Ram Kumar R

India's Venture Capital Ecosystem needs Maturity to deal with Deep Tech Ventures. To inculcate this step up government needs to incentives founders engaged in setting up AI Labs that focus on development of India / Asia specific models. The founders, themselves, will have to engage with VC system to make them understand the life cycle of such ventures which itself is evolving. VCs need to take cue from those markets which have already invested in such deep tech ventures and learn from them. All the stakeholders will have to come forward and make this happen if India has to capitalize on the massive opportunity to leapfrog in the world of AI enabled future.

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{New pod 🎤} "𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬?" Was super-fun to jam with Thiyagarajan Maruthavanan (Rajan) - Managing Partner at Upekkha. We discussed how Indian startups should look at AI, including real addressable opportunities, how to differentiate and compete against global competitors, what pre-AI SaaS startups should do to stay relevant, the India domestic AI opportunity, and finally, operating learnings for US go-to-market. Some thought-provoking insights and learnings for Indian AI and SaaS startups in here. Let us know what you think! YouTube - https://lnkd.in/g8d7rSe5 Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gpzkM8Jw Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gEf_zvKM An Operator's Blog - https://lnkd.in/gRzK2nTb

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Establishing a deep-tech focused VC fund would greatly benefit entrepreneurs at the idea, seed, pre-Series A, and Series A stages. Moreover, startups also require grants, joint investment opportunities with deep-tech vendors (both public and private), mentorship, orders, timely payment of invoices, prompt approvals, and access to a global knowledge-sharing platform. These supports enable them to build upon existing foundations rather than starting from scratch. Indian entrepreneurs are currently emphasizing the development of consumer-centric products such as food brands and cosmetics, rather than investing to build deep-tech assets that could enhance production capabilities. We anticipate that this will change with the backing of all stakeholders. Startup India | Invest India | Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India | MeitY Startup Hub | SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd | SiriusOne Capital | Angel Scions | O2 VC Fund (fund under process)| o2 Angels Network https://lnkd.in/dtfBpWUF?

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In 2018, SoftBank was searching for someone to launch their Indian operations. The $100B fund was impressive but for Sumer Juneja, there was more. He witnessed the mobile revolution in India firsthand. He was passionate about the potential of technology. This was a chance to be part of something bigger. At this point in his career, he may not have had the appetite to be a full-blown entrepreneur. But, craved to be alongside those who were changing the world. SoftBank Investment Advisers offered that. One more reason was SoftBank's founder. Masayoshi Son. Unlike most managing partners with finance backgrounds, Masa was an entrepreneur himself. He saw things differently, with the instincts of a builder, not just an investor. This resonated deeply with Sumer. Watch the full journey of Sumer on EUVC! #venturecapital #angelinvesting #startupfunding #europe

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🚀 Breaking Ground with VC Grid: India's Venture Odyssey! 🚀 Thrilled to unveil VC Grid, a paradigm shift in venture syndication crafted exclusively for the visionary minds of family offices & UHNIs. With a formidable war chest of Rs 900 crore, VC Grid embarks on a mission to empower 100-120 startups over the next triennium, spanning diverse realms from agritech to financial frontiers, seeding each venture with an infusion ranging from INR 4-16 crore. Powered by the backing of esteemed Indian family offices, entrepreneurs, and UHNIs, VC Grid's helm is steered by Vansh Oberoi, a dynamic VC professional in early-stage investments with an illustrious six-year journey at Venture Catalysts alongside Sidhi Dalmia, former Goldman Sachs executive, captaining our venture towards new horizons. Already carving its mark, VC Grid has infused INR 40 crore into five trailblazing ventures, catalyzing an unprecedented INR 100 crore in follow-on funding. Notable among these are Autocracy Machinery Pvt Ltd, KisanKonnect Safe Foods and Ideal Insurance. But VC Grid isn't just about capital infusion; it's a beacon of collaborative innovation, fostering a nexus of expertise and domestic capital. Our mandate? Backing ventures grounded in research, profitability, and ESG principles, with an eye on delivering over 30% IRR. Join us on this exhilarating venture odyssey as we redefine the contours of India's startup landscape, one disruptive idea at a time! Venture Catalysts++ | India's 1st Multi-Stage VC, 9Unicorns, Anuj Golecha, Anil G Jain, Gaurav Jain, Vansh Oberoi, Sidhi Dalmia, Shreeyesh Chandgothia #VentureCatalysts #AngelInvestor #VC #IndianStartups #StartupFunding #SyndicateFund #FamilyOffices #IndianStartups #ESGInvesting https://lnkd.in/de65Wk9p

