Omidyar Network & Village Capital Launch India's First Civic Technology

Omidyar Network, a global philanthropic investment firm in collaboration with Village Capital, a venture development connecting early-stage entrepreneurs launched India’s first ever civic technology event named ‘Civic Tech Connect 2018’ which essentially focuses on connecting investors and entrepreneurs to make India’s civic tech ecosystem.

Civic Tech Connect 2018, a three-month accelerator program trains the early-stage civic engagement ventures and brings together influencers, entrepreneurs, government and potential funders from all over the nation with some series of forums and workshops. Several experts such as Viraj Tyagi, CEO, e-Governments Foundation; political economist and former IAS officer, Santhosh Mathew; shared their thoughts and experiences in developing technological initiatives that will boost civic tech.

Speaking at the event, Roopa Kudva, Partner & MD,Omidyar Network India Advisors, comments, “India needs more entrepreneurs driving the growth of the civic tech industry. With important technology enablers in place, the sector has the potential to develop rapidly. As the ‘next half billion’ Indians come online for the first time through their mobile phones over the next five years, there is a huge opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs to create innovative civic tech solutions to enable central, state, and local governments to be more responsive and efficient in the delivery of critical services, while empowering citizens to engage more effectively with governments.”

Established in 2004, Omidyar Network creates opportunities for people to improve their lives by investing in market-based efforts that boost social change. It has already invested more than $132M across 75 civic tech organizations around the world with $9M+ in India for developing the new companies who need the aid required. Omidyar Network was founded by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife, Pam and they participated In multiple areas including Digital Identity, Education, Emerging Tech, Financial Inclusion, Governance & Citizen engagement and property rights. Founded in 2009, Village Capital builds bridges for entrepreneurs and their programs connect early-stage entrepreneurs with the people, institutions and capital for succeeding. Deepak Menon, Regional Director, Village Capital, says, “Awareness around the application of civic tech remains low among potential end-users, even with increasing smartphone and internet usage.”

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