Panasonic's Venture Fund Commits Rs.450 Crore to Global Start-ups

01 Apr 2024 CW Team

In a strategic move to foster innovation and address global social challenges, Panasonic Corporation's Corporate Venture Capital Fund, Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund (PKVF), has announced a commitment of ?4.5 billion to support start-ups across India, Japan, and Europe. Kunio Gohara, the Chief Transformation Officer (CTRO) and Head of the CVC office at Panasonic Corporation emphasized the fund's dedication to investing in ventures that aim to enrich and transform people's lives.

PKVF, established with the mission to tackle social problems globally, is set to focus on a range of critical areas including well-being, decarbonization, energy, food, spatial infrastructure, and emerging lifestyles. This comprehensive approach underscores Panasonic's commitment to contributing positively to society while fostering innovation.

Manish Sharma, Chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India, highlighted the significance of this initiative in the context of India's vibrant start-up ecosystem. With over 1.25 lakh start-ups and 110 unicorns, India stands as the world's third-largest start-up hub. Sharma expressed Panasonic's eagerness to engage with this dynamic ecosystem and contribute to its growth trajectory through strategic investments and partnerships.

Panasonic's commitment to fostering innovation in India is further underscored by its establishment of the India Innovation Centre in 2017, backed by an initial investment of ?2.4 billion. This initiative demonstrates the company's long-term vision and dedication to leveraging India's potential as a hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

As Panasonic continues to expand its footprint in India and beyond, the PKVF initiative reaffirms its commitment to driving positive change and innovation on a global scale. Through strategic investments in start-ups and initiatives focused on addressing pressing social challenges, Panasonic aims to create a brighter and more sustainable future for communities around the world.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..