The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) has established a new Investment Innovation Fund to accelerate capital flow into India’s promising waste management and circular economy sectors. The fund specifically targets small and growing businesses (SGBs) that offer innovative solutions to address waste challenges and promote resource efficiency.

ANDE invites proposals from established entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) operating in India. Successful applicants will receive funding to create, pilot, or expand programs designed to enhance these startups’ investment readiness and streamline their collaborations with interested investors.

“India’s waste and circularity sectors hold immense potential for SGBs to both drive environmental change and stimulate economic growth,” said Sucharita Kamath, ANDE South Asia Chapter’s Head. “This fund aims to bridge the gap between these impactful businesses and the investors eager to support sustainable solutions.”

Fund Details

• Application Opens: April 5th, 2024
• Deadline: May 7th, 2024
• Awards Announced: By end of June 2024
• Project Length: Up to 18 months
• Funding Amount: Up to US $100,000 per project
• Important Note: ESOs must be India-based and possess all necessary government approvals (FCRA, etc.) for receiving direct US funding

Focus on Investment Readiness and Collaboration

ANDE welcomes ESO initiatives that prepare SGBs for investment, address bottlenecks in the investment pipeline, and foster successful investor partnerships. The program emphasizes generating insights and scalable solutions that can benefit the wider SGB sector in India.