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INTERNATIONAL Journal of Advanced

JOURNALResearch OFin Management
ADVANCED (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
RESEARCH
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME
IN MANAGEMENT (IJARM)
ISSN 0976 - 6324 (Print)
ISSN 0976 - 6332 (Online) IJARM
Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013, pp. 01-10
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VENTURE CAPITAL FINANCE

(A study with special reference to Karnataka Information Technology Venture Capital
Funds) (KITVEN Funds)

Dr. N. Nagaraja1 and Srinivas K.T2

1
Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore,
Mysore
2
Associate Professor, Community Institute of Management Studies , 2nd Block Jayanagar
Bangalore-11

ABSTRACT

‘Venture Capital’ has become the key topic of debate and is attracting more
consideration at present than ever before due to fast varying technology, emergence of new
technology industries, extremely competitive global markets. In the Indian context, the
studies on ‘Venture Capital” are either macro in nature covering the entire country or micro
confined to a few areas of venture capital companies. Supplementary, research studies made
on venture capital finance confirming to State Level Venture Capital Companies are very
tiny. Nurturing future global IT leaders is its tagline. True to this core investment philosophy,
the Karnataka Information Technology Venture Funds (Kitven), and its principal promoters,
have been silently boosting technology investments in the State. Hence, we made an attempt
to study venture capital on state level with special reference to KITVEN Funds (Karnataka
Information Technology venture capital funds) in Karnataka. The major aims of the study to
know investments of Kitven funds in Karnataka.

Key words: Venture capital, venture capitalist, Small and Medium Enterprises

INTRODUCTION

Venture capital is a growing business of recent origin in the area of industrial

financing in India. The various financial institutions set-up in India to promote industries
have done commendable work. However, these institutions do not come up to the benefit of
risky ventures when they are undertaken by new or relatively unknown entrepreneurs. Under
this circumstances, the concept of ‘Venture Capital Fund’ was born with a fundamental
objective to provide initial capital and support in building capital-base to the entrepreneurs

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME

having a sound background of professional education and expertise who take initiative to
launch the business based on fast-changing technology.
The venture capital sector is the most vibrant industry in the financial market today. Venture
capital is money/finance provided by professionals who invest in young, rapidly growing
companies that have the potential to develop into significant economic contributors. Venture
capital is an important source of equity for start-up companies.

Venture capital can be visualized as “your ideas and our money” concept of
developing business. Venture capitalists are people who pool financial resources from high
net worth individuals, corporate, pension funds, insurance companies, etc. to invest in high
risk- high return ventures that are unable mobilize funds from regular channels like banks and
capital markets. The venture capital industry in India has really taken off recently. Venture
capitalists not only provide monetary resources but also help the entrepreneur with guidance
in formalizing his ideas into a viable business venture. With technology and knowledge
based ideas set to drive the global economy in the coming millennium, and given the inherent
strength by way of its human capital, technical skills, cost competitive workforce, research
and entrepreneurship, India can unleash a revolution of wealth creation and rapid economic
growth in a sustainable manner, however, this to happen, there is a need for risk finance and
venture capital environment which can leverage innovation, promote technology and harness
knowledge based ideas.

AIM OF THE PAPER

The major aims of the study to know investments of Kitven venture capital funds,
which is functioning in Karnataka under SEBI registration.

Statement of the Problem: From the various review of literature it can be observed that
studies have been carried-out by academicians, researchers, and others both in India and
abroad on venture capital financing it is also understood that studies so far made have
covered many venture capital companies lacking focus on specificity. Exclusive studies on
specific venture capital companies are very tiny. Further, research studies made on venture
capital finance confirming to State Level Venture Capital Companies are scanty. Hence, there
is a need to conduct an in-depth study on venture capital on state level, so in this direction we
done a study on investments of Kitven venture capital fund in Karnataka

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The present study is confined to Kitven venture capital funds in Karnataka under the
registration of SEBI and functioning in Karnataka. Fund is managed by Karnataka Asset
Management Company Private Ltd.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. To study the total investments made by Kitven venture capital funds in Karnataka.
2. To study the sector wise investments made by Kitven venture capital funds.
3. To study the stages of investments made by Kitven venture capital funds.
4. To know the portfolios of Kitven venture capital funds in Karnataka.
5. To offer suggestions based on the findings of the study.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME

DATA COLLECTION
The data collected from1999 to Nov 2012, for analysis and interpretation.