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🌿✨ Embracing AYUSH: Empowering Health Naturally! 🌟 Did you know? Recent data from the survey on AYUSH conducted by National Sample Survey Office, India reveals that 50% of Indians used AYUSH healthcare system in the last year! 🔹 AYUSH system of medicines refers to the use of one or more of the system(s) of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy 🔹 95% of rural and 96% of urban folks are aware of AYUSH traditions. 🔹 85% of rural and 86% of urban households practice Medicinal Plants/Home Remedies/Local Health Traditions. 🔹 Nearly half of rural (46%) and over half of urban (53%) individuals used AYUSH in the last year for health benefits. We at SaveIN work with several leading alternate medicine providers like Dr Batra’s Healthcare Jiva Ayurveda Madhavbaug Homeocare International among others, and are witnessing tremendous demand for alternate therapies, especially for chronic diseases and lifestyle disorders. Let's continue to explore the power of traditional wisdom in promoting holistic wellness alongside adopting the latest in healthcare! 🌱💪 #AYUSH #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #TraditionalMedicine #Healthcare #Lifestyle

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Thanks Bismah and Inc42 Media for the insightful coverage and deep dive into the vital role of operator VCs! Bismah's thoughtful analysis underscores the growing need for operator VCs in today's startup landscape. As an operator VC , I've witnessed firsthand how founders increasingly value more than just capital. They seek partners who bring operational expertise, strategic guidance, and an extensive network to the table. These elements are crucial for driving sustainable growth and navigating the complexities of scaling a business. At GrowthCap Ventures , we understand the unique challenges faced by early-stage startups, which is why we prioritize offering not just funding, but also hands-on support and access to our extensive network. Together, we're empowering founders to realize their vision and build transformative businesses. #OperatorVC #StartupEcosystem #Gratitude

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Early stage founders who are ready with MVP or early traction, connect with Pod Invest they will make your life very easy. DM if you want me to introduce you. Great initiative by Vittal Ramakrishna for the #earlystage startup ecosystem #earlystage #founders #preseed #funding

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A significant milestone for Venture Catalysts' latest fund, VC Grid. Our team at VC Grid is making waves in the startup ecosystem with its recent investment in Ideal Insurance, a leading insure tech platform. In  collaboration with family offices and high net-worth individuals, VC Grid has contributed to an impressive pre-series funding round of Rs 8 crore, totaling a $1 million investment. This funding round also saw participation from industry veterans such as Sagar Daryani of Wow! Momo and Artha Group, among others. Founded by Rahul Agarwal, CA Ravi Kothari, and Rahul Mohata, Ideal Insurance is poised to capitalize on India's burgeoning insurance market, expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2030.With ambitious targets of achieving a premium collection surpassing Rs 1,100 crore and an EBITDA of Rs 33 crore within the next two years, Ideal Insurance is now gearing up for its next phase of growth. To support this expansion, Ideal Insurance is seeking to raise $10 million at a valuation ranging from $70-90 million. Exciting times lie ahead as we continue to champion innovation and growth in the startup landscape! Venture Catalysts++ | India's 1st Multi-Stage VC, 9Unicorns, Anuj Golecha, Anil G Jain, Gaurav Jain, Vansh Oberoi, Sidhi Dalmia, Shreeyesh Chandgothia, Anusha Bhat #VentureCatalysts #AngelInvestor #VC #IndianStartups #StartupInvesting #InsureTech #VCGrid #IdealInsurance #StartupFunding https://lnkd.in/dRThdKp2

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Forget the polished presentation, India's vibrant startup scene demands a deeper dive. In a landscape teeming with potential, informed decisions separate savvy angels from the rest. Here's why diverse due diligence is your secret weapon: 👉🏻 Beyond the Hype: Go beyond the carefully crafted story. *Talk to customers: Validate their needs and pain points. *Engage competitors: Understand market dynamics and competitive edge. *Seek independent experts: Gain insights into industry trends and potential pitfalls. 👉🏻 Unique Data Points: Unlike traditional markets, access to customer feedback and competitor insights can be limited. 👉🏻 Get Creative: Leverage online forums, conduct anonymous surveys, or partner with research agencies. These unfiltered opinions can reveal hidden gems or potential red flags. Hidden strengths like strong customer loyalty or a unique technology might emerge, while unaddressed weaknesses like a saturated market or operational inefficiencies could be discovered. Due diligence isn't just about numbers, it's about understanding the story behind the story. By seeking diverse perspectives, you gain a more complete picture and make informed investment decisions that fuel India's startup success. Share your experience! What unique methods have you used to gather information during due diligence in the Indian startup ecosystem? #IndianStartups #AngelInvesting #DueDiligenceMatters #BeyondThePitch #Faad Aditya Arora Dr.Dinesh Singh Harshika Paliwal Shivani Khare Neha Mourya Vatsal Lunawat Shashank Rawat Samarth Gupta

