Ved Family Office, Ananta back $250M IGF fund for Indian brands going global
The initiative, unveiled at IGF Middle East 2025 in Dubai, pairs growth capital with access to Dubai’s logistics infrastructure and IGF’s networks across business and government.
India Global Forum has set up a $250 million fund to help Indian consumer and industrial brands expand into the overseas market.
The fund is anchored by Ved Family Office, the private investment arm of Nilesh Ved and Ananta Capital. Ved is the founder and chairman of Apparel Group, one of the Middle East’s largest retail conglomerates, while Ananta Capital is a Mumbai-based investment management platform that has backed Indian startups like BellaVita, Open Secret and LiquiLoans.
The initiative, unveiled at IGF Middle East 2025 in Dubai, pairs growth capital with access to Dubai’s logistics infrastructure and IGF’s networks across business and government.
“India is producing brands that are ready for the world, and Dubai is the natural launchpad for their global ambitions,” Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum, said. “Through this $250 million fund, we are unlocking a new era of opportunity, where Indian entrepreneurship meets world-class infrastructure, global capital and international demand.”
The programme includes an accelerator that will support companies entering markets in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Sectors in focus include food and beverage, consumer goods, chemicals, automotive and advanced manufacturing.
“The UAE has long been a bridge between India and global markets,” said Nilesh Ved, Chairman of Ved Family Office and Apparel Group. “As anchor investors in this fund, we see a tremendous opportunity to back the next generation of Indian brands that can go global from Dubai.”
“India is at an inflection point where homegrown brands are ready to compete and win globally. By anchoring this fund, we aim to provide patient, strategic capital and partner with entrepreneurs who are building durable, category-defining businesses," Ashutosh Taparia, Founder and Managing Partner at Ananta Capital, said.
“We welcome initiatives that empower Indian businesses to scale globally through the UAE. With one of the most advanced trade ecosystems in the world, Indian businesses can use Dubai’s connectivity to reach more than three billion consumers in fast-growing regional markets," Abdullah Al Hashmi, COO Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, added.
IGF said the programme is designed to offer founders logistics support, investor access and market-entry assistance under one platform as India and the UAE deepen economic ties.
Edited by Affirunisa Kankudti