SOURCES OF DATA
Primary data Collected through questionnaire, interview method and Secondary data from
venture intelligence, company website, company’s magazines, and other relevant documents.

PROFILE OF KITVEN FUNDS

KITVEN Fund I:
Karnataka Information Technology Venture Capital Fund (KITVEN Fund) is a State
& Central Government financial institutions backed Venture Capital Fund (VCF) operating in
the State of Karnataka since 1999. KITVEN Fund is contributed by premier institutions
namely Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited –
KSIIDC, Karnataka State Financial Corporation – KSFC, Small Industries Development
Bank of India – SIDBI, Karnataka Bio-technology & Information Technology Services
(KBITS) etc. As a partner, KITVEN Fund invested in emerging companies with a long-term
investment approach thereby to build commercial value to our investors/ contributors. They
focused on investments in seed/ rapid growth opportunities within the State of Karnataka and
assisted in wide spectrum of companies catering to the Information Technology, Bio-
Technology and other high-end products/ solutions in the knowledge based sector.
In many of their successful investments in the past, KITVEN Fund was the founding/ first
investor and invested when the company was no more than a passionate team. They
maintained a rigorous investment process and a commitment to work closely with our
portfolio companies. They understand that promising companies need more than capital/
financial backing to succeed. On the road from seed to success we became the founding
team’s trusted advisor and professional investor. The Fund has invested in companies which
have both economic and developmental impact in the State of Karnataka.
Karnataka Information Technology Venture Capital Fund (KITVEN Fund) was an Rs.15.00
Crore, Information Technology specific, SEBI registered, Venture Capital Fund launched
during the year FY 1999-2000. The Fund received subscriptions from premier financial
institutions namely Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation
Limited – KSIIDC (Rs.3.75 Crore), Karnataka State Financial Corporation - KSFC (Rs.3.75
Crore) and Small Industries Development Bank of India – SIDBI (Rs.7.50 Crore). The Fund
has studied over 600 prospective units for likely VC assistance & invested only in 17 units
aggregating to Rs.17.56 Crore typically during the early stage with investment size of Rs.50
Lakhs to Rs.150 Lakhs.

Investment objectives
KITVEN Fund’s primary objectives are to make available long-term funds to new/unlisted
companies in the IT sector to:
• Develop competitive products and cutting-edge technology.
• Manufacture and commercialize the product development.
• Move up in the value chain.
• Expand and upgrade existing capabilities to cater to a wider clientele.
About 51% of the fund would be invested in small scale industry (SSI) in the IT sector.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME

KITVEN Fund would also cater to

• Growth and expansion of an established company including product diversification
and forward/backing integration.
• Turnaround financing.
As a new avenue, KITVEN Fund is also open to exploring select growth oriented buy-out
situations with modest leverage.
Investment range:
The fund will undertake investment in the range of Rs. 25 Lakhs to 150 Lakhs per company.
Investment instruments:
The preferred form of investment is equity. KITVEN Fund is also open to other forms of
funding viz.
• Preference shares, both redeemable/convertible.
• Fully convertible/ non-convertible Debentures.
• Conditional loans (Quasi-equity instrument).
Investment Horizon:
The typical investment horizon would be 3-5 years although lower periods would also be
considered.
Investment Criteria’s:
The parameters that would determine an investment decision include
Management: A strong and dynamic management team with established track record /
credentials along with other traits like integrity, commercial acumen & commitment.
Market: Attractiveness of the market, which the investee company, seeks to serve. The
market will have to be quantifiably large with excellent opportunities for growth. The
preferred business opportunities include Internet Services, High-end Software Services,
Innovative products and novel ideas that create real value for customers
Future Potential: The investee company should have the deep understanding of specific
markets & customers’ needs. This will have potential for substantial future earnings power
and increased market share
Competitiveness: The investee company should have demonstrated or posses the ability to
develop significant competitive advantages

KITVEN Fund II:

Karnataka Information Technology Venture Capital Funds (KITVEN Fund) was
conceptualized and set up by the State and the Central Government financial institutions in
1998-99. The success of KITVEN Fund has inspired the recent launch o KIRVEN Fund-2.
KITVEN Fund-2 is also incorporated as a Trust under the Indian Trust Act, and is registered
with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Karnataka Information Technology Venture Capital Fund - 2 (KITVEN Fund - 2) is Rs.26.25
Crore, SEBI registered, Venture Capital Fund launched during the FY 2008-09 and
undertakes investments in units catering to Information Technology, Bio-technology, Nano-
technology and other knowledge based industries within the State of Karnataka. The Fund
received subscriptions from premier financial institutions namely Karnataka State Industrial
and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited – KSIIDC (Rs.6.25 Crore), Karnataka
State Financial Corporation - KSFC (Rs.7.50 Crore), Small Industries Development Bank of
India – SIDBI (Rs.7.50 Crore) and Karnataka Bio-technology and Information Technology
Services – KBITS (Rs.5.00 Crore).

