Ben Madilynn
Known for his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, Tata was instrumental in nurturing numerous startups that have reshaped sectors from e-commerce to healthcare and mobility. His contributions to the business world and support for emerging businesses not only propelled their growth but also fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship across the nation.
As the world mourns his passing, here’s a look at some of the impactful ventures he championed:
Goodfellows
In 2022, Ratan Tata made a notable undisclosed seed investment in Goodfellows, a startup aimed at fostering inter-generational friendships. Founded by Shantanu Naidu, who also manages Tata’s office, the initiative seeks to connect individuals over 70 with empathetic companions in their twenties. During its launch, Tata emphasised the importance of companionship, reflecting on the loneliness that often accompanies aging. Goodfellows initially operated in Mumbai, engaging 20 seniors, and is set to expand to cities like Chennai, Pune, and Bengaluru.
GOQii
Tata invested in GOQii in 2016 during the Series C funding round, recognising the startup’s innovative approach to health and wellness. GOQii focuses on wearable fitness devices and personalised health management solutions. Tata’s backing not only provided essential funding but also elevated the startup’s credibility, helping it expand its user base in the fitness solutions market.
Generic Aadhar
In 2019, Tata invested in Generic Aadhar, a startup dedicated to making healthcare more affordable. His support was driven by the company’s mission to provide quality generic medicines at significantly lower prices. Tata’s investment has helped increase the company’s visibility and expand operations, making essential medications accessible to a larger population.
Dog Spot
Ratan Tata became an investor in Dog Spot in 2016, drawn by the startup’s vision of fostering a community for pet lovers. His support helped Dog Spot grow its platform for pet services, grooming, training, and a marketplace for pet products, establishing it as a leading platform for dog owners in India.
Cure.fit
Cure.fit, a pioneering health and fitness startup, received substantial backing, including $170 million from investors like Tata. Encompassing fitness centres, food delivery services, healthcare clinics, and an online mental wellness platform, Cure.fit’s holistic approach to health positioned it as a leader in the comprehensive health solutions market.
Zivame
In 2015, Tata made a strategic investment in Zivame, an online lingerie retailer. Although the investment amount was undisclosed, Tata’s involvement helped Zivame enhance its technology and customer outreach, cementing its position as a leader in India’s women’s intimate wear market.
Ola Electric
Ratan Tata’s relationship with Ola began in 2015 with a ₹95 lakh investment in the ride-hailing service. In 2019, he invested in Ola Electric Mobility during its Series A funding round, supporting its efforts to revolutionise electric mobility in India. His backing through RNT Capital Advisors, which included a ₹400 crore commitment, underscored Tata’s dedication to innovative solutions in transportation.
Snapdeal
Tata ventured into the e-commerce realm in 2014 by acquiring a 0.17% stake in Snapdeal with an investment of less than ₹5 crore. His support during a pivotal phase helped maintain Snapdeal’s competitive edge in the rapidly growing Indian e-commerce sector.
YourStory
YourStory, founded by Shradha Sharma, became the first platform to receive investment from Tata. The media organisation focuses on telling the stories of young entrepreneurs. Tata’s endorsement has helped YourStory become a vital voice in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting innovation and collaboration among startups.
Lenskart
In 2016, Tata invested ₹10 lakh in Lenskart, an online retailer specialising in eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. His investment yielded a 28x return when he exited the company. Tata’s involvement was key to Lenskart’s growth and success in the Indian market.
NestAway
Tata invested in NestAway Technologies in 2016, a home rental startup providing furnished accommodations for young professionals. Though NestAway’s valuation declined following the COVID-19 pandemic, Tata’s early support helped the startup expand rapidly in its initial years.
Lybrate
Tata invested $10.2 million in Lybrate, an online healthcare startup, during its Series A funding round in 2015. Lybrate connects patients with doctors and aims to reduce self-medication in India. Tata’s backing helped scale the company’s operations and improve its technology, before it was acquired by Pristyn Care in 2022.
ClimaCell
Tata participated in the seed funding round for ClimaCell, a Boston-based weather technology company, in 2016. ClimaCell’s hyper-local weather forecasts offer users real-time alerts, helping them prepare for changing conditions. The company’s unique technology has drawn significant attention in the field of weather prediction.
CarDekho
CarDekho, an auto search platform in India, is revolutionising the car-buying experience by offering online purchasing options. In February 2015, Ratan Tata made an undisclosed minority investment in GirnarSoft, the parent company of CarDekho, signaling the platform’s ambitions for rapid growth in the auto classifieds sector.
Holachef
Tata invested in Holachef, a food-tech startup, during its Series A financing round, helping the company establish itself in the food delivery market in Mumbai and Pune. His support was instrumental in driving the platform’s early growth and visibility in India’s competitive food-tech industry.
FirstCry
Tata’s 2016 investment in FirstCry, a kidswear startup, saw remarkable returns when the company launched its IPO in 2024. Tata’s ₹66 lakh investment surged in value to ₹3.62 crore, reflecting his ability to identify long-term potential in emerging companies.
Paytm
Tata invested ₹1 crore in Paytm in 2015, securing a position as a business advisor to its parent company, One97 Communications. His support came at a time when Paytm was evolving into India’s leading digital payments platform, a status it solidified during the 2018 demonetisation.
