News on Medial

Symbiotics leads $18 Mn debt round in Dugar Finance

EntrackrEntrackr · 16h ago
Symbiotics leads $18 Mn debt round in Dugar Finance
Medial

Symbiotics leads $18 Mn debt round in Dugar Finance Dugar Finance, an impact-led secured MSME lender, has raised $18 million (about Rs 160 crore) in a debt funding round led by Swiss-based investor Symbiotics, with participation from leading Indian banks including Union Bank of India, Karur Vysya Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, and STCI Finance among others. Symbiotics contributed $5.5 million in this round. It had previously raised $3 million in debt from the $75-million Green Basket Bond issued by Symbiotics Investments back in June this year. The fresh funds will be allocated to strengthen its secured MSME lending and support its expansion into Tier-2 to Tier-6 markets across India, Dugar Finance said in a press release. Led by Ramesh Dugar, Dugar Finance is an impact-focused, non-deposit-taking NBFC operating across multiple states in India with a strong presence in tier 3 and tier 4 markets. The company specializes in secured MSME and commercial vehicle financing aimed at income generation, supporting micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses, and first-time commercial vehicle drivers who remain underserved by formal credit. Dugar Finance focuses on disciplined underwriting, strong governance, and prudent risk management, and it aims to continue to deepen its institutional lender relationships. It is emphasized on building a resilient, scalable lending platform designed to support long-term economic activity in India’s growth corridors. The Chennai-based company currently operates across six states, serving semi-urban and rural customers. Its portfolio includes income-generating secured MSME loans and commercial vehicle loans, supporting micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses, and first-time commercial vehicle drivers. It aims to scale more than 75 branches and Rs 600 crore AUM by FY27 and Rs 2,000 crore AUM by FY29, while maintaining its strong financial performance, including an RoA of above 4% and Gross NPAs below 2%.

Related News

Rooftop solar focused NBFC Dugar Finance raises $3 Mn in debt

EntrackrEntrackr · 6m ago
Rooftop solar focused NBFC Dugar Finance raises $3 Mn in debt
Medial

Non-banking financial company (NBFC) Dugar Finance has raised $3 million in debt from the $75-million Green Basket Bond issued by Swiss based impact investment firm Symbiotics Investments. The bond was issued by Symbiotics Investments and subscribed to by British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, aiming to drive the adoption of renewable energy solutions across Asia and Africa. The proceeds will be utilized to expand its presence in the EV financing and rooftop solar financing space, primarily targeting residential as well as MSME customers, including housing societies, in tier-II and tier-III cities, Dugar Finance said in a press release. According to Dugar Finance, it provides income-generating vehicle loans tailored for self-employed individuals and gig economy workers, helping create livelihoods and foster upward mobility. Beyond traditional vehicle and mortgage loans, it actively promotes green and inclusive financing through electric vehicle (EV) loans, rooftop solar financing, and credit solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Since its inception, Dugar Finance states that it has made significant strides in promoting EV/renewable energy solutions. Until now, the company has helped over 1,200 customers adopt rooftop solar solutions and help purchase EV vehicles. With over 30 branches across 6 states, Dugar Finance claims to have served more than 25,000 customers since its inception, focusing on underserved and credit-invisible segments.

Exclusive: Waycool to raise $13 Mn debt from Grand Anicut

EntrackrEntrackr · 11m ago
Exclusive: Waycool to raise $13 Mn debt from Grand Anicut
Medial

Exclusive: Waycool to raise $13 Mn debt from Grand Anicut B2B food and agritech platform Waycool raises Rs 110 crore (approximately $13 million) in debt from Grand Anicut. This will be the second debt round for the Chennai-based company in the last four months. The board at Waycool has passed a special resolution to issue 1,100 non-convertible debentures at an issue price of Rs 1,00,000 each to raise Rs 100 crore or $13 million, its regulatory filing accessed from the Registrar of Companies shows. The debt investment will come with an annual coupon rate of 18% and a tenure of 18 months. In addition to the 18% interest, an additional 4% interest, mutually agreed upon by the company and the lender, will also be applied, according to the explanatory statement filed by the company. According to the filings, Waycool plans to use the funds for general corporate business purposes. These back-to-back loans with high interest rates indicate that the company is facing challenges in securing an equity round and urgently needs capital. Waycool has raised around $160 million in funding to date from Lightrock, International Finance Corporation, FMO, and 57 Stars, among others. It was also negotiating for more than $50 million which could have propelled its valuation in the range of $900 million to $1 billion. However, the talks did not go through. The firm was valued at $700 million in its last equity round. Founded by Karthik Jayaraman and Sanjay Dasari, Waycool buys fresh produce, including dairy products, from farmers and sells them to retailers and restaurants. It also runs private label brands and handles distribution for fast-moving consumer goods or FMCG companies. Waycool registered 62% growth in its operating revenue to Rs 1,251 crore in FY23 whereas losses of the firm surged 89% to Rs 685 crore during the same period. The company has yet to file its annual report for FY24.

Download the medial app to read full posts, comements and news.