Hasiru Dala Innovations (HDI) raised INR 6 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Rainmatter Fintech Investments, with participation from Next Bharat Ventures IFSC.
The investment will help HDI expand its plastics recycling capacity and operational efficiency, and support the expansion of its Bio-gas plant. HDI will also invest in hiring new managers and expanding its operations.
Nithin Kamat, CEO, Zerodha and Rainmatter, stated, “Hasiru Dala Innovations has built a unique, inclusive model that not only tackles waste management but also empowers waste pickers as key stakeholders in the circular economy. Their work in plastics circularity and bio-energy solutions is creating tangible environmental and social impact. At Rainmatter, we believe in supporting businesses that drive systemic change for a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be part of HDI’s next phase of growth as they scale their operations and expand beyond Bangalore.”
Vipul Nath Jindal, MD and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, said, “At Next Bharat Ventures, we are committed to backing Impact Entrepreneurs—founders who are driven by a deep-rooted intent to create lasting social change. Hasiru Dala Innovations is a testament to the power of mission-driven entrepreneurship—one that not only creates sustainable livelihoods but also builds resilient circular economy models at scale.
“Their approach to waste management, rooted in dignity and economic empowerment for waste pickers, aligns with our belief that transformative businesses emerge from deep, on-the-ground understanding of societal challenges. We are proud to support HDI as our fund’s first direct investment and look forward to seeing them expand their impact across geographies,” Jindal said.
HDI has diverted over 100,000 tons of waste from landfills since 2015, saving 1 million cubic meters of space and mitigating 1,31,493 tCO2e GHG emissions.
Shekar Prabhakar, CEO & Cofounder of Hasiru Dala Innovations, said , “At Hasiru Dala Innovations, our mission has always been to create a world with no waste and no waste pickers—where those who have been traditionally marginalized are at the forefront of the circular economy.
“Through our work, we have empowered 29 waste picker entrepreneurs, provided predictable livelihoods to over 300 waste pickers and workers, and facilitated supplemental income opportunities totaling over 9,300 person-hours.
“Beyond livelihood opportunities, we are focused on driving systemic change, with over 40 informal waste sector suppliers now adopting fair trade practices. With marquee investors such as Rainmatter and Next Bharat Ventures backing us, we are confident of growing with deep impact,” Prabhakar said.
HDI, certified Fair Trade Guaranteed by WFTO, integrates waste pickers into the circular economy, transforming them into Green Collar professionals and entrepreneurs.
