LIGHTSPEED Venture Partners announced on Wednesday (Jul 13) that it has closed its US$500 million early-stage fund for India and South-east Asia, bringing its total capital under management to over US$18 billion.

This round’s funding, roughly 60 per cent more than its last flagship fundraiser, will focus on expanding the firm’s early-stage vehicles and supporting its large and growing global platform, Lightspeed said in its press statement.

Alongside India IV, a dedicated early-stage fund vehicle, Lightspeed said it also invests in growth-stage companies in the India and South-east Asia region through its Select and Opportunity fund vehicles.

Additionally, the venture capital firm has been a partner to a number of category leaders in India and South-east Asia including Indian Energy Exchange, Oyo, Byju’s, Grab, Acko, Razorpay, Udaan, Sharechat and Innovaccer.

“We continue to witness the broadening and deepening of the opportunity in the region, led by world-class founders and an ever-expanding scope for technology to reshape the economy in India and South-east Asia,” said Lightspeed.