Jodhpur's Marwari Catalysts unveils Rs 4,000 crore Impact Fund; Founder says, 'Valuations shouldn’t...'

Marwari Catalysts (MCats), one of India’s fastest-growing startup accelerators, announced that it plans to build a Rs 4,000 crore ($500 million) impact-focused portfolio by 2027.

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The Jodhpur-based accelerator, founded in 2019, said the initiative comes as it expands its presence into Dubai and Singapore. The new portfolio will be backed by more than 150 co-investors, family offices and a network of over 200 global mentors.

“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.”

Since inception, MCats has invested in and accelerated more than 100 early-stage startups across India, generating over 5,000 jobs. About 35% of its portfolio startups are led by women co-founders, with women also holding key departmental roles.

The accelerator’s work is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through its investments and mentoring programs, MCats directly advances several SDGs:

1. Good Health & Well-being (SDG 3): Investments in fertility treatment provider Pratap IVF, elderly care or home-care innovator Sarathi Healthcare make high-quality healthcare with AI like Onedose to underserved communities.

2. Quality Education (SDG 4): Accelerator programs support edtech startups such as Indian Map Service, Learn & Build and Tutedude, while MCats Foundation’s outreach efforts equip students in rural areas and women with industry-aligned skills.

3. Gender Equality (SDG 5): Women-led businesses such as Book Cafe, Fresh Woof, Nuskha Kitchen and First Crack.

4. Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8): MCats-backed ventures have collectively created more than 5,000 jobs across Tier II and Tier III cities, reducing urban migration by offering high-quality employment in locations such as Jodhpur, Ajmer, Nasik, Udaipur, Sikar, Surat and Raipur.

5. Industry and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Startups like TURMS, PropFTX, Freshokartz and Work Affair working across fintech, agritech and sustainability.

6. Sustainable Cities & Communities (SDG 11): Initiatives like Startup Chaupal and Startpreneur nurture local talent, while ventures focusing on clean energy and digital access address city-level challenges.