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What if the answer to a massive healthcare problem was hidden in plain sight? In this week's The Lobster Talks, we follow Ankur Rustagi of Saatvy Health (YC S23) a YC founder who pivoted from AI to delve into the untapped potential of Ayurveda for chronic conditions. Ankur's curiosity was piqued by a startling statistic: the U.S. spends trillions on healthcare, yet a significant portion of the population suffers from chronic illnesses. Driven by personal experience and a thirst for solutions beyond conventional medicine, Ankur turned to Ayurveda. This episode uncovers: -The eye-opening data that revealed the scale of the chronic illness problem in the U.S. -Ankur's personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis and his exploration of alternative treatments -The discovery of Ayurveda's potential to manage symptoms and address root causes -The initial skepticism surrounding Ayurveda's ancient wisdom and its relevance in the modern world -Ankur's decision to dive deeper, connecting with practitioners, experimenting, and witnessing the benefits firsthand Listen to the full episode to hear Ankur's story and gain valuable insights into: -The power of questioning conventional wisdom and seeking alternative solutions -The importance of personal experiences in shaping entrepreneurial journeys -The potential of ancient healing traditions like Ayurveda to address modern health challenges -The courage to embrace unconventional ideas and explore uncharted territories 🎧 Listen to this episode on your fave pod platform or watch on YouTube -https://lnkd.in/e6_hUq_6 . . . . . #ayurveda #chronicillness #healthcaresolutions #founderstory #YCstartup #thelobstertalks

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Indian Wealthtech Startups Attracting Significant Investor Interest Investors are increasingly optimistic about Indian wealthtech startups as the country's middle class looks to diversify their investment portfolios. Premji Invest is reportedly close to leading a funding round that would raise Dezerv's valuation to around $170 million, while Lightspeed Venture is in talks to lead a significant investment in Centricity, a digital wealth management platform. India's high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth segments are growing rapidly, prompting wealth management firms to expand their networks. Currently, only about half of India’s wealth management market is professionally managed, offering opportunities for startups to provide personalized, data-driven recommendations. Scripbox, backed by Accel, has become profitable and manages assets worth over $2 billion. The financialization of India's economy is growing significantly, particularly in insurance and mutual funds, with the number of mutual fund accounts increasing 3.5 times since 2015. India has substantial growth potential, with its mutual fund AUM-to-GDP ratio at 15%, well below the global average of 75%. Startups like Jar, supported by Tiger Global, are boosting Indians' participation in mutual funds, stocks, and gold investments. India's affluent population is expected to more than double in the next five years, attracting significant industry attention and investment. This growth has led to notable acquisitions, such as 360 One WAM's purchase of ET Money for about $44 million. # Thank you Vikram Sharma for your submission!

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"We bought a 13-acre piece of land in a village called Sikra in Kutch which is enough for us to reach a revenue of 500 crores." 🔥 Ep#08 of The India Opportunity Podcast with Aditya Aagare from Thermoflyde is out now! 🔥 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/g6JjrGq6 We talk about: > The market opportunity in the refractory space - north of $30 Billion USD globally > How Thermoflyde is aggressively growing its market share by taking on RHI Magnestia (a $3 Billion revenue-generating, publicly listed business) and has grown 100% year-on-year in terms of REVENUE > How starting up in college taught Aditya lessons about entrepreneurship the hard way > Focusing on customer service as a competitive advantage > Building an IPO-able, cash-flow-positive business > 500 Crores revenue in sight with current capacity and potential to grow much bigger > Aditya's goal of positively impacting 1000+ lives > How traditional manufacturing businesses can be multi-baggers over decades in the public markets > How kindness from angels helped them survive in the first 2 years Great episode for founders looking to build IPO-able businesses, with key insights into how to prepare your business at the earliest stages if IPO is an outcome you're working towards. Thermoflyde Industries Private Limited is destined to be a big success story emerging in the traditional manufacturing space and we're early backers via Swadharma Source Ventures - SSV. Thrilled to share Aditya's story with the world. #india #manufacturing #makeinindia #rhimagnestia #refractory #steelplants #ipo

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Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is on the rise globally, with India hosting over 150 CVCs. This trend reflects corporations' recognition of the innovation startups bring and their desire to stay competitive. By investing in startups, corporations gain access to innovation, value-adding technologies, and financial incentives. CVCs play strategic roles by investing in startups within their industries, offering benefits like industry networks and expertise, while also providing general support such as access to experienced professionals and relaxed return expectations. The significance of corporates investing in the startup ecosystem is continually growing globally, with many Southeast Asian corporations turning their attention to South Asia, particularly India. Read More Here: https://bit.ly/4a8vsTJ #Restaurants #Hospitality #Technology #Business #Innovation #AI #investing #venturecapital Branded Hospitality Ventures Noah Stern

