Venture Capital Must Evolve Beyond Traditional Fund Cycles to Unlock India’s Deep-Tech Potential: Equirus InnovateX Fund

Venture Capital Must Evolve Beyond Traditional Fund Cycles to Unlock India’s Deep-Tech Potential: Equirus InnovateX Fund

Long-cycle innovation in AI, semiconductors, defence, space and advanced manufacturing calls for patient capital and new investment models

Mumbai, July 19: As India’s deep-tech ecosystem enters its next phase of growth, traditional venture capital models built around rapid scaling and quick exits are becoming increasingly incompatible with the realities of science-led innovation, according to Equirus InnovateX Fund.

Commenting on the evolving investment landscape, Sadhika Agarwal, Lead – Investments, Equirus InnovateX Fund, said that India’s emergence as a global innovation hub across artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, defence, space technology and biotechnology is compelling venture investors to fundamentally rethink how capital is structured and deployed.

“India’s next generation of technology leaders will not be built on the timelines that defined consumer internet or SaaS businesses. Deep-tech ventures require patient, conviction-led capital that aligns with longer product development cycles, regulatory milestones and manufacturing scale-up. The venture capital industry must evolve from rewarding speed to enabling enduring innovation,” Agarwal said.

India’s deep-tech ecosystem has witnessed significant momentum in recent years, attracting over US$28 billion in investments since 2016. However, unlike software-led businesses, deep-tech companies often spend years validating technologies, developing intellectual property, navigating regulatory approvals and establishing manufacturing capabilities before achieving commercial scale.

According to Agarwal, forcing such businesses into conventional five-to-seven-year venture capital cycles can lead to premature scaling, short-term decision-making and erosion of long-term competitive advantage.

“These companies are creating foundational technologies that can define industries for decades. Success cannot be measured purely by near-term revenue milestones. Investors increasingly recognise that intellectual property, technological defensibility and execution capability are stronger indicators of long-term value creation,” she added.

The changing nature of innovation is also reshaping investor behaviour globally. Institutional investors with longer investment horizons including sovereign wealth funds, family offices and university endowments are showing greater willingness to back deep-tech focused funds that prioritise technology compounding over rapid mark-ups.

Venture funds are also adopting more flexible investment structures such as continuation vehicles, evergreen funds and blended capital pools that enable longer holding periods while maintaining portfolio discipline. Additionally, strategic corporate investors are playing an increasingly important role by providing domain expertise, commercial partnerships and market validation alongside capital.

India’s policy ecosystem is further strengthening investor confidence through initiatives such as the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, IN-SPACe, iDEX, Make in India, and defence modernisation programmes, which are accelerating private investment into strategic technology sectors.

“Deep-tech investing requires a new partnership between founders and investors. Entrepreneurs are looking beyond capital to investors who understand technology development, regulatory pathways and commercialisation journeys. The funds that adapt to this new reality will be best positioned to generate sustainable returns while helping build India’s next generation of globally competitive technology companies,” she pointed out.

Several venture investors are already redesigning their portfolio strategies by balancing long-horizon deep-tech investments with businesses that have relatively shorter commercialisation cycles, enabling funds to manage liquidity while continuing to support breakthrough innovation.

HIPLEX 2026 Roadshow Held in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, July 19, 2026: The roadshow for HIPLEX 2026, India’s third largest plastics exhibition, was held on Saturday evening at ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad, setting the stage for one of the country’s biggest plastics industry events.

The roadshow was inaugurated by Dhannarapu Srinivas Gupta, Superintendent of Police – Vigilance & Enforcement.

Organised by the Telangana and Andhra Plastics Manufacturers Association (TAAPMA), HIPLEX 2026 will be held from August 7 to 10, 2026, at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The triennial international exhibition is being organised with the support of the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India; Government of Telangana; CIPET, and other industry partners.

More than 500 exhibitors are expected to participate, while over 50,000 business visitors, including manufacturers, technology providers, buyers, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs from India and abroad, are expected to visit the four-day exhibition.

Themed “The Rise of Atmanirbhar & Viksit Bharat in Amrit Kaal: Invest to Transform,” HIPLEX 2026 will showcase cutting-edge machinery, raw materials, processing technologies, recycling solutions, automation, sustainability initiatives and finished products across the entire plastics value chain.

Addressing the gathering, Dhannarapu Srinivas Gupta said that plastics are often viewed only through the lens of pollution, whereas modern life and industry are deeply dependent on them.

The challenge before us is not to eliminate plastics but to use them responsibly, recycle them effectively and build a sustainable circular economy.”

He said the plastics sector is one of India’s major employment generators.

Nearly 40,000 manufacturing units provide livelihoods to around 18 lakh people. While plastics are frequently blamed for pollution, it is equally true that no modern industry or household can function without them. Responsible use and scientific waste management—not rejection—is the way forward.”

