Razorpay Partners with Peak XV, Lightspeed to Empower B2B Startups

Razorpay, a prominent Indian payments company, has introduced an innovative venture investment program in partnership with Peak XV Partners and Lightspeed. The initiative is tailored to empower early-stage B2B startups in India, offering both funding and invaluable mentorship. This program reflects Razorpay’s commitment to fostering innovation in India's B2B sector, targeting high-potential startups and helping them establish strong foundations in their industries.

Investment Plans and Financial Support

The investment program is designed to fund 10-15 startups each year, with investments reaching up to $1 million per startup. This substantial support is intended to provide startups with the capital they need to scale their operations and enhance their offerings in a competitive market. The funding comes directly from Razorpay’s own balance sheet, supplemented by equal contributions from Peak XV Partners and Lightspeed, signifying a collaborative approach toward nurturing B2B innovation.

Additional Benefits Beyond Capital

Razorpay’s program goes beyond just monetary support, recognizing that startups need more than funds to thrive. Each selected startup will receive tailored mentorship from Razorpay’s leadership team, including direct involvement and guidance from the company’s founders. The startups will also have exclusive access to Razorpay’s API stack and the opportunity for custom integrations with Razorpay’s technology platform, enabling them to leverage advanced payment solutions seamlessly within their own products and services.

Market Access and the Razorpay Rize Network

An integral part of the program is granting startups entry into the Razorpay Rize network, which includes a vibrant community of over 3,000 founders and businesses. This network will offer startups valuable market access, networking opportunities, and insights from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. By joining the Rize community, startups can accelerate their growth through collaborations and partnerships within a supportive ecosystem of like-minded professionals.

Razorpay's Vision for the B2B Sector

Harshil Mathur, Razorpay’s co-founder and CEO, emphasized the unique challenges faced by B2B startups and expressed the company’s desire to provide a comprehensive support system. Mathur highlighted that his own experience in building Razorpay shaped his understanding of the needs of early-stage founders. This program is designed to offer more than just financial backing—it aims to simplify the entrepreneurial journey for founders by providing the tools, mentorship, and resources essential for growth.

Insights from Peak XV and Lightspeed

Key partners in this program, Peak XV and Lightspeed, are optimistic about the impact this initiative will have on India’s SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) landscape. Ishaan Mittal from Peak XV and Dev Khare from Lightspeed praised the initiative, noting that Razorpay’s established payment infrastructure and SME network will serve as invaluable resources for startups. With these partnerships, the program aims to drive innovation in sectors such as fintech, retail, healthcare, and mobility by enhancing the support system for B2B startups.

Focus on Diverse Sectors and Stages of Growth

Led by Vishnu Acharya, Razorpay's Head of Strategy and Corporate Development, the program targets startups at various stages, from pre-seed through Series A. It is open to startups in several industries, including fintech, retail, healthcare, and mobility. This broad focus ensures that diverse sectors of the economy benefit from Razorpay’s resources, creating opportunities for growth and advancement in critical areas.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of India’s B2B Startups

Razorpay’s collaboration with Peak XV and Lightspeed on this venture investment program is set to have a transformative impact on India’s B2B startup ecosystem. By providing financial support, technological integration, mentorship, and community access, Razorpay aims to nurture a new generation of startups capable of driving innovation and growth across various industries. This comprehensive approach reflects Razorpay’s dedication to advancing India's business landscape and empowering entrepreneurs to achieve long-term success.