Early-stage venture capital firm Inflexor Ventures raised Rs 280 crore as the first close of its Rs 350 crore Opportunities Fund, raising capital from a diverse set of investors.

In a statement, Inflexor said that HDFC AMC Select AIF FoF I Scheme is the dominant limited partner in the fund. Besides, it also saw participation from HNIs, family offices, corporates, and other institutions.

The VC firm aims to achieve the final close of the fund by the end of this month.

Founded by Venkat Vallabhaneni, Jatin Desai, and Pratip Mazumdar, Inflexor Ventures is a sector-agnostic VC firm managing Rs 1,000 crore of assets under management (AUM) with a portfolio of 26 startups.

According to the VC firm, this transaction has generated returns and liquidity for all its existing Fund-I investors, including IDFC Limited and Sumankant Munjal Family Office through a full portfolio sale of assets.

The VC firm noted that part of the target corpus of the Opportunities Fund will be allocated over the next three to five years to maintain or increase stake in their portfolio companies.

“The first close within six months, bolstered by a sizeable investment from HDFC AMC, underscores strong investor confidence in the underlying portfolio,” said Pratip Mazumdar, Partner at Inflexor.

Inflexor is currently deploying from its second fund raised during 2021 and has invested in companies, including Kale Logistics, Atomberg, PlayShifu, ClickPost, and BioPrime.

It also sold stakes and exited one of its second fund’s portfolio companies Steradian Semiconductors to a Tokyo-listed strategic Japanese company.

Inflexor has been an early investor in startups like Atomberg, Kale Logistics, Entropik, Bellatrix, Clickpost, and Cloudsek.

When remote work became the new norm, many hailed it as a game-changer—no commutes, greater flexibility, and the ability to work in pyjamas. However, as the novelty of working from home fades, a more nuanced picture is emerging. While the perks of remote work are undeniable, studies and personal accounts reveal that working from an office environment often supports better mental health.

So why is that? Understanding the mental health disparities between work-from-home (WFH) and office employees sheds light on the subtle advantages of traditional workspaces.

Why remote employees may have poorer mental health

The social connection advantage

One of the primary reasons office employees tend to have better mental health is the built-in social interaction. Offices naturally provide a setting for face-to-face conversations, collaborative brainstorming, and team-building activities. These interactions are not just business-focused; casual conversations at the coffee machine or spontaneous chats can have significant positive effects on mental health.

In contrast, remote work can be isolating. Even with video calls and virtual check-ins, employees often miss out on the human connection that fosters camaraderie and community. Over time, this isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and a decline in overall mental well-being.

Structured environment and routine

Working from an office provides employees with a structured environment that supports a clear division between work and home life. This structure helps in maintaining routines that are beneficial for mental health. The act of commuting, though sometimes viewed negatively, creates a transitional buffer that separates professional duties from personal time. This mental switch helps employees decompress before they step into their home life.

Remote workers, on the other hand, often struggle with work-life balance. The blurred boundaries can lead to overworking or an inability to fully disconnect from job responsibilities. Without the physical separation an office provides, many WFH employees report higher levels of stress and burnout.

Access to immediate support and resources

Offices often come equipped with resources that contribute to a healthier work life, such as ergonomic chairs, wellness rooms, or even on-site counsellors. More importantly, being in an office means having immediate access to supervisors and colleagues for quick problem-solving or support during stressful times.

Remote workers may feel disconnected from these resources. While companies may offer virtual mental health programs, they often lack the immediate impact and support of in-person solutions. The absence of face-to-face encouragement and guidance can amplify stressors that employees might otherwise mitigate through quick interactions or supportive discussions.

The role of team synergy and motivation

The collective energy of an office environment can act as a motivator. Working alongside others, seeing their commitment, and celebrating shared milestones can boost morale and overall job satisfaction. This team synergy often leads to increased productivity and a shared sense of purpose, both of which are beneficial for mental health.

Remote employees often miss out on this shared motivation. While some thrive independently, others find the solitary nature of remote work challenging, leading to a sense of isolation and disconnection from the company’s larger goals.

The impact of work-from-home stressors

Working from home comes with its own set of stressors that are often underestimated. The merging of personal and professional spaces can be mentally taxing. Employees may struggle to create a designated work area, and external factors like household responsibilities or family disruptions can add to their stress.

Parents or caregivers working from home often bear the brunt of this challenge. Balancing job duties while managing household tasks or children’s needs can lead to chronic stress. This persistent juggling can reduce job satisfaction and overall mental health.

What can companies do?

For organisations that continue to offer remote work, addressing these mental health challenges is crucial. Here are some practices to consider:

Promote regular check-ins

Ensure managers have consistent check-ins with their teams, prioritizing not just work updates but also mental health discussions.

Encourage work-life boundaries

Support employees in setting clear boundaries by promoting flexible schedules that align with productivity without infringing on personal time.

Foster virtual social interactions

Create opportunities for informal interactions, like virtual coffee breaks or online team-building activities.

Offer comprehensive mental health resources

Provide access to counselling, wellness apps, or stipends for home office upgrades that improve comfort and productivity.

While remote work offers significant benefits, the mental health advantages of working from an office cannot be overlooked. The social interactions, structured routines, and built-in support systems play a vital role in boosting morale and preventing isolation. For companies navigating hybrid or remote models, understanding these dynamics and implementing targeted support can make all the difference in employee well-being.

Founding a successful business is not easy. The journey can be significantly tougher for a woman. According to a report on the State of India’s Livelihood by Access Publications, the gender disparity among Indian entrepreneurs is startling. Despite women leaders contributing 3.09% to India’s industrial output and employing 10% of workers, the country ranks 57 out of 65 for women’s entrepreneurship globally, with only 2.16 of women actively participating in early-stage entrepreneurial activities. The disparity extends to the IT sector as well. An article by PricewaterhouseCoop, titled ‘Why do women in tech feel more inclusion in the workspace’, reveals that less than one-third of the tech sector employees are women.

And yet, women’s talent and potential continues to shine bright despite the obstacles.

In an age where innovation shapes the future, Encubay, in partnership with inDrive, is championing a movement to empower women in technology through the Women in Tech Summit. This event, slated for November 11, 2024, at Google’s RMZ Infinity office in Bengaluru, invites women founders, tech innovators, and industry leaders to unite under a shared vision: to transform India’s venture landscape and spotlight women entrepreneurs in IT.

There is a clear value in investing in female founders and women in tech, if additional systems of support are prioritised. While gender disparity in tech and entrepreneurship is a well-known fact, the question of bridging these gaps and building a community of women leaders is far more important. Women are now driving the future in India, building the next wave of transformative technology and launching pathbreaking startups. They need a platform to share their insights and their innovations, their triumphs and transformative journeys. That platform is Encubay’s Women in Tech Summit, a day-long event featuring the brightest and boldest women entrepreneurs in India.

Empower, Inspire, and Connect

The Women in Tech Summit is looking to bring women – thought leaders, innovators, pioneers, and gamechangers – together in the technology sector. The summit will act as a platform for women to discuss challenges, share their journeys and success stories, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The event is shaped by the principles of empowerment, inspiration and connection. “Through the Women in Tech Summit, Encubay is creating a platform where women can meet like-minded tech enthusiasts, showcase their ideas, and build the networks they need to thrive in entrepreneurship and a rapidly evolving tech industry,“ said Deeksha Ahuja and Avneet Kohli, Co-founders of Encubay.

The women at the event will be provided with the tools, resources, and networks they need to thrive in the tech industry. Success stories and entrepreneurial journeys will be featured at the event, serving as an inspirational roadmap to success. Networking opportunities will help shape an ecosystem of women professionals, where women can access the support, mentorship, and collaboration of a wider community. Panel discussions, workshops, demos, and keynote speeches will facilitate the sharing of the latest tech trends, insights on business and best practices across the tech industry.

Women in Tech Summit – highlights and key themes

With a day packed with keynote speeches, panels, demos, and startup pitches, the Women in Tech Summit is designed to engage, educate, and inspire. Attendees will gain insights on:

Leadership in Tech: Exploring pathways to leadership for women, including overcoming gender barriers.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit and discussing the role of innovation.

Aurora Tech Awards: A major highlight of the event is the Aurora Tech Award, a prestigious global prize from inDrive with an impressive $30,000 prize fund for women-led IT startups with groundbreaking impact.

The event will also feature startup pitches, where five women-led startups will pitch their business ideas and receive financial support.

What can you expect?

The agenda features engaging panel discussions, practical workshops, guided networking sessions, and a startup pitch segment where women founders can present their ideas to potential investors, partners, and allies. Notable speakers at the summit include, Shreya Bhatnagar, Principal Associate, Anthill Ventures; Archana Jahagirdar, Founding Partner, Rukam Capital; Monika Jain, Co-founder, Presto Apps; Alysha Lobo, Global Marketing Manager, Rapyuta Robotics; Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, Head of Awards, Aurora Tech; Neha Singh, Co-founder and CEOTracxn; Deeksha Ahuja, Founder, Encubay and Avneet Kohli, Founder, Encubay.

The Summit in Action

1. Founder Panels: These will cover essential topics like fundraising, navigating corporate partnerships, and lightning talks from tech founders.

2. Startup Pitching & Demos: A chance for five promising women-led startups to pitch their ideas and demo their products, fostering innovation and visibility.

3. Curated Networking + Mixer: Tailored sessions for building personal brands, creating impactful connections, and fostering potential founder-funder collaborations.

Category

Time

Subcategories

Women in Tech Founder Panel

– Fundraising Clinic

– Lightning Talks

– Corporate POCs

Startup Pitching & Founder Demos

– Tech Founders Pitching

– Product Demos

– What’s New Globally

Guided Networking + Mixer

– Curated Intros

– Personal Branding & Networking

– Funder Founder Mixer

Apply for the Aurora Tech Award

One of the highlights of the Women in Tech Summit is the chance for women founders to apply for the prestigious Aurora Tech Award. The platform gives women innovators in tech startups a chance to showcase their prototypes and gain recognition on the global stage. The award, founded and supported by InDrive, offers a cash prize of $85,000, guidance from InDrive executives, feedback from venture experts, media representation and a safe space where ingenuity, ideas and innovations are fostered.

“At Aurora Tech Award by inDrive, we are committed to empowering women entrepreneurs in India by unlocking opportunities, fostering innovation, and fueling transformative impact. Together with Encubay, we aim to build and nurture a community of women in tech who are shaping the future. Join us to support and connect with bold and brilliant women founders who are transforming industries and paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future”, said Nadeen Hossam, Global Partnerships Manager at Aurora Tech Award by inDrive

The Women in Tech Summit is so much more than a one-day event. It is a chance for women to build long-term connections, tap into a supportive network, and build ideas that will reshape the future of tech.

Register now and secure your spot at the Women in Tech Summit 2024.

Join the Summit & Register Today!