Emphasising sustainable practices, he added: Plastics are not the problem; irresponsible disposal is. Plastics have transformed healthcare, agriculture, packaging, infrastructure and manufacturing. Our responsibility is to ensure every plastic product is collected, recycled and reused.”

He further observed from hospitals to automobiles, and from agriculture to aerospace, plastics are indispensable. The real debate should not be ‘plastics versus environment’ but how we make plastics part of a sustainable future through innovation, recycling and responsible consumption.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Meela Jayadev, Convener, HIPLEX 2026, said the plastics industry continues to be a key driver of India’s manufacturing growth.

He noted that South India offers a large pool of skilled manpower, while Telangana has emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing economies, with its per capita income doubling and Gross State Domestic Product nearly tripling over the past twelve years, making the state an attractive destination for manufacturing investments.

Highlighting the growth of HIPLEX, he said the previous edition in 2023 featured 480 exhibitors, attracted over 41,600 business visitors, and occupied 17,000 square metres of exhibition space. Building on that success, HIPLEX 2026 has expanded to 26,000 square metres, making it the largest edition in the event’s history.

HIPLEX 2026 is more than an exhibition; it is a platform that brings together innovation, investment, sustainability and business opportunities under one roof. As India’s plastics industry moves towards a circular economy and greater self-reliance, HIPLEX will showcase the technologies and partnerships that will shape the future of manufacturing, said Narendra Baldwa, President, TAAPMA

One of the major attractions will be the Recycling Pavilion, which will demonstrate the circular economy in action, including how 25 discarded plastic bottles can be converted into a T-shirt. Visitors will also witness innovative applications of recycled plastics, including plastic roads, railway sleepers, bricks, benches, bus shelters and houses.

The exhibition will feature live demonstrations of plastics processing machinery, interactive knowledge sessions, business networking opportunities, investment facilitation, technology partnerships and concurrent industry events.

The exhibition profile includes plastics processing machinery, moulds and dies, raw materials, specialty chemicals, masterbatches, printing and packaging solutions, testing equipment, research and development, post-processing technologies and finished plastic products.

Participants and visitors will represent diverse sectors such as packaging, automotive, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, consumer goods and industrial manufacturing.

With its strong industrial ecosystem, progressive policies, world-class infrastructure and strategic location, Hyderabad has emerged as one of South India’s leading hubs for the plastics and polymer industry. HIPLEX 2026 is expected to generate significant business opportunities, foster collaborations and accelerate technology adoption across the sector.

Industry stakeholders, manufacturers, traders, technology providers, investors and professionals are invited to participate in HIPLEX 2026 and explore new avenues for growth, innovation and sustainability.

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Bharat Tex 2026 Boosts India’s Textile Ambitions with INR 14,300 Crore Investment Pledges

New Delhi, July 18: Bharat Tex 2026 has emerged as a major global platform for India’s textile and apparel industry, attracting investment commitments worth ₹14,300 crore and strengthening the country’s position as a preferred destination for textile manufacturing and sourcing.

The international textile exhibition brought together leading industry stakeholders, global buyers, manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, and innovators, showcasing India’s capabilities across the entire textile value chain — from fibres and yarns to fabrics, garments, technical textiles, and traditional crafts.

The event witnessed strong global participation, with exhibitors and buyers from several countries engaging in business discussions, partnerships, and investment opportunities. The commitments announced during the event reflect growing confidence in India’s textile ecosystem and its potential for sustainable growth.

A key focus of Bharat Tex 2026 was promoting innovation, sustainability, circular textiles, advanced manufacturing, and technology-driven solutions. The exhibition highlighted India’s efforts to expand its global textile footprint while supporting MSMEs, artisans, startups, and large-scale manufacturers.

Industry leaders said the investment announcements mark a significant step towards strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing India’s competitiveness in global textile markets.

With substantial investment interest and international engagement, Bharat Tex 2026 has reinforced India’s vision of becoming a global hub for textile production, innovation, and sustainable sourcing.

Gold, Silver Outlook Turns Cautious Amid Global Market Uncertainty

Mumbai, July 18: Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) may see further movement toward the ₹1.39 lakh support level as global uncertainty continues to influence precious metal markets, according to analysts.

Market experts said changing global economic conditions, currency trends, and investor sentiment are playing a key role in shaping gold and silver prices. While gold continues to remain a preferred investment option during uncertain times, short-term fluctuations are expected.

Silver prices have also come under pressure, with analysts maintaining a cautious outlook due to weak global cues and market volatility.

Investors are closely monitoring key price levels and international developments to assess the future direction of precious metals. Despite near-term challenges, gold and silver continue to remain important assets for investors seeking stability during uncertain market conditions.