Intel Capital pumps $17 mln into 3 Indian firms

SINGAPORE, July 24 (Reuters) - Intel Capital, the venture capital arm of top chipmaker Intel Corp (INTC.O), said on Thursday it would pump $17 million into three Indian companies, comprising two Internet portals and one advertising firm.

Since starting in India in 1998, Intel Capital has invested in approximately 50 companies across eight cities. The funding will come from the $250 million Intel Capital India Technology Fund, founded in December 2005.

The three companies are: Yatra.com, an online travel portal, BuzzInTown.com, an events-oriented social networking portal, and Emnet Samsara Media Pvt. Ltd., an out-of-home advertising firm focusing on the Indian public transportation market. (Reporting by Jennifer Tan; Editing by Kevin Lim) (jennifer.tan@thomsonreuters.com; +65-6403 5660; Reuters Messaging: jennifer.tan.reuters.com@reuters.net)