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What happens when a Founder leaves after raising funds or for some reason can't continue? What Happens to Investor Money in that case? This is a genuine concern, and the answer lies in a term you might find in your term sheet - Reverse Vesting. Reverse vesting happens when founders already own their shares from day one but agree that the company can buy back these shares at a nominal price if they leave early. Typically this reverse vesting is of four-year period with a One-year Cliff. So if any founder leaves before one year(cliff), he has to sell all his shares to the company at nominal prices. This is generally a good practice to prevent startups from failing because of cofounder issues or early founder exits. Share your thoughts, and ask doubts about anything related to startups

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Healthtech startup DocPlix has successfully raised Rs 1.2 crore in its latest bridge round, with Inflection Point Ventures leading the investment. This round of funding follows their previous financial milestones, including a pre-Series A round in March, where they secured Rs 5 crore. This earlier round was spearheaded by ERIS Lifesciences, with contributions from various angel investors. Additionally, in February 2022, Docplix obtained Rs 1.2 crore during their seed funding phase. Docplix was founded by Dr. Varun Garg and Aayush Garg. Their ABDM-compliant EHR system is designed to ensure secure and interoperable management of patient data. This compliance with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) standards underlines the startup’s commitment to maintaining high security and interoperability standards in patient data management. The integrated Decision Support System (DSS) within the EHR enhances clinical decision-making by providing healthcare professionals with actionable insights derived from comprehensive data analysis. #StartupNews #StartupFunding #Healthtech #Healthcare #DataAnalytics #StartupIndia

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#FlirtTech ? 😊 #AgriTech,#EduTech,#FinTech,#MedTech- Every new #Business #Idea has a #Tech. Based on an informal conversation with some crazy minds, i have made a probable list of ‘RelationshipTech’ #Startups if anyone wants to execute 😀👇.

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During the past week, the Indian startup ecosystem witnessed significant funding activity. Here’s a breakdown of the recent developments: Growth-Stage Deals Number of Deals: Nine growth-stage startups secured funding. Total Funding: Approximately $311 million. Leading Startup: PharmEasy, an IPO-bound drug dispenser, raised an impressive $216 million. Other notable growth-stage deals: Kinara Capital: a business loan provider to MSMEs, raised $24.4 million. Portea Medical: Home healthcare solution provider, secured $20 million. Charge Zone: EV charging network, received $19 million. Everest Fleet: EV vehicle fleet platform, raised $12.1 million. Early-Stage Deals Number of Deals: Twelve early-stage startups received funding. Total Funding: Approximately $30.31 million. Leading Startup: Niqo Robotics, an agritech robotics firm, secured funding. Other notable early-stage deals:BRISKPE: Cross-border payments platform. Assert AI: Computer vision SAAS company. Dexif: Fixed income products platform. Plotline: No-code SaaS platform. City and Segment-wise Distribution City-wise Deals: Bengaluru-based startups led with nine deals, followed by Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Vadodara, Indore, and Hyderabad. Segment-wise Distribution: E-commerce startups dominated with five deals, followed by fintech. Healthtech, SaaS, agritech, EV, and gaming startups also secured funding. Series-wise Breakdown Seed Funding: Ten deals. Pre-Series A, Series A, and Pre-Seed: Three deals each. Growth Stage (Series B): Four startups raised funding. Other Stages: Pre-IPO, debt, and revenue financing deals. Week-on-Week Trend Startup funding increased by 53.21%, reaching $341.5 million compared to the previous week’s $222.7 million. The average funding over the last eight weeks is approximately $245 million with 26 weekly deals. Ready to take the next step? 🌟 Contact us today and let’s fuel your success story! Our primary focus at Convanto is to assist companies of all sizes—small, medium, and large—with their fundraising efforts. We support them by creating essential documents like pitch texts, financial models, valuations, and business plans. Additionally, we design sales decks and prepare term sheets. Moreover, we assist high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) in investing their money wisely into suitable startup ventures. 📩 Email: vt@convanto 🌐 Website: www.convanto.com Vandana Tolani

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Looking forward to boosting India’s vibrant #venturecapital ecosystem as part of Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA)’s VC Council for 2024–26! The Indian VC ecosystem has proliferated in the last decade. It’s a golden era for Indian #entrepreneurship, and the more we foster domestic capital pools, the farther #India will be able to advance in the global economic arena.

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