IIT Madras to Launch ₹200 Crore VC Fund to Back Deeptech Startups

IIT Madras has announced the launch of a ₹200 crore (~$24 million) venture capital fund to support early-stage deeptech startups, particularly those incubated within its innovation ecosystem.

The fund, titled the IITM Alumni Fund, was formally introduced during the Sangam 2025 alumni summit in Bengaluru.

The fund aligns with the institute’s Startup Shatam mission to incubate 100 deeptech startups annually. 

• Fund Focus: Pre-Series A and Series A investments in deeptech ventures
• Backers: Primarily funded by IITM alumni and high-net-worth individuals
• Structure: Operates as a separate legal entity with standard VC governance
• Vision: Supports the institute’s ‘Startup Shatam’ mission to incubate 100 deeptech startups annually
• Track Record: IITM has already incubated 500+ startups with a combined valuation of over ₹50,000 crore and created 11,000+ jobs
• Notable Successes: Includes unicorns like Ather Energy and Uniphore

Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said —

“This fund will help accelerate our vision of ‘Startup Shatam’... A focused Series A-level VC fund, where the investors are our own alumni and well-wishers, is exactly what is going to get us there.”

Early Stage VC Firm A2D Ventures Enters India via Cross-Border Partnership with We Founder Circle

A2D Ventures, a trailblazing venture capital firm and startup investing platform shaping Southeast Asia’s early-stage investment landscape, has entered India through a strategic partnership with We Founder Circle (WFC), one of India’s largest and most active angel investment syndicates. This collaboration marks a major milestone in fostering cross-border innovation, unlocking new opportunities for Indian and Southeast Asian founders and investors alike.

As digital-first investment platforms, both A2D Ventures and We Founder Circle share a deep commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs globally. A2D Ventures has been at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s startup scene, backing high-growth startups and building a strong network of investors. WFC has invested in over 150 startups with 50 Winners and 24 exits, including fast-growing ventures such as Zypp Electric, Hesa, Garuda Aerospace, and Kazam, contributing to a collective portfolio valuation exceeding $1 billion. Together, they are poised to reshape cross-border capital flows and mentorship for early-stage founders.

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to democratizing venture capital and expanding access to high-growth opportunities across Southeast Asia. By collaborating with WFC, we aim to empower visionary founders and investors across borders, fostering innovation and economic growth in both regions.” – Ankit Upadhyay, Co-Founder & General Partner of A2D Ventures.

The partnership will be powered by a tech-enabled approach to investing—combining Invstt, a digital platform offered by We Founder Circle for dashboard-driven automated investing, and A2D Ventures’ proprietary systems—to create a seamless cross-border experience for global investors. From deal access and due diligence to portfolio management, this digital synergy will unlock new levels of efficiency, transparency, and investor engagement across both regions.

“This partnership is more than just an expansion—it’s about creating a seamless bridge between two of the most dynamic startup ecosystems in the world. Southeast Asian founders are looking beyond their borders for scale, and India offers immense synergies. Likewise, Indian investors now have a structured gateway to tap into the high-growth potential of Southeast Asian startups.” – Neeraj Tyagi, Co-Founder & CEO of We Founder Circle.

The first wave of cross-border deals already showcases the diversity and ambition of this partnership. These include:

• A biotech startup producing a lactose-free milk alternative that tastes like traditional milk
• An autonomous food kiosk venture similar to Flying Turtle (Tao Bin) for beverages
• A fintech open finance platform, following the playbook as CRED in India, but tailored for Southeast Asia
• A rising F&B coffee brand rapidly expanding across the Philippines

And more high-potential startups across AI, SpaceTech, HealthTech, and ClimateTech sectors

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment, following a strategic MoU signed by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Thailand, at the BISMEC Summit held in Bangkok from April 3–5, 2025. The MoU emphasizes enhanced startup collaboration between the two countries, especially in sectors such as Fintech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, and Digital Infrastructure.

A2D Ventures

A2D Ventures is Southeast Asia’s prominent early-stage venture capital firm, angel syndicate, and angel investing platform with a mission to democratize venture capital. Their platform enables global investors to back innovative and impactful companies across various sectors, with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs who are building the future of Southeast Asia.

IDFC FIRST Bank Launches FIRST Wings Start-Up Lounge to Empower Indian Start-ups

IDFC FIRST Bank, today announced the launch of startup lounge an exclusive space designed to support entrepreneurs and empower early-stage startups in India. Located in Koramangala, Bengaluru, this unique space aims to provide essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.

On the occasion Mr. Bhavesh Jatania, Head Start-up Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank said “We are excited to announce the IDFC FIRST Bank Start-up Lounge, a first of its kind initiative by a bank in India. The Start-up Lounge will serve as meeting and collaboration point, providing entrepreneurs a conducive environment to innovate and grow. IDFC FIRST Bank will also partner with leading incubators, accelerators, venture capitalists and angel investors, creating synergies that will help startups gain competitive edge in a fast- evolving business environment.”

