New Delhi March 25 (KNN) Ratan Tata has acquired minority stake in a debt vehicle of the micro financial advisory firm Grameen Capital India.
 
This marks his second investment in the social impact space who had recently invested in Swasth, a healthcare service provider to the low-income group. The chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons has also invested in e-commerce firms like Snapdeal, Urban Ladder, CarDekho and others.

Besides Tata, Shrinivas Dempo of Goa-based Dempo Group and former investment banker Vikram Gandhi have also invested in Grameen Capital's debt vehicle. Earlier Patni brothers — Amit and Arihant had joined into the company by acquiring IFMR Trust's stake in 2012.
 
GCI which started in 2007 by Royston Braganza, has facilitated over $160 million of debt and equity capital for social enterprises, according to a company statement.
 
The initial focus sectors will be on financial inclusion, agriculture, affordable health and affordable education, stated the release.

Grameen Capital expects to commence lending from the new vehicle in the next quarter.

According to industry estimates, there is a $200-billion gap in debt capital available to MSMEs in the country. (KNN Bureau)