To: Mohan Marette who wrote (1367 ) 3/27/2000 10:32:00 AM From: Mohan Marette Respond to of 1471
**OT** KVP Ventures sets up VC fund with $250 mln-converting ideas to real stories Ketan Parekh, the legendary broker on the BSE along with Himachal Futuristics Communication Limited Chairman Vinay Maloo and Australian media baron, Kerry Packer have floated a venture capital company KVP Ventures with an initial capital of Rs11bn (US$250mn). The trio will contribute equally in the joint venture, which will target companies exploiting `human capital.? Investments would largely be in high technology areas such as information technology, software, e-commerce, telecommunications, media, entertainment and also bio-technology. "We will invest in ideas and convert them into real stories," Ketan Parekh said. KVP Ventures bears the first initial of all the three partners and will be the largest venture capital firm in the country, which will identify and incubate startups. Speaking at the launch of the fund in Mumbai today, Packer said, "India is the country of future and not China. Indians are highly intelligent people and we want to be a part of India." He also clarified that he and his company do not intend to pick up a majority stake in any Indian media company, either in print or electronics. Referring to news reports that he was planning to invest in Sahara`s sports channel, Ketan Parekh said, "As far as sports channel is concerned, nothing is happening, though we are in discussions with the Sahara group." It may be recalled, that earlier this month, Packer`s Consolidated Press Holdings Ltd (CPH), had picked up a 10% stake in HFCL, paying $238 million or Rs1,450 per share. Packer`s Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd`s Nine Network has already been selected by Doordarshan to produce television coverage of international cricket played in India until early 2002. HFCL shares on Monday ended up Rs144.10 at Rs2,140.10 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.