Warburg Pincus bets on Fusion Microfinance

US-headquartered private equity giant Warburg Pincus is leading an investment of Rs 520 crore (around $75 million) in Delhi-headquartered Fusion Microfinance to mark its first bet on a microlender. The Series E investment will include a primary infusion and a secondary sale by early-stage investors, the firms said in a joint statement. Existing investor Creation Investments has participated in this round while some other investors such as Incofin, NMI, BIO and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have exited the company. This fundraise follows an internal round that Fusion completed in February this year and significantly expands its capital base to support its high organic growth, the companies said. Fusion Microfinance had in February raised Rs 80 crore (around $12 million) in a fresh round of funding led by existing investors Creation Investments, Oikocredit and GAWA Capital. Fusion also intends to selectively evaluate potential acquisition opportunities, the statement added. Founded in 2010, Fusion predominantly operates in rural and semi-urban areas and offers financial services to women. The company has a strong presence in north and central India.