 "Indian Angel Network's investments in startups rise 75% in 2014")
Reflecting a growing interest in startups, the Indian Angel Network (IAN) made investments worth Rs 70 crore in 2014, 75% more than the Rs 40 crore in 2013.
The number of investments made by the network also rose to 29 in 2014 from 18 in the previous year.
The number of investments made by the network also rose to 29 in 2014 from 18 in the previous year.
In 2014, IAN invested in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, retail, insurance, pharma, clean technology, internet, social marketplace, warranty, internet of things, spa chains and mobile industry.
Started in 2006, IAN is one of the largest angel networks in Asia with over 300 individual investors. The network provides investments to early stage startups across several sectors. While IAN’s investments include sectors like healthcare and lifestyle, technology startups make for a large part of its portfolio.
IAN’s portfolio includes some mature-stage Indian startups like Druva and Uniphore, and hospitality startups like Stayzilla and Hungryzone.
Additionally, the total number of investments raised by IAN’s portfolio companies in subsequent rounds of funding rose to Rs 190 crore in 2014 from Rs 185 crore in 2013.
“Founders of IAN portfolio companies have done us proud this year. Hockey Stick growth curves seem to be the norm and the best in breed VCs have picked up on our portfolio companies,” IAN said in a statement. “And while valuations of IAN Investor holdings have grown multi-fold, six companies raised next rounds and some even provided cash exits to investors while holding on to ride for the upside. On the valuations by external investors, these companies averaged valuations of 10 times to IAN's seed investment.”