India, with one-sixth of the world's population, sees 17 out of every 20 people vulnerable to climate risks, with five living in areas extremely vulnerable to climate change. The country's dependence on rain-fed agriculture, long coastline, and low social safety nets contribute to its high vulnerability. India's carbon dioxide emissions have been increasing, with a projected doubling by 2030 in line with economic growth. To boost its economy while reducing emissions and increasing resilience, India urgently requires a platform dedicated to climate technology. This platform should frequently test innovative climate technologies and business models, scaling them to demonstrate viable and affordable solutions that serve the most vulnerable communities. However, the ecosystem for climate technology ventures in India is still nascent.  

The Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF) is a USD 120 million venture capital fund that aims to invest in early-stage climate technology companies in India. The fund focuses on supporting the transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways by investing in innovative technologies across key sectors such as sustainable resource management, mobility and supply chains, and sustainable agriculture and food systems. ASF's strategies include investing in low-carbon and climate-resilient businesses, adding value for climate and sustainability leaders, establishing a virtuous cycle of sourcing and value addition for the larger ecosystem, and focusing on social, economic, and environmental impact with tailored investment strategies across various sectors.