Did the Electronics Development Fund invest Rs 258 crore in tech startups, creating 23,600 jobs?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The EDF invested Rs 257.77 crore in tech startups.
- Over 23,600 jobs have been created in India.
- 128 startups received funding from EDF.
- The initiative focuses on advanced technology sectors.
- EDF promotes self-reliance in technology through local innovation.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (NationPress) The Electronics Development Fund (EDF) has allocated Rs 257.77 crore to eight Daughter Funds, which have successfully nurtured tech startups and facilitated the creation of over 23,600 jobs in India, as reported by the government on Saturday.
The Daughter Funds backed by EDF have invested Rs 1,335.77 crore across 128 startups and ventures, leading to the creation or acquisition of 368 intellectual properties (IPs), according to an official statement.
EDF typically holds a minority stake in each Daughter Fund, promoting increased private investment and professional management of the funds.
The startups benefiting from this initiative are engaged in cutting-edge sectors such as Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Drones, Autonomous Vehicles, HealthTech, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, positioning India as a forefront leader in technological innovation.
Of the 128 startups supported, Daughter Funds have successfully exited from 37 investments, generating returns amounting to Rs 173.88 crore.
By facilitating access to risk capital, EDF has enabled startups focusing on advanced technologies and has played a role in amplifying domestic design and intellectual property development, the government stated.
These Daughter Funds have provided essential risk capital to startups and companies working on groundbreaking technologies. Investment Managers of the Daughter Funds are granted the flexibility and authority to raise capital, make investments, and oversee portfolio performance.
The initiative aims to promote research and development in electronics, nano-electronics, and information technology by fostering market-driven and industry-led innovations.
Established on February 15, 2016, EDF's goal is to enhance research, development, and entrepreneurship within the fields of electronics, nano-electronics, and information technology.
The fund prioritizes strengthening India’s capabilities for indigenous design and development in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
Additionally, EDF aims to facilitate the acquisition of foreign technologies and companies, especially where products are heavily imported, fostering self-reliance and reducing import dependency.