The Earth Fund provides startups in real estate, construction, and PropTech with industry integration, market access, go-to-market acceleration, strategic fundraising, and growth support.
Bengaluru, NFAPost: The Earth Fund, India’s first real estate tech and sustainability-focused investment fund set up under Zoiros Projects Private Limited, launched by Brigade Group, one of India’s leading real estate developers, has joined forces with Gruhas, the investment arm of Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai.
The ₹200 crore SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), with an additional ₹100 crore green-shoe option, aims to back high-growth startups solving challenges in the built world through sustainability and innovation.
The Earth Fund is led by industry stalwarts, including Brigade Enterprises Limited Joint MD Nirupa Shankar, Gruhas Cofounder Abhijeet Pai, Gruhas Cofounder Nikhil Kamath and Zoiros Projects Private Limited Independent Director Mohan Parvatikar, additionally, with a team of seasoned professionals bringing deep expertise in real estate, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.
By combining Brigade’s deep industry expertise with Gruhas’ proven investment acumen, Earth Fund is set to accelerate the next generation of PropTech and sustainability-driven startups.
Investment Strategy & Focus
Speaking to TheNFAPost, Brigade Enterprises Limited Joint MD Nirupa Shankar said Earth Fund will invest in Pre-series A and Series-A tech startups innovating in real estate, construction, and sustainability.
“The fund seeks to invest $1-$2 million in startups that have a demonstrated product market fit and are looking for capital to scale their solutions. The fund aims to have a portfolio of 10 to 15 startups through an initial check and reserves for follow-on rounds,” said Brigade Enterprises Limited Joint MD Nirupa Shankar.
Focus areas for the Fund include breakthrough innovations across UrbanTech – covering proptech, construction tech, real estate solutions, and asset utilization; and Sustainability, including climate tech, clean tech, smart mobility, and energy solutions. Multiple startups are already being considered for Earth Fund and investments are expected to be announced shortly.
Industry Integration & Strategic Support
Through this partnership, Gruhas, with its experience investing in 50+ startups across PropTech, climate tech, sustainability, and consumer sectors, will play a key role in identifying and nurturing high-impact ventures.
Brigade REAP, having mentored and invested in over 80 companies over the last 8 years across the UrbanTech & Sutainability value chain through its REAP Accelerator and Investment program, will be able to support investee companies beyond just capital with industry integration, market access, go-to-market acceleration, strategic fundraising, and growth support.
Commenting on the initiative, Brigade Enterprises Limited Joint MD Nirupa Shankar said the uniqueness of Earth Fund is its focus on Urbantech and Sustainability solutions for the built world.
“By leveraging the resources and expertise of Brigade Group and Gruhas, our aim is to identify and support startups that will redefine urban development and drive long-term value. Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional real estate and cutting-edge technology, fostering an ecosystem for sustainable and efficient urban solutions,” said Brigade Enterprises Limited Joint MD Nirupa Shankar.
She said the venture will draw on our last 8 years of experience in running Asia’s first UrbanTech Accelerator, Brigade REAP, to ensure that investment decisions are backed by extensive industry research and hands-on engagement with our portfolio companies.
“This will enable Earth Fund’s startups to navigate the complexities of the real estate sector and scale faster than their counterparts. Brigade REAP has shown us the transformative potential of UrbanTech startups, and Earth Fund will further support these innovative ventures,” said Brigade Enterprises Limited Joint MD Nirupa Shankar.
Gruhas Cofounder Abhijeet Pai said Earth Fund aligns with our vision of using technology to drive sustainable growth in real estate and construction—one of the world’s largest yet least innovated industries.
“With India’s population surpassing 1.4 billion, modernizing our built environment is more urgent than ever. Earth Fund isn’t just capital; it’s a catalyst for change. We back PropTech and sustainability startups with funding, industry integration, and strategic mentorship. By bridging traditional real estate with emerging technologies, we’re accelerating ventures that redefine urban spaces, construction, and resource efficiency,” said Gruhas Cofounder Abhijeet Pai.
Through strategic partnerships, Gruhas Cofounder Abhijeet Pai said Earth Fund is shaping a future where smart infrastructure, green buildings, and AI-powered urban planning become the new standard.”
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About Earth Fund: Earth Fund is a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), launched by Brigade Group and Gruhas to drive innovation in PropTech and sustainability. It is India’s first real estate tech and sustainability-focused investment platform, backing Pre-Series A and Series A startups in real estate, construction, and climate-focused technology. Beyond capital, it offers startups industry integration, direct market access, strategic fundraising, and growth acceleration, leveraging Brigade’s real estate expertise and Gruhas’ investment acumen.
About Brigade Group: Established in 1986, Brigade Group is one of India’s leading property developers with close to four decades of expertise in building positive experiences for all their stakeholders and winning their customers’ trust. Brigade has developed many landmark buildings and transformed skylines across South India in the cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysuru, Kochi, Trivandrum and Gift City, Gujarat with developments across Residential, Office, Retail and Hotels.
About Gruhas: Gruhas is a pioneering investment venture focused on prop-tech, sustainability and consumer brands. With investments across 50+ companies and a vision to transform industries, we back innovative ventures that are shaping the future. Through strategic capital and deep sector expertise, Gruhas is driving lasting impact and fostering scalable growth.
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