In a significant boost to India's entrepreneurial landscape, four high-growth startups have secured funding totaling Rs 30 crore during the JITO Shark Angels Pitch & Rise session at the recently concluded JIIF Flames Summit in Chennai.
The funding round was led by prominent investors, including Madanlal Gundecha (former chairman of the Madras Hire Purchase Association), Abhishek Sanghvi (founder of Ecosystem Ventures), Kiran Dantewadia (CEO of Millennium Papier (India) Pvt. Ltd.), and Rajesh Jain (CEO of Futura Lights).
Strategic Investment in D2C Consumer Tech
The investment was strategically allocated to the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) consumer tech sector, with a focus on smart technology and sustainability. These funds aim to accelerate innovation and strengthen India's business landscape by backing ventures with significant growth potential.
Jeenendra Bhandari, chairman of JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation (JIIF), emphasized the importance of timely investments, stating, “Investing in the right businesses at the right time is crucial for long-term success. The JITO Shark Angels initiative reflects our commitment to identifying and nurturing enterprises aligned with sustainable and scalable growth models.”
Highlights from the JIIF Flames Summit
The JIIF Flames Summit served as a platform for discussions on investment trends, family business governance, and emerging market opportunities. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including pre-IPO investments, the stock market, real estate, and gold, alongside insights into how Budget 2025 might influence business decisions.
Mitesh Bhandari, a key figure at JIIF, lauded the event's success, stating, “FLAMES 2025 in Chennai delivered maximum knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities. The success of JITO Shark Angels securing Rs 30 crore in investments reflects our community's strength and trust in innovative ventures.” He also acknowledged the leadership of JITO Chennai chairmen Rajesh Chandan and Pramod Chordia in making the event a grand success.
Upcoming Initiatives
Building on this momentum, JIIF is set to host its next FLAMES Summit in Bengaluru, further expanding its efforts to empower entrepreneurs nationwide. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between JIIF and Startup Singam is in the pipeline and will be aired on Star Vijay.
About JITO and JIIF
The Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) is a global body of visionary Jain business leaders, industrialists, professionals, and entrepreneurs working together for economic empowerment, social upliftment, and education. The JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) is the innovation and entrepreneurship arm of JITO, dedicated to nurturing ideas and helping businesses flourish among its members. It provides startups and established enterprises with strategic support, mentorship, and funding opportunities through incubation programs, investment summits, and collective initiatives.
Our Opinion on the News
The JITO Shark Angels initiative demonstrates the increasing role of community-driven investment in shaping India’s startup landscape. By focusing on sustainability and smart technology, the fund aligns with broader market trends. Moreover, the success of the Flames Summit underscores the growing interest in structured investment discussions and industry networking, setting a positive precedent for future entrepreneurial support in India.