Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ investment arm MOL PLUS has announced its investment in Chiratae Ventures International Fund V, managed by Chiratae Ventures Offshore Manager LLP. The move marks MOL PLUS’s second commitment to an Indian venture capital fund, following its earlier investment in Theia Ventures.
Tokyo-based MOL PLUS was established in 2021 by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to invest in start-ups and foster strategic collaboration with MOL Group companies. The latest investment underscores India’s growing importance as a key investment destination for the group.
Founded in 2006, Chiratae Ventures is among India’s most established venture capital firms, with nearly two decades of experience spanning the early evolution of the country’s start-up ecosystem. The firm has managed seven funds to date, overseeing approximately $1.3 billion in assets under management. It has invested in more than 130 companies and achieved around 65 exits, including five IPOs.
Chiratae Ventures International Fund V focuses on high-growth sectors including Consumer Tech, FinTech, HealthTech, SaaS and AI, B2B segments such as supply chains and manufacturing, as well as Deep Tech.
MOL PLUS highlighted that partnering with a local market expert is critical to strengthening its presence in India. The investment is expected to provide enhanced access to Chiratae’s deal flow, creating new business opportunities for the MOL Group and expanding collaboration prospects with emerging start-ups.
Capt. Shantanu, Head of the India Desk and Growth Manager at MOL PLUS, said the company’s engagement with India’s dynamic VC and start-up ecosystem since 2024 has been highly enriching.
“Our partnership with Chiratae Ventures, a leading Indian VC firm with deep local expertise and a strong track record in scaling high-growth companies, marks a significant milestone in expanding MOL PLUS’s footprint in India,” he said.
He added that by combining Chiratae’s strong market understanding with MOL Group’s global capabilities, the partnership aims to accelerate the creation of new business opportunities with India’s next generation of entrepreneurs while delivering sustainable, long-term value across both ecosystems.
