Avendus Launches New Fund to Deepen Startup Ties

· Avendus, a prominent Indian investment bank, is creating a new private equity fund named Future Leaders Fund III.

· This fund targets raising $350 million, enabling Avendus to invest larger amounts in startups they support.

· The fund aims to maintain significant stakes in these companies for better returns.

· Avendus seeks to diversify their exit strategy beyond just IPOs by selling shares to late-stage investors like sovereign funds.

Leveraging Relationships and Early Entry

· This strategy strengthens Avendus' presence in India's startup ecosystem.

· Their strong network built with local entrepreneurs provides a significant advantage.

· Avendus capitalized on the initial gap when global giants weren't focused on the Indian market, establishing themselves as a leading advisor.

Avendus' Established Role

· Their consistent involvement in growth-stage deals (over 30 last year) reflects their expertise.

· Some startups (Juspay, Zeta) have chosen Avendus exclusively for their funding rounds, highlighting their trust.