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME

Scope and Size of investments:

Although the KITVEN Fund had invested only in the Information Technology (IT) sector,
KITVEN Fund – 2 proposes to invest not only in the IT sector but also in the Biotechnology
(BT), Nanotechnology (NT) and other promising knowledge-based sectors. KITVEN Fund -2
undertakes investment in the range of Rs.100 to Rs.250 Lakhs per unit. The preferred form of
investment is equity.
KARVEN Fund:
Karnataka Venture Capital Fund (KARVEN Fund) is a SEBI registered Venture Capital Fund
launched during the FY 2012-13 with target corpus of Rs.10 Crore. The Fund proposes to
undertake investments in units catering to agro processing, automobile components,
aerospace engineering, clean energy, production of patented products and such other sectors
within the State of Karnataka. The Fund received initial subscriptions from premier financial
institutions namely Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation
Limited – KSIIDC (Rs.2.00 Crore), Karnataka State Small Industries Development
Corporation Limited – KSSIDC (Rs.2.00 Crore) and Karnataka Udyog Mitra– KUM (Rs.1.00
Crore). KARVEN Fund undertakes investment in the range of Rs.10 to Rs.100 Lakhs per
unit.
The preferred form of investment is equity. KARVEN Fund will also invest in other forms of
capital instruments like Preferential Capital (convertible/ redeemable), Debentures OR
combination of any the above instruments. All the investments will be as per the guidelines
issued by the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) from time-to-time. The typical
investment horizon would be 3-5 years although lower periods would also be considered.
Management: A.R. Jayakumar, CEO and Manish Kumar B, Ass. Vice President.
Fund Managers: Karnataka Asset Management Company Private Limited (KAMCO) a
company promoted by KSIIDC, KSFC and SIDBI manages all VC Funds (KITVEN Fund,
KITVEN Fund - 2 and KARVEN Fund).
Analysis Part:
A) Investments Of Kitven (I. Ii And Karven) Fund As On 30th Nov 2012
Year No. of Companies Amount(US $ Million)
1999 1 0.1
2000 1 0.22
2001 3 1.27
2002 0 0
2003 0 0
2004 0 0
2005 0 0
2006 4 1.24
2007 0 0
2008 0 0
2009 1 0.52
2010 1 1
2011 2 1.1
2012 NA NA
Total 13+NA 5.45+NA

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International Journal of Advanc nced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN N 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online
ne), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEM
EME

Figure
re 1: Investments of KITVEN Fund

4.5
4
4
3.5
3
3
2.5
2
2
1.5 1.27 1.24
1 1 1 11 1.1
1
0.52
0.5 0.1 0.22
00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
200 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

No. of
o Companies Amount(US $ Million)

Analysis and Inference:

Karnataka Information Technology gy Venture Capital Fund (KITVEN Fund) started its operations in
Karnataka in 1999. Its fundamenta ntal objective was to provide early stage capital to companies of
Information Technology, Bio-Tech chnology and other high-end products/ solutions inn tthe knowledge
based sector. It all started with an in
initial investment of 0.1 million US $ in one compan
any. Next year it
ventured into another company with ith capital of 0.22 million US $. Inspired by thee ffirst two years
success, in 2001, KITVEN investe sted in three companies with an outstanding inves estment of 1.27
million US $. But from 2000 to 200 005, KITVEN didn’t venture even in one company al also. Decline in
the growth of service sector especia ially during 2001 and 2002, the Indian G D P growin ing at the rate of
merely 3.8 has adversely affected the th major contributor i.e., service sector. Hence there
ere were meager
opportunities for Venture capital during
du that period. But the recovering Market Scenanario after 2005
provided ample opportunities for IT and ITES sector. Hence, KITVEN invested in four ur new ventures
with an amount of 1.24 millionn US $. Due to Global recession, the Venturee capital started
experiencing a set back during 200 007 and 2008. Trade Cycles recovery measures und ndertaken by the
government again started yielding g its
i results. Hence after 2009, again venture capitall sstarted gaining
momentum. In 2009 and 2010, KITVEN KI invested in one company each and in 2011 11 it ventured in
two companies. Hence as on 30th November
N 2012, KITVEN has invested in 13+NA co companies with
an investment of 5.45+NA millionn U US $.
Note: This analysis is based on infor
formation provided by venture intelligence.

