Kotak Securities Limited (KSL) launches its maiden Start-up Investment and Engagement Program. The program will enable KSL to incubate and invest into innovative fintech and technology startups.

KSL has set up an exclusive Corporate Development Department (CDD) for this initiative and an initial investment corpus of Rs.50 crore.

Jaideep Hansraj, MD & CEO, Kotak Securities, said, “In today’s fast paced world of rapid advancements in technology, we need to be ahead of the curve in terms of product offerings to our customers. Broking and distribution business has become more of a technology play, and this has gained further prominence in the new normal. We strongly believe technology innovation will gauge the competitiveness of a broking firm; however, developing technology involves money and time. It is with this purpose that we have launched our investment and engagement programme where we will partner and pick minority stake in fintech companies that makes strategic sense to Kotak Securities.”

Shripal Shah, President – Head Operations, Finance and Technology, Kotak Securities, said, “Kotak Securities will evaluate opportunities of investing, partnering and incubating start-ups and for the right idea, we are willing to back the promoters and take strategic equity stake in the startup. While we get access to some exciting technology plays, start-ups get the advantage of product validation, mentorship and institutional capital.”

KSL will also launch incubation/accelerator programs, hackathons, networking events, pitching sessions and demo day programs for early stage startups in-house as well as with other incubator/accelerator groups. The program will also offer a dedicated section on the KSL website where interested startups can register and submit innovative ideas and products for evaluation and find various updates.