Intel Capital invests $16 mn in three Asian e-commerce firms

Of the three firms, two are from India—Snapdeal.com and Bright Lifecare that runs Healthkart.com

Intel Capital, one of the largest technology investors, last year invested $352 million across 150 deals globally, with nearly 57% of the funds invested outside the US.

Intel Capital, US chip maker Intel Corp.’s global investment arm, has invested nearly $16 million in three online retail companies in Asia, including two in India—Snapdeal.com and Bright Lifecare Pvt. Ltd, which runs Healthkart.com.

The other investment was in existing portfolio company Reebonz.com, a private luxury goods retailer based in Singapore.

Snapdeal.com is a consumer goods marketplace and Healthkart sells nutrition, health and wellness products.

The investments were made public at the World Economic Forum in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on Friday.

“We see start-up companies across Asia-Pacific taking advantage of new business opportunities created by the spread of personal computing and broadband Internet access. These technologies allow entrepreneurs to reach new markets and customers, and offer innovative new services that will help to enrich the lives of people across Asia,” said Gregory Bryant, vice-president and general manager, Intel Asia-Pacific, in a statement.

Intel Capital, one of the largest technology investors, last year invested $352 million across 150 deals globally, with nearly 57% of the funds invested outside the US.

Intel Capital started investing in Asia-Pacific in 1998 and has since invested over $2 billion in more than 320 technology companies in the region. At least 60 of these companies have gone public or have been acquired.