Aavishkaar Capital, a leading impact investment firm, has partnered with Jamwant Ventures to launch a Rs 500 crore defence technology fund aimed at fostering innovation and self-reliance in India’s defence sector. The newly launched fund, Jamwant Ventures Fund 2, will focus exclusively on deep tech with defence use cases, including new materials, autonomous systems (such as drones and underwater robotics), cybersecurity, sensors, and communication technologies.
The partnership brings together Jamwant Ventures’ domain expertise, founded by retired naval officers with deep operational expertise, and Aavishkaar Capital’s institutional investment acumen. This collaboration creates a unique platform dedicated to scaling indigenous defence technologies.
DMD Advocates is advising Aavishkaar Capital on this strategic partnership. The DMD team is being led by Pallavi Puri, Partner, along with Aishwarya Gupta, Senior Associate, and Arnav Mithal, Associate, with strategic inputs from Rashi Dhir, Senior Partner & Head of Corporate.
“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative initiative,” said Pallavi Puri. “This partnership not only underscores the importance of innovation in the defence sector but also highlights the critical role of impact investing in driving technological advancements.”
Jamwant Ventures Fund 2 aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical defence applications, fostering a robust ecosystem for indigenous defence technologies. By focusing on deep tech, the fund seeks to address critical defence challenges and enhance India’s self-sufficiency in advanced military capabilities.
“The defence sector is ripe for innovation, and this fund represents a significant step towards achieving self-reliance,” said a spokesperson from Aavishkaar Capital. “Our collaboration with Jamwant Ventures leverages their operational expertise and our investment experience to create a formidable platform for defence technology innovation.”
The fund’s focus on autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and advanced materials aligns with the growing global emphasis on next-generation defence technologies. This initiative is expected to catalyse the development of indigenous solutions that can compete on a global scale, thereby reducing dependency on foreign technology.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Aavishkaar Capital,” said a representative from Jamwant Ventures. “Our combined strengths will drive meaningful advancements in defence technology, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of innovation and security.”
This partnership not only underscores the importance of innovation in the defence sector but also highlights the critical role of impact investing in driving technological advancements. By fostering a robust ecosystem for indigenous defence technologies, the fund aims to catalyse the development of solutions that can compete globally, thereby reducing dependency on foreign technology and enhancing India’s strategic capabilities.