive. The program provides a multi-month mentorship framework that includes:
- Initial investments of up to ₹25 lakh, with potential follow-on commitments of ₹75 lakh.
- Strategic guidance in refining business models, investor engagement, and growth planning.
- Long-term support in marketing, branding, legal frameworks, and fundraising beyond the acceleration phase.
In addition to Thrive, the Startpreneur Program concentrates on developing entrepreneurial talent from an academic point of view. The program provides mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, access to government grants, and structured startup building tools to further foster innovation on campuses across India.
The fund’s launch coincides with MCats expanding internationally through its two trading hubs into global capital and markets in Dubai and Singapore. While MCats values the global expansion of Indian startups, it aspires to provide growth capital to startups with cross-border potential as well as local impact.
Redefining Success in Venture Capital
MCats has only been around six years, but now it is undoubtedly a leader in purpose-led entrepreneurship market in India. The company’s scaling strategy embodies a willingness to invest in underrepresented markets, support female-led enterprises, and finance companies that promote social change and economic sustainability.
The ₹4,000crore impact fund is not simply an opportunity to scale startups; it is a chance to redefine the narrative of what success means in venture capital. Instead of measuring success by “unicorns,” MCats is working towards growing a “herd of zebras,” which represent startups that provide ethical, sustainable social change.
Through its impact fund, MCats is establishing a new baseline in India’s venture ecosystem by demonstrating that social good and strong financial returns can, and should, coexist. The accelerator aims to build an inclusive and sustainable economy by 2027 with a portfolio that scales new innovation and few measurable outcomes towards social good.
