SBI Cap to set up Rs 400cr VC fund

State Bank of India's subsidiary SBI Capital Markets plans to set up a $100 million (about Rs 400 crore) venture capital (VC) fund to invest in knowledge-based sectors in the country.

The SBI Capital Markets has already entered into a 50:50 joint venture Softbank Investment Holdings of Japan for the fund.

The India Knowledge Fund will target specific India sectors including IT, knowledge process outsourcing, clinical research outsourcing, nanotechnology, online and mobile businesses, environmental technology and alternative energy, SBI said in its letter of offer filed with SEBI for its forthcoming Rs 16,736 crore rights issue.

The fund will invest primarily in unlisted, high growth companies through initial investments ranging from $3 million to $10 million.

India Knowledge Fund will be co-managed by both SBI Capital Markets and Softbank Investment Holdings.

Softbank Investment manages over 18 venture capital funds, making it one of the largest, most active venture capitalists in Asia.

SBI, under its proposed private equity and venture capital initiatives, is considering equity investments in core sectors such as power, telecom, petroleum, oil, gas, roads, ports, airports and hotels as well, the prospectus said.

SBI Capital Markets was set up as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBI. In 1997, Asian Development Bank (ADB) picked up a 13.84% stake in the company.