Iswarya Fertility Center raises ₹350 crore from Orbimed Asia
Chennai-based Iswarya Fertility Center raises over 200 ₹Healthcare investment firm OrbiMed Asia’s growth investment of Rs 350 crore (about $37 million) has increased investors’ focus on India’s expanding fertility care market due to changing demographic trends.
The financing will help Iswarya establish new centers in existing and underserved markets, strengthen clinical infrastructure, invest in digital capabilities and expand its embryology talent pipeline, the company said Thursday.
Iswarya Fertility Center managing director Dr. “Our focus for the next phase is clear: deepening our presence across India, entering underserved geographies and continuing to raise the bar on clinical outcomes,” Arun Muthuvel said in a statement.
India’s Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024 shows that the country’s total fertility rate has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement rate of 2.1 required for long-term population stability.
At the same time, rising incomes in densely populated urban centers have made consumers more willing to spend on fertility treatment, increasing investor interest in the industry.
Founder and chief clinical officer of Iswarya Fertility Centre, Dr. “From the very beginning, every center we have opened has been guided by a simple belief: clinical excellence and compassion should always go hand in hand,” S. Chandralekha, MD, said in a statement.
The investment for US-based OrbiMed, which has traditionally focused on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and healthcare, expands its India portfolio into fertility care.
While the company’s immediate focus is to deepen its presence in India, Muthuvel noted that it will eventually expand abroad.
“Orbimed’s healthcare expertise and shared commitment to clinical excellence make them an ideal partner as we expand access to high-quality fertility care across India and, over time, international markets,” he said.
Founded in 1986 by Chandralekha and Veluswamy, Iswarya has become south India’s largest fertility network. It currently operates more than 85 centers in eight states and has served more than 300,000 couples over the past four decades.
The company offers IVF, IUI, fertility preservation, genetics and other advanced reproductive treatments and operates on a hub-and-spoke model that it says combines clinical depth with cost efficiency.
OrbiMed’s partner and senior managing director, Dr. “Iswarya has established itself as one of the country’s leading fertility platforms, driven by its strong clinical results, trusted brand, capital-efficient operating model and experienced leadership team,” Sunny Sharma and OrbiMed managing director Arun Sadhanandham said in a joint statement.
Veda Corporate Advisors acted as financial advisor to Iswarya and its promoters on the transaction.
