Catamaran to expand portfolio with focus on precision manufacturing

Catamaran, the venture capital firm founded by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, is set to diversify its investment portfolio by targeting precision manufacturing startups and companies with a global export focus, according to a senior company official.

Speaking at the Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo (DATE), Catamaran Chairman MD Ranganath highlighted the company's strategic shift, underlining the attractiveness of the current market for manufacturing investments in India. Ranganath noted that the focus is on companies involved in deep tech and automobile component manufacturing, particularly those with the capability to export their products.

Despite a downturn in valuation expectations for startups in the Indian market compared to 2022, Ranganath expressed confidence that innovative ideas with strong business models would continue to attract investments.

Catamaran's existing investment portfolio includes notable companies such as SpaceX, Log 9 (a deep tech energy startup), udaan (B2B e-commerce), udemy (edtech), and Acko (fintech). The company remains optimistic about identifying promising ventures aligned with its strategic goals.

"As we venture into precision manufacturing, we are evaluating opportunities in a market that has seen adjusted valuation expectations. Our investment decisions are driven by the enduring relevance of the business model and the company's significance in the market," Ranganath stated.

Catamaran's move reflects a broader trend of increased interest in the manufacturing sector in India and a strategic shift in focus toward precision manufacturing and export-oriented businesses.

(With PTI inputs)