Top 15 Venture Capital Firms For Pre-Seed Startups In India

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Top 15 Venture Capital Firms For Pre-Seed Startups In India
While exploring the terrains of Indian startups, securing early stage vc funds can be a big challenge. For startups looking to take their first steps or gain a foothold in the market, pre-seed capital funding can be a lifeline. This initial capital provides the runway needed to develop prototypes, and business models, and attract early customers before seeking larger rounds of funding.
Seed funding venture capital firms play a huge role in the startup ecosystem by providing not just financial support but also strategic guidance and industry connections. In India, where entrepreneurial spirit is on the rise, numerous venture capital firms in India have emerged as key players in fueling the growth of innovative startups.
Below Is the list of top 15 Venture Capital firms for pre-seed capital companies in India. These top seed funding companies in India understand the unique challenges faced by early stage investment firms and are committed to backing promising ideas with the potential for exponential growth.

What is a Venture Capital Firm?

A venture capital (VC) firm is a company that invests in startups and small businesses that have the potential to grow quickly. They provide money to help these companies get off the ground, in exchange for a share of ownership in the business.
VC firms usually focus on industries like technology, healthcare, or renewable energy. Besides funding, they also offer advice and support to help the companies succeed. The goal is to eventually make a profit by selling their shares when the company becomes successful, often through a public stock offering or a sale to a larger company.

Factors to Consider when Evaluating VC Funds

When evaluating venture capital (VC) funds, consider the following factors:
  • Investment focus and industry expertise.
  • Fund performance and track record.
  • Reputation and network.
  • Experience and involvement of the investment team.
  • Investment terms, including equity stake, valuation, and control.
  • Support and resources provided by the fund.
  • Fund size and stage of life.
  • Cultural fit between your company and the fund.
  • Risk tolerance of the fund.

15 Best Indian Venture Capital Firms For Startups

Securing funding is a crucial step for any startup, and choosing the right venture capital (VC) firm can make a big difference. The right VC firm offers more than just money they provide guidance, mentorship, and connections that can help your business grow.

Here are the 15 best venture capital firms for startups in India

  • Blume Ventures
  • Eximius Ventures
  • Accel
  • Kalaari Capital
  • 3one4 Capital
  • Chiratae Ventures
  • All In Capital
  • 100X VC
  • Huddle Ventures
  • Lightbox
  • Together Fund
  • Antler India
  • Bessemer Venture Partners
  • Kae Capital
  • Norwest Venture Partners
Top-Pre-seed-Venture-capital-firms-India-EximiusVC

Eximius Ventures

Our very own Eximius Ventures takes the second spot on our list, renowned for our strategic investments in innovative startups across various sectors. With a keen eye for identifying promising opportunities, Eximius Ventures has built a portfolio of high-growth companies that have reshaped industries and captured market share. For startups seeking early seed VC funds, Eximius Ventures offers not just financial backing but also access to a network of mentors and advisors who can provide invaluable guidance on the journey to success.

Founder – Pearl Agarwal

Notable Investments – Jar, STAN, Skydo, Eka. care

Investment Focus – FinTech, SaaS, HealthTech, and Online Media and Gaming.

Stage of investment – Pre-seed Stage Venture, Seed

Total Funding Amount – $10 million

Blume Ventures

Blume Ventures stands out as one of the top VC funds in india. With a focus on backing founders with bold visions and disruptive ideas, Blume Ventures has established itself as a prominent player in the startup ecosystem. Led by best seed stage investors who bring a wealth of experience and industry insights, Blume Ventures offers more than just capital; they provide hands-on support and mentorship to help startups navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses.

Founder – Karthik Reddy and Sanjay Nath

Notable Investments – GreyOrange, Unacademy, Turtlemint, and Purplle.

Investment Focus – Tech, Infrastructure, Healthtech, Edtech, Fintech, and Consumer.

Stage of investment – Pre-Seed Stage 

Total Funding Amount – $474 million

Accel

Accel is a global venture capital firm in India with a strong presence in India, known for its early investments in some of the country’s most successful startups. As an early-stage venture capital firms in India with a focus on backing exceptional entrepreneurs and disruptