Ratan Tata's Push To Start-ups: Here Are Some Of The Names He Bet On

Beyond his significant contributions to the Tata Group, Ratan Tata was also a supportive figure for numerous startups, even when they were not yet industry leaders

Ratan Tata, one of the most loved Indian business leaders who served as chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012, passed away on Wednesday at 86. Tata was pivotal in transforming and expanding one of India's largest and most influential conglomerates during his tenure.

Beyond his significant contributions to the Tata Group, Ratan Tata was also a supportive figure for numerous startups, even when they were not yet industry leaders. He nurtured various innovative ventures, including Urban Company, CashKaro, BlueStone, CarDekho, and Tracxn, demonstrating his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in India. His legacy extends beyond corporate achievements, reflecting a deep dedication to empowering the next generation of businesses.

Here are some of the start-ups Ratan Tata supported and invested in:

Ola Cabs

Ratan Tata invested in Ola Cabs in 2015, marking a significant step in his support for emerging companies. His connection with Ola dates back to 2008 when he served as a guest speaker at co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal's convocation at IIT Bombay. Inspired by Tata's emphasis on service to the nation, Aggarwal approached him in 2015 for investment. 

Ola Electric

In 2017, Ratan Tata invested in Ola Electric, reinforcing his commitment to the electric vehicle sector. 

Paytm 

Ratan Tata’s 2015 investment in Paytm came at a pivotal moment as the company transitioned from a mobile recharge platform to a comprehensive digital payments and financial services provider. His backing provided essential capital and enhanced Paytm's credibility, helping it emerge as one of India's leading fintech companies.

Lenskart

Tata invested in Lenskart in April 2016, aligning with his broader strategy to support innovative startups. His investment provided critical funding and significantly bolstered Lenskart’s credibility, aiding its growth.

Urban Company

In 2015, Ratan Tata invested in Urban Company, which helped the platform expand its home service offerings, including cleaning and beauty treatments. His investment gave the company the necessary capital and credibility.

Upstox 

Ratan Tata invested in Upstox in 2016, acquiring a 1.33 per cent stake in this discount brokerage platform founded in 2009. His investment has proven lucrative, with Upstox recently valued at $3.5 billion, yielding approximately a 23,000 per cent return on his initial investment. 

FirstCry

In 2016, Ratan Tata invested in FirstCry, acquiring a 0.02 per cent stake in its parent company, Brainbees Solutions, for Rs 66 lakh. This investment has been highly successful, contributing to FirstCry's growth as one of India's leading online retailers of baby products.

CarDekho

Ratan Tata invested in CarDekho in 2015, expanding his presence in the Indian startup ecosystem. Although specific financial details remain confidential, this endorsement highlighted CarDekho's potential.