B) Sector Wisee iinvestment of Kitven Fund as on 30th Nov 2012

Sector Amount(US $ Million) Percentage
ge
IT and ITES 3.85 70.64
Telecom 0.6 11.01
HealthCare and Life Science
Sc 1 18.35
Total 5.45 100

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International Journal of Advanc nced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN N 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online
ne), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEM
EME

Figure 2: Sec
ector Wise investments of KITVEN Fund

Amount(US
Amo $ Million)
1
IT and ITES
0.6
3.85 Telecom

HealthCare and
Life Science

Analysis and Inference:

As the name itself suggests KITVE EN (Karnataka Information Technology Venture Cap apital Fund), the
main focus has been IT and ITES S sector, which received the lion’s share in the tottotal investment.
Totally 70.64% of the investmentt has been for IT and ITES sector. Health care and nd Life Science
sector stands next to it, with a tota
tal share of 18.35%. Telecom sector stands third inn the list having
received 11.01% of the total investm
stment. KITVEN specializes itself only in these threeee sectors. As far
as Indian economy is considered, Service
Se Sector is the major contributor and also thee ffastest growing
sector. Hence it is popularly said id; Indian Economy is emerging to be a Third W Wave economy.
KITVEN Venture capital plays a decisive
de role in funding such new enterprises in IT and
nd ITES sector.

se Investment of Kitven Fund as on 30th Nov 2012

a) Stage wise
Stage Amount(US $ Million) Percentage
Early 4.63 84.95
Growth 0.82 15.05
Total 5.45 100

Figure 3: Stage
Sta Wise Investment of KITVEN Fund

Amount(US
Amo $ Million)

0.82

Early

4.63 Growth

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME

Analysis and Inference:

Looking into the performance history of KITVEN right from 1999 to 2012, Venture capital
investment is generally made during the Early Stage. Almost 85% of the total investment is
directed towards Early Stage. Venture Capitalists also take a role in managing
entrepreneurial companies at an early stage, thus adding skills as well as capital. Remaining
15% is invested during the Growth Stage. Hence the growing company needs working
capital, which is supplied by Kitven Venture Capitalist by financing in growth stage for
business expansion.

Portfolio units of KITVEN Fund I:

KITVEN Fund has liquidated its entire investment and returned the corpus of Rs.15.00 Crore
along with substantial profits to subscribers in proportion to their subscription. The portfolio
units assisted by KITVEN Fund are as under:-
• RelQ Software (P) Limited
• Logix Microsystems Limited
• Cerebra Integrated Technologies Limited
• iLantus Technologies (P) Limited
• ECAD Technologies Limited
• Internet Component Management Group (P) Limited
• iTwine Technologies (P) Limited
• Winfoware Technologies Limited
• Indegene Life systems (P) Limited
• InKnowTech (P) Limited
• Opus ABS India (P) Limited
• Comat Technologies (P) Limited
• 24x7 learning (P) Limited
• Brickwork India (P) Limited
• Telibrahma Convergent Comm. (P) Limited
• Proteans Software Solutions (P) Limited
• 17. Thrulogic ITECH (India) Pvt. Limited
Portfolio units of Kitven fund II
Till date, the Fund has made investment in 5 units aggregating to Rs.11.39 Crore in SME
units during early stage. The portfolio units assisted by KITVEN Fund – 2 are:-
• Pawaa Software Pvt. Ltd.
• Mitra Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
• Sloka Telecom Pvt. Ltd.
• VidTeq (India) Pvt. Ltd.
• ILANTUS Technologies Pvt. Limited.

