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Marwari Catalysts, who got its first SEBI-approved Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) CAT 1 Fund in 2024, is all prepared to launch its second fund in 2025, which will be much larger and will also have a larger focus.
NEW DELHI: Startup accelerator Marwari Catalysts, who got its first SEBI-approved Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) CAT 1 Fund in 2024, is all prepared to launch its second fund in 2025, which will be much larger and will also have a larger focus.
Marwari Catalysts (Mcats) is also planning to establish a physical presence in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi (GCC MENA region) and either Singapore or Malaysia (Southeast Asia).
Nikhil Gupta, Director of Strategy & Alliances and Fund Manager of Mcats said, “We already have our venture builders from the Silicon Valley area in the US, GCC MENA region covering the areas like Dubai and Doha, we have our venture builders in the Southeast Asian market of Malaysia and Singapore, and also in Japan. Also, as a step beginning 2025, Marwari Catalysts will have its physical presence in the GCC MENA region, either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and likewise in the Southeast Asian market, it could be either Singapore or Malaysia.”
“We wish to strengthen this further, so we are looking to associate with reputable global partners to jointly run accelerator programs and to conduct exchange programs between companies from India to that region and vice versa,” he added.
Given the demand from mid-sized and large corporates, syndicates, and academia, both in India and globally, Mcats plans to run joint accelerator programs, with 50% of future cohorts being collaborative initiatives.
Talking about any sector in particular, Gupta said, “The company focuses on emerging sectors such as DeepTech, AI, Cybersecurity, Social Impact, Media-Tech, Hospitality, PropTech, EV & Mobility, and more. In 2025, Mcats plans to work closely with academia to establish and manage Centers of Excellence globally. Additionally, Mcats also launched an accelerator program for women-led startups in partnership with SNDT WISE University, Mumbai.”
Marwari Catalysts is India’s fastest-growing startup accelerator. It focuses on empowering early-stage startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by connecting them with top investors, offering mentorship, and providing resources to scale their businesses.
With a community-driven approach, it boasts a 500+ Co-Founders Club, 60+ portfolio startups, 35% female founders, and 6000+ startups evaluated. It offers a SEBI-approved CAT-1 AIF to support sustainable growth and innovation outside metropolitan areas.
Through mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities, Marwari Catalysts helped startups like TURMS, Jaipur Watch Company, Nuskha Kitchen, Pratap IVF, and Insurance Padosi expand their market presence and achieve significant milestones.
For instance, Jaipur Watch Company secured ₹2.4 crore in funding through Marwari Catalysts, enabling substantial growth and brand recognition.
Similarly, TURMS, a functional clothing brand utilizing nanotechnology, has expanded its product offerings and market reach with the accelerator’s support.
TURMS, Jaipur Watch Company, and Nuskha Kitchen even made it to Shark Tank with the help of Marwari Catalysts.
Marwari Catalysts’ flagship event, Startup Xchange, is Rajasthan’s largest startup gathering, bringing together industrialists, venture capitalists, angel investors, family offices, and educators globally.
Gupta shares about the success of the initiative, “Initially starting with the Jodhpur and Rajasthan Startup Meetups, it has become a key platform for business growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. At Startup Xchange 4.0, ten startups secured ₹12 crore in funding, with over 2,000 attendees and 50 showcased startups. The event fosters collaboration, bridging the gap between emerging startups and investors, and driving sustainable success in underserved regions.”
Marwari Catalysts’ long-term vision is to drive transformation in the startup ecosystem by nurturing early-stage ventures into scalable businesses. Focusing on accelerating growth from 10x to 100x, the organization aims to tap into untapped markets, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. By connecting entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a strong network of investors and industry leaders, Marwari Catalysts seeks to create a thriving ecosystem where startups can succeed and grow.
Nikhil Gupta is the Fund Manager for Marwari Catalysts AIF and also the Director of Strategy & Alliances at both the Principal level and for portfolio companies. He has over two decades of rich experience across the startup ecosystem, alternative investment funds (AIFs), family offices, advisory, banking, and wealth management, He specialises in fundraising, business strategy, sales & marketing, business development, and distribution channel management.
