Rainmatter: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Rainmatter is a distinctive Indian initiative that uniquely blends financial backing with environmental and health-focused philanthropy. Founded by Zerodha, one of India's leading fintech startups, Rainmatter operates both as a venture capital fund and a non-profit foundation. It supports startups and organizations dedicated to fintech innovation, health improvement, and climate action. What sets Rainmatter apart is its long-term, patient investment approach, aiming to create sustainable impact rather than quick financial returns. As you delve further, you'll discover how this initiative is driving change through funding, mentorship, and fostering collaborations that span ecology, economy, and social well-being.

1. Origin and Foundational Purpose

Rainmatter was launched by Zerodha co-founders to create a larger ecosystem beyond just fintech trading. It functions as a ₹1,000 crore perpetual fund that backs Indian startups working in fintech, climate, and health sectors. Its creation underscores the belief that wealth and health are inseparable, and better financial products must coincide with improved well-being. The initiative started seeing steady growth after its inception in 2016, eventually setting up the Rainmatter Foundation to address environmental and climate-related challenges systematically.

2. Dual Structure: Capital Fund and Foundation

Rainmatter operates through two primary arms: Rainmatter Capital, which provides funding and incubation to innovative startups, and the Rainmatter Foundation, a non-profit focused on climate action and ecosystem regeneration. While the capital fund invests in promising ventures without pushing for quick exits or board participation, the foundation extends grants to NGOs, research groups, and grassroots initiatives. Together, they bridge entrepreneurial innovation and public good.

3. Investment Philosophy and Approach

Unlike typical venture capital firms, Rainmatter adopts a long-term, patient capital model with investment horizons often stretching up to 15 years. The fund prioritizes sustained ecosystem impact over rapid financial gains, opting for holistic support that includes mentorship and access to networks rather than mere capital. This approach aims to empower founders with the freedom to innovate without pressure, fostering a culture of experimentation and resilience.

4. Focus Areas: Fintech, Climate, and Health

Fintech remains a core interest, fueled by Zerodha’s background, but Rainmatter has expanded its scope to climate resilience and health-focused startups. Its fintech investments enhance behaviors around money management and inclusion, while climate ventures contribute to ecological restoration, sustainable farming, and renewable energy. The health investments particularly target nutrition and wellness startups addressing contemporary Indian lifestyles.

5. Rainmatter Foundation's Mission and Activities

Founded in 2019, the Rainmatter Foundation is dedicated to climate action, environment preservation, and livelihood enhancement. It actively supports projects that focus on forests, soil, water, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. The foundation emphasizes mainstreaming environmental consciousness by fostering education, local identity, diverse economic models, and climate-resilient communities. It works collaboratively with civil society, startups, policymakers, and grassroots organizations.

6. Commitment to Climate and Environment

Rainmatter has committed over $200 million towards environmental grants and activities. It views climate action not as charity but as an investment in the future well-being of society. The foundation supports both direct interventions and systemic policies, promoting multi-dimensional efforts such as soil rejuvenation, water conservation, and afforestation. It also encourages exploring innovative and unexplored paths to address the complex climate crisis.

7. Impact in the Startup Ecosystem

Rainmatter has made more than 179 investments spanning fintech, health, and sustainability sectors. Several startups backed by Rainmatter, such as The Kenko Life—a health-first food subscription service—demonstrate the impact of patient funding enabling innovation aligned with Indian realities. Rainmatter supports these startups through capital, mentorship, and financial API access, helping build scalable products that better afford Indians improved life choices.

8. Collaboration and Ecosystem Building

Collaborative efforts are central to Rainmatter's ethos. The foundation serves as a platform for various stakeholders—ranging from NGOs and civil societies to policy makers and entrepreneurs—to forge partnerships that amplify climate and health initiatives. This approach emphasizes consensus-building, shared learning, and ecosystem-level infrastructure, fostering a holistic response to India’s social and environmental challenges.

9. Leadership and Team

Rainmatter's leadership team embodies diverse expertise, from tech veterans exploring sustainable farming and soil health to architects promoting conscious built environments. The team includes people passionate about networking, research, and strategic funding distribution. This collective effort leverages backgrounds in technology, environment, art, and social entrepreneurship to guide strategic investments and engagements for maximum impact.

10. Vision for the Future

With increasing investments planned—over ₹1,000 crore in coming years—Rainmatter is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s transition towards a green, sustainable economy. Its commitment rejects quick wins in favor of deep, systemic change, amplified impact, and inclusive growth. By supporting innovation in fintech, health, and climate, Rainmatter seeks to shape a future where economic development harmonizes with ecological balance and societal well-being.

Conclusion

Rainmatter exemplifies a pioneering model of combining financial investment with a strong social and environmental conscience. Founded by industry leaders who understand that true wealth encompasses both money and health, Rainmatter’s blend of venture funding and nonprofit initiatives fosters innovation while confronting climate and health crises head-on. Its patient, ecosystem-centered approach offers a roadmap for sustainable development in India. As global challenges intensify, the question remains: can more organizations embrace such a holistic vision to redefine impact investing?