Suzuki Motor Corporation will invest $200 million in a second fund set up by Next Bharat Ventures, its wholly owned subsidiary in India, to support businesses working on social challenges.

The new vehicle, called Next Bharat Venture Fund-2, will build on the company’s earlier impact investment programme in India, which focused on areas including agriculture, financial inclusion, supply chains and mobility.

Suzuki said the fund will accelerate its efforts to connect with communities in India beyond the mobility sector and contribute to the country’s wider development.

Next Bharat Ventures was set up to back social entrepreneurs building businesses for rural and underserved markets. Its first fund, launched in July 2024 with a $40 million investment from Suzuki, has invested in and supported 15 companies, mainly in agriculture and food processing.

The company also runs the Next Bharat Residency programme, which is aimed at impact entrepreneurs working to increase incomes in India’s informal and rural economies. The programme offers selected founders access to funding, mentorship, peer networks and market-access opportunities through Suzuki’s partnerships in India and Japan.

Toshihiro Suzuki, representative director and president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, said the company wanted to expand its relationship with India beyond automobiles and motorcycles.

“Suzuki will establish connections with the next billion people beyond the mobility sector,” he said.

The company said the initiative was aligned with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, which aims to make the country a developed nation by the 100th anniversary of independence.

Next Bharat Venture Fund-2 is managed by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited.