Qualcomm Ventures eyes investments in wireless healthcare firms in India

Qualcomm Ventures, the investment arm of wireless technologies and data solutions major Qualcomm Inc, is evaluating some companies operating in the wireless healthcare space in India for investments, a top executive of the company told Techcircle.in.

"We are actively looking at some companies which are using tablet, smartphone or special hardware devices to provide healthcare services. However, we have not zeroed in on any companies yet," said Karthee Madasamy, managing director, Qualcomm Ventures India.

This would be routed through the global wireless health fund that was launched in 2011.

Talking about broader strategy, Madasamy said Qualcomm Ventures will look for opportunity-based investments in India. "However, our key focus is mobile-based companies. Within mobile, we are looking at almost everything—from device to components to services, including education and healthcare."

Qualcomm Ventures started operations in India in 2007 and has already invested in 10 companies that include Tessolve, MapMyIndia, Obopay, Capillary Technologies, ZopNow, Yebhi.com, Dexetra and Apalya Technologies and Onward Mobility.

The firm banks on a co-investment strategy. Recently, it co-invested in mobile app development firm Apps Daily with ru-Net and Indo-US Venture Partners. The firm has invested in around 100 companies globally.

(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)