The FIRST Wings Start-up Lounge is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including meeting rooms and advanced video conferencing solutions, creating an ideal environment for entrepreneurs, and investors to connect, collaborate and grow.

To provide additional support to the entrepreneurs the Start-up Lounge will also host events:

• Knowledge Sessions: Access to a curated knowledge resources and mentorship sessions conducted by industry experts.
• Networking Events: Events that connect startups with investors and industry experts.
• Pitch Presentations: Present business ideas to potential investors and receive valuable feedback.

Key features of the First Wings Startup Banking Program by IDFC FIRST Bank:

• FIRST Start-up Current Account: Zero fee current account with free banking services with no minimum balance requirement for initial three years for early-stage startups.
• FIRST Bravo Feature: A smart sweep facility that allows startups to earn returns up to 7.25% on idle funds by automatically transferring excess amounts over Rs 2 lakhs into fixed deposits.
• FIRST Business Corporate Credit Card: Designed to help start-ups manage their business expenses with a flexible step-up credit feature.
• Founder Success Program: “LeapToUnicorn” one of its kind initiatives that provides access to mentorship, networking and fundraising opportunities through a meticulously planned journey.

Conclusion

With the support of various ecosystem partners, including investors, government bodies, and accelerators, the FIRST Wings Start-up Lounge aims to act as a catalyst for start-up growth. By bringing together key players in one space, IDFC FIRST Bank is helping startups navigate the complexities of growth and innovation.

About IDFC FIRST Bank

IDFC FIRST Bank is a new age Universal Bank in India built on the foundations of Ethical Banking, Digital Banking, and Social Good Banking. We are building a world class bank in India.

As part of the Bank’s ethical banking approach, it applies a "Near and Dear" Test to its products, so that the employees of the Bank serve only such products they'd want for their own loved ones. It believes income earned unethically is not worth earning.

Therefore, the Bank avoids complicated descriptions, calculations, and legalese that customers don’t understand. It abolished all charges on Savings Accounts including for Debit Cards, IMPS, RTGS, NEFT, Cash Deposit, “Non-Home branch” access, Cash withdrawals at ATMs and at branches, 3rd party transaction charges at branches, SMS Alert, Cheque book, Demand Drafts, Pay-order, duplicate statement, and all such services that are usually charged in the market. It follows the principle that it won’t touch its customers’ bank account for one reason or other. It is the first and only bank in India till date to do so.

IDFC FIRST Bank is the first bank in India to offer monthly credit on savings accounts. The credit cards have no hidden charges. It offers Lifetime Free without minimum spend conditions, never-expiring rewards points, zero interest on cash withdrawal at ATMs, dynamic low APR and much more. Fees if any are transparent and described neatly in a manner a common person can understand. Every product offered by the bank is highly customer friendly, most often the best in the industry.

As part of technology led banking, the Bank has built a modern technology stack and has built an advanced mobile app with 250+ features such as Goal based investing, MF investment assistance, electric-speed payments, Account Aggregator, MF Aggregator, Personal Finance Manager, Auto categorisation of spends, single app for personal and business banking, UPI on Credit Cards, travel and shop, bill and recharges, deals and reward redemptions, which offer great convenience to the customers. For business customers the Bank offers on-the-go bulk payments, ability to pay income tax, GST, customs duty, and connected banking with ERP solutions.

As part of the Social Banking theme, the Bank’s business model is naturally geared to social banking. It has developed unique capabilities for financing bottom of pyramid customers with consistently high asset quality. The Bank has financed over 40 million customers including 0.3 million SMEs, 0.9 million livelihood (cattle loans), 16 million lifestyle improvement loans (for laptops, washing machine, etc.), 1 million sanitation loans (toilets, water fittings), 6.5 million mobility loans (2-wheelers and cars), and home financing (over 100,000 homes), and 15 million loans to 4.3 million women-entrepreneurs. It also offers other retail and rural loans such as Kisan Credit Cards, harvest financing, gold loans etc.

IDFC FIRST Bank is a Universal Bank, and offers end to end Corporate Banking, Trade Finance such as issuance of LCs & BGs, SBLC, Packing Credit, Pre-shipment and Post-shipment Finance, Treasury products including risk hedging solutions like Forwards, Swaps, Options, and other Forex Solutions, SME Banking, Wealth Management, NRI banking, Cash Management, Nostro & Vostro account operations, Escrow facilities, Correspondent Banking, Fastag, Toll-acquiring, Dealer Finance and Purchase/Sales Invoice discounting.

ESG Goals: The Bank is incorporating ESG in every aspect of working and has high ESG scores. The Bank believes that to get an opportunity to create a new age, ethical and world class Bank for India is a great privilege for its employees.

The Commerce Society of Hansraj College Unveils Early-Stage Symposium 2.0 for Early/ Ideation Stage Startups in India

The Entrepreneurship Cell of the Commerce Society, Hansraj College, is set to host “Early-Stage Symposium 2.0,” a pivotal event poised to revolutionize the start-up ecosystem within the Delhi University Circuit.