FINDINGS
1. Kitven Fund is contributed by premier institutions namely KSIIDC, KSFC SIDBI and
KBITS.
2. Kitven Fund was an Rs.15.00 Crore, Information Technology specific, SEBI
registered, Venture Capital Fund launched during the year FY 1999-2000.
3. Kitven, about 51% of the fund would be invested in small scale industry (SSI) in the
IT sector.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME

4. Kitven undertakes investment range of Rs. 25 Lakhs to 150 Lakhs per company.
5. Kitven fund preferred form of investment is equity.
6. The typical investment horizon by Kitven fund would be 3-5 years
7. The most important investment criteria are considered by Kitven fund is Management,
Market, Future Potential and Competitiveness.
8. Kitven Fund - 2 was Rs.26.25 Crore, SEBI registered, operating in Karnataka.
Contributed by KSIIDC, KSFC SIDBI, and KBITS.
9. Karven Fund is a SEBI registered Venture Capital Fund launched during the FY
2012-13 with target corpus of Rs.10 Crore. Therefore at present three funds comes
under Kitven fund.
10. KITVEN fund has invested in various companies with an investment of 5.45+NA
million US $ as on 30th Nov 2012.
11. KITVEN Fund the main focus has been IT and ITES sector, which received the lion’s
share in the total investment. Totally 70.64% of the investment has been for IT and
ITES sector.
12. Health care and Life Science sector stands next to after IT and ITES, with a total
share of 18.35%.
13. Telecom sector stands third in the list having received 11.01% of the total investment.
14. Venture capital investment is generally made during the Early Stage. Almost 85% of
the total investment is directed towards Early Stage of business.
15. KITVEN fund remaining 15% of investments is invested during the Growth Stage of
the business.

SUGGESTIONS

For balanced regional development of the state, there is need to have sustainable
growth in all the sectors of the state. So Kitven funds should finance not only to IT and ITES,
health care and life science, but also others sectors of business which are knowledge based,
so that balanced regional development is achieved in Karnataka enabling it to become
developed state in India.

CONCLUSION

Karnataka Information Technology Venture Capital funds, is not simply an injection

of funds into a new firm, IT and ITEs and SSI, it synchronized input of skill needed to setup
the firm, design its marketing strategy and organize and manage it to add value to the firm.
The financing and mentoring work done Karnataka Asset Management Company Private Ltd.
through KITVEN funds is creditable and its role to promote new enterprises in Karnataka is
praiseworthy.

REFERENCES

1. Anandan Pillai (Oct 2006), Research Associate, The ICFAI Business School Research
Center, Ahmedabad, “American Research and Development Corporation: The
Stepping Stone of US Venture Capital Industry”, Portfolio organizer, The ICFAI
University Press, pp.44-51.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Management (IJARM), ISSN 0976 – 6324
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6332 (Online), Volume 4, Issue 1, January- April 2013 © IAEME

2. Chimun Kumar Nath and Ashit Saha (July-Dec 2008), Lecturer and Reader,
Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University, “The Creation of Active Venture
Capital in Unorganized Environment: A Case Study of Assam”, Business
Perspectives, ISSSN 0972-7612, Vol.10, No.2, Birla Institute of Management
Technology, Greater Noida, pp.25-34
3. Deo, M., (1996) “Venture Capital in India: An Instrument for Technology
Development”, CHARTERED SECRETARY, , pp.361-364.
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“VENTURE CAPITAL (A Study with reference to Andhra Pradesh Industrial
Development Corporation Venture Capital Limited, A.P) International Journal of
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Report, 1995-97, Department of Management Studies, Osmania University, pp.28-29.
6. Neel Kant Sharma, “Strategic Management of Venture Capital: An Indian
Perspective”, New Delhi: New Century Publications, 2002.
7. Nalini Prava Tripathy (Dec 1994), “Venture Capital – A New Dimension of Financial
Market in India”, the Management Accountant, Eleventh Golden Jubilee Special Issue
Capital and Financial Markets, Vol.29, No.12, pp. 887-890.
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PRODUCTIVITY, Vol. 40 (3), Oct-Dec., 1999, p. 392.
9. Vinay Kumar, A., “Venture Capital Finance in India: Practices, Perspectives and
Issues”, FINANCE INDIA, Vol. 16(1), March 2002, pp. 247-252.
10. Dr. N. Nagaraja And Srinivas K.T, “Venture Capital In Karnataka” International Journal of
Management (IJM), Volume 3, Issue 3, 2012, pp. 246 - 257, Published by IAEME

Websites:
www.kitven.com
info@indiavca.org
www.sebi.gov.org

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