JIIF

Overview

The JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) is an entrepreneurial initiative under the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Established to foster an ecosystem of innovation and socio-economic development, JIIF facilitates angel investments and startup incubation. JIIF plays a critical role in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those founded by members of the Jain community. Based in India, it has invested over INR 150 crores in more than 80 startups, holding a significant position as one of the largest angel networks in the country.

Recent Developments

  • April 2, 2024: JIIF announced its global expansion strategy, aiming to increase the number of incubated startups and investments significantly.
  • December 9, 2023: Haresh Parekh, a JIIF Convenor, served as a jury panel member at the Eureka Competition organized by IIT Bombay's E-Cell, showcasing JIIF’s commitment to fostering new talent.
  • 2023: JIIF actively enhanced its investment portfolio by supporting six additional startups, achieving successful exits in several ventures with returns as high as threefold of the initial investments.
  • March 2023: During the JITO International Innovation Summit, JIIF highlighted its achievements and its vision to support scalable technology startups, attracting a broader range of investors.
  • 2022-2023: JIIF reported successful incubation of numerous startups within its network, stating expansion plans to future maize upon their success in superior technological innovations.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2017
HeadquartersMumbai, India
FoundersJain International Trade Organisation
RevenueNot Publicly Disclosed
ProfitsNot Publicly Disclosed
Key InvestorsJain Community Members, Various Angels
IndustryVenture Capital, Business Incubation
Number of EmployeesNot Publicly Disclosed

Early History

JIIF was established in 2017 by the Jain International Trade Organisation to address the lack of structured support for budding entrepreneurs within the community. The foundation was driven by the vision of creating an innovation-powered entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mission has been to nurture startups, provide seed capital, and foster strategic growth through mentoring. Early on, JIIF focused on technology-driven startups, quickly gaining traction within India's burgeoning startup ecosystem. The foundation utilized its extensive resources and network to help startups gain initial traction and facilitated critical early-stage funding.

Company Profile and Achievements

JIIF is structured to promote entrepreneurship through a robust combination of funding and mentorship. The foundation operates an incubation center, offering resources to startups tailored toward scaling operations and technological advancement. Notable achievements include:

  • Significant Investments: Over INR 150 crores invested across 80+ companies.
  • Incubation Success: Incubating 50+ startups, fostering innovation in diverse sectors from technology to finance.
  • Growth of Network: Building a notable network of over 1,000 Jain investors encouraging collective community investment.
  • Partners and Alliances: Collaborating with leading educational institutions and industry bodies to propel startups into phases of accelerated growth.

Current Operations and Market Position

Today, JIIF is recognized as a prime mover in India's angel investment space, particularly active in sectors that include technology and financial services. It serves as a critical hub for Jain entrepreneurs, providing a structured pathway from ideation through to business proliferation. The foundation's influence extends to pre-seed investment rounds for numerous startups, bolstered by its strong community-driven investor network. Despite the crowded Indian venture capital landscape, JIIF's focus on community connection and bespoke support positions it uniquely within the market.

Conclusion

JIIF's substantial impact on the Indian entrepreneurial scene, particularly within the Jain community, underscores its significance as a catalyst for innovation and startup growth. The foundation's success in enabling early-stage ventures and fostering a culture of community-driven achievements highlights its strategic influence. Looking forward, JIIF’s expansion plans and continued support for diversity-driven innovation signal ongoing contribution to India's economic and technological landscapes.

References

  1. JITO Official Website: JIIF Overview
  2. LinkedIn: JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation
  3. Unicorn Nest: JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation
  4. JobiFynn: Empowering Startups through Community
  5. JITO as a Global Organisation for Empowerment