Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Philanthropy with an impact-investing arm in Indian education and livelihoods
dell.org ↗Michael & Susan Dell Foundation took part in 2 disclosed rounds in Indian startups in 2026 (0 as lead), most often Series B rounds in Education & Skilling; its latest was byteXL on 7 October 2026.
About Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation runs impact investing in India alongside grants. Reports describe a $50M commitment in 2016 for direct investments in early-stage ventures and backing of seed funds as an LP. Focus areas are education, livelihood and small-business finance.
Investment thesis
- Impact investing in urban low-income education and livelihoods
- Direct stakes in early-stage ventures
- Limited-partner support for seed funds such as Unitus Seed Fund and Menterra
Stages
Sectors
Funds
- India startup allocation (2016) · $50M over three years · India
- India Educational Investment Fund (IEIF) · Early-stage education vehicle
Deals in 2026
| Date | Company | Round | Amount | Role | Co-investors | Story |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 October 2026 | BY | Series B | $9M | Participant | Elevar Equity, Kalaari Capital | Story |
| 1 October 2026 | SF Seeds Fincap | Series B | ₹100 Cr | Participant | Z47, Lok Capital, Norinchukin Capital, Alteria Capital | Story |
Stage and sector mix
Disclosed rounds Michael & Susan Dell Foundation took part in, by stage and by sector.
| Stage | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Series B | 2 | 0 |
| Sector | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Education & Skilling | 1 | 0 |
| Financial Services | 1 | 0 |
Frequent co-investors
| Investor | Rounds together |
|---|---|
| Alteria Capital | 1 |
| Elevar Equity | 1 |
| Kalaari Capital | 1 |
| Lok Capital | 1 |
| Norinchukin Capital | 1 |
| Z47 | 1 |
Best bets in India
Indian portfolio
- BY
byteXLEducation & Skilling · in at Series B · 2026
- CHChipperSageEdtech
- GUGuruGEdtech
- INIntelleGrowFintech$1M in 2013, $500K in 2014
- OLOliveboardEdtech
- REReportbeeEdtech
- SFSeeds FincapFinancial Services · in at Series B · 2026
- SJSelect Jobs
India-based companies only. Linked names have a StopDown page; the rest link up on their own as soon as we cover them.
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in the news
- BY
- SFSeeds Fincap · Funding · 1 October 2026 · ₹100 CrSeeds Fincap raises ₹100 crore Series BSeeds Fincap is a Gurugram lender that gives small loans to nano businesses and individuals left out by traditional credit checks
Read next: companies in the portfolio
Questions about Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
How many investments did Michael & Susan Dell Foundation make in India in 2026?
StopDown has recorded 2 disclosed rounds in Indian startups with Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 2026 so far, 0 of them as lead. The latest was byteXL on 7 October 2026 ($9M).
Which sectors does Michael & Susan Dell Foundation invest in?
In the 2025 and 2026 rounds StopDown recorded, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation invested most often in Education & Skilling (1 round) and Financial Services (1 round). Its stated focus: Edtech and Fintech.
Does Michael & Susan Dell Foundation lead rounds?
In the 2 rounds StopDown recorded in 2025 and 2026, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation joined as a participant; none named it as the lead.
Sources: business-standard.com · nextbillion.net · avcj.com · insidephilanthropy.com · dell.org · checked 2026-10-18