Helion Venture Partners

Helion Venture Partners was a prominent India-focused venture capital firm, established in 2006 by a team of seasoned professionals including former Infosys board member Pramod Bhasin and former Wipro joint CEO P.S. Easwaran. Headquartered in Port Louis Town, Mauritius, Helion primarily focused on investing in high-growth technology-powered businesses and consumer services within the Indian market. The firm aimed to support companies from their early to mid-stages, providing capital and strategic guidance to foster their expansion.

During its active period, Helion Venture Partners successfully raised two funds, accumulating a total of approximately $600 million in capital. These funds were deployed across a diverse portfolio of Indian startups, spanning sectors such as e-commerce, software-as-a-service (SaaS), digital media, and healthcare technology. Historically, Helion's typical first cheque sizes for new investments ranged from around $2 million to $10 million, targeting promising ventures poised for significant growth. The firm was known for its hands-on approach, often taking board seats and actively collaborating with its portfolio companies to scale operations and achieve market leadership.

However, Helion Venture Partners ceased making new investments around 2016-2017. The firm reportedly struggled to raise a third fund, leading to its partners deciding to pursue individual interests. While its existing portfolio continues to be managed, Helion Venture Partners is no longer an active investor in new opportunities. This transition marked the end of an era for one of India's pioneering venture capital firms, which played a significant role in shaping the country's startup ecosystem during its decade of operation.