10 startups that are funded by Ratan Tata

Moneycontrol BureauRatan Tata is back again to lead the salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group. He has been appointed as interim chairman of Tata Sons.

In 2012, he stepped down as Chairman and passed the baton to Cyrus Mistry. However, things didn’t go well and Mistry was removed from the position recently. The group has appointed a selection committee to hunt for a new successor.

But, can you guess what was keeping Ratan Tata busy for all these years? It was the universe of startups that gained both attention and money from him.

Betting on big innovation, Tata, in his personal capacity, has been investing in startups, mostly internet-based. His portfolio as an angel investor is spread across e-commerce, healthcare, media and data analytics.

In most cases, the amount of the investments are undisclosed and are done through RNT Associates.

Here are 10 of the latest investments made by Ratan Tata in the startup space:

GOQii

A US-based startup that offers personalised health and wellness solutions with the help of a fitness tracker.

IdeaChakki

A food-tech startup that provides digital video menus for restaurants and allows customers to gift food and beverage experience across the world.

Kyazoonga

An online ticketing company – it enables customers to search, find and transact in a central location. It also operates as an online retail store for sports and entertainment merchandise.

MadRat Games

The company designs and produces wholesome games targeted at kids. It claims to have sold 2 lakh games since its inception in 2010.

MUrgency

A mobile app which connects people who need urgent medical help to doctors and paramedics near them. The app also alerts and shares location with family and friends.

Niki.ai

An AI-based virtual chat agent that can accept customer orders and get it fulfilled through its partnered merchants. The chat boat can be used for all sorts of daily needs like recharge, cab/hotel/flight ticket booking, laundry services, grocery ordering etc.

Lenskart

It’s an online platform which offers eyewear along with prescription lenses. The company also operates on offline model through franchisees. It claims to have 150 offline stores as of April 2016, with presence in 55 cities.

NestAway

A Banglore-based home rental startup that enables home owners to list their properties for rent and home seekers to find furnished homes to choose and book. The app also allows for reaching out for local businesses near the accommodation.

Moglix

A B2B e-commerce platform where users can buy industrial tools, including, power tools, hand tools, adhesives, etc. The company claims to have over 200 brands on board.

Bollant Industries

The company manufactures eco-friendly disposable products like corrugated products, paper cups, printed plates, and packaging films. The company employs differently-abled people and also provides customised products.