This symposium will afford aspiring entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to showcase their fledgling ventures or innovative concepts in the preproduct stage to distinguished venture capitalists and angel investors. These seasoned luminaries possess invaluable expertise and resources, capable of propelling fledgling ventures to unprecedented heights.

If you are trying to unleash the budding entrepreneur in you but struggling to find the perfect opportunity? Put your entrepreneurial skills to the ultimate test at "Vanijya Utsav’24" as we bring you the highly anticipated Early Stage Symposium 2.0.

Engage in thrilling challenges, brainstorm creative ideas, and craft innovative solutions. You'll also have the golden opportunity to pitch your decks directly top VCs and angel networks like Accel, Indian Angel Network, Mumbai Angels and more .

This is not just an event; it's a game-changer! Don't let it slip through your fingers. Register now using the link – http://bit.ly/ESS_24

For any queries, contact:
Vasu Garg: +91 76786 01942
Vaibhav Sharma: +91 95826 38323

Hansraj College is renowned for its diversified and strong alumni base, who through their rigor and hard work paired with the knowledge and values bestowed by the prestigious institution have left some unparalleled marks in their respective fields. A pioneer in the field of science and commerce, their premier institution has been accredited as the 2nd best college as per the recent NAAC grading ranking and the 9th best college in the Delhi University circuit. The students of the college are able to outperform their fellow mates due to the constant support from its revered faculty.

Ankur Capital Announces Day Zero, A Pre-Seed Funding Platform For Early-Stage Startups

Tech-focused VC Ankur Capital today announced the launch of a pre-seed funding platform called Day Zero for early-stage startups. The Day Zero platform will be sector-agnostic and will primarily focus on sectors like agriculture, health, SMB SaaS, fintech, logistics, mobility, construction, livelihood, and everything in between. Day Zero is built in such a way that it will help startups cover everything i.e., from initiation to scale for the entrepreneurs. All aspects from funding to ecosystem support to mentoring would be taken care of under one roof.

At Day Zero, Ankur Capital is building a platform for collaboration among angels, Micro VCs, and ecosystem enablers. The platform will invest in pre-seed/seed startups with upto $ 1 M, alongwith partners including Ankur Capital. With the platform, startups can benefit from the network and also the knowledge from all the stakeholders involved. The Day Zero platform has been launched with other micro VC partners like Eximius Ventures, Upsparks, Capital-A, and Gemba. With time, the team will add more partners to ensure that the startups are heard from all quarters when it comes to funding. The platform will not only help pre-seed founders to initiate but to scale, and succeed at the highest levels.

Mohammed Amaan Memon, Head, Day Zero, says, “For Day Zero platform, we are working with top angels, Micro VCs, and ecosystem enablers- right from banks to cloud providers. The gamut of founders that Ankur Capital and its partners have backed to date will be of immense help to the founders we back through Day Zero. We also aim to help connect our founders to marquee investors as they raise follow-on capital. With this platform, we want to help the startups to grow and succeed at all levels.”

Earlier this year in January, Ankur Capital organized the second edition of their pitch fest called India PitchFest 2 which was also to help early-stage startups raise funding. The event aimed to assist startups by giving them the opportunity to pitch their ideas to some of the most renowned micro-VCs who could provide funding to help them hit the ground running. The third edition which is being held on 31st August across Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi.

About Ankur Capital: Ankur Capital is well known for being one of the early backers of agritech in the country. They have backed startups like Captain Fresh, Krishify, VeGrow, Rupifi, Cropin, String Bio, Niramai and many others. The VC firm has around 30 companies in its portfolio across two funds.

Early Stage Startup Funding In India Shrinks Sharply In 2017

In last few months lot of venture funds have emerged to back early stage startups. Despite this, the base of the startup funding pyramid is shrinking and this could severely impact growth of startup ecosystem in India.

If we look at the figures stated by Tracxn, a startup analytics firm, the number of angel and seed investments made in the first half of 2017 (January to June) is down to 260, indicating a drastic drop from 419 in the first half of 2016. Whereas, Seed funding has seen a steep decline from 278 to 152.

Even though the numbers of deals in seed and angel round are down, the deal sizes in these round have increased. The total angel and seed funding has risen to $155 million in the first half of 2017, from $123 million in the year-ago period.

The report further states, the total funding in 2017 at $5.1 billion is more than double that in 2016, at $2 billion and ecosystem get this number because of the two big funding rounds of $1.4 billion each in Flipkart and Paytm.

Earlier in May 2017, News Corp, had released Startup Deal Report Q1 CY2017. According to this report, investors prefers late stage funding. The report states, angel and seed investments fell both in volume and value terms with deal volumes reduced to half with 120 deals in Q1 CY2017 in comparison to 245 deals in the same period last year. Whereas Series A funding declined 65% in deal value on a Y-o-Y basis and Series B funding value improved 22% in the FY Q1 compared to the same period last year, despite deal numbers being lower by 16%.

This indicates that investors are wisely investing in startups that is their focus is on fewer ventures which they think have a better chance of survival.