MUMBAI: Texas Pacific Group Ventures (TPGV) has announced Varun Kapur, as a firm partner effective February 2007.

A former Intel capital executive, Kapur will lead expansion stage and growth-oriented investments in India with investments up to as much as $ 75 million, asserts an official release.

Kapur will also have additional responsibility for growth and expansion investments in Japan, Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.

TPG Newbridge is part of the TPG global buyout and late stage private equity fund that invests across the globe in multiple sectors. In India, TPG has invested in Matrix Laboratories and Shriram Finance.

TPG Newbridge managing director Puneet Bhatia said, "We are pleased to welcome Varun Kapur to the TPG family. India represents a compelling opportunity to invest in expansion stage and growth companies, and Varun can help sharpen that focus."

TPG Partner and Wipro, Ltd former vice chairman Vivek Paul added, "Varun has established a strong reputation with investments like NIIT, India Infoline, Sasken, Elpida (Japan), and Unwired (Australia). Given TPG's strong interest in India, we are delighted to have someone of Varun's caliber join the TPG Ventures team. We plan to build the TPGV team under him so we can best address the vast and diverse investment opportunities in expansion stage and growth-oriented companies in India"

Commenting on his appointment Kapur said, "TPG is one of the earliest private equity investors in Asia and is certainly among the most successful. I view the invitation to join the firm to help oversee its substantial commitment to growth investments in the region as a unique career opportunity. I was particularly attracted by the significant value that TPG can bring as a sophisticated global investor across multiple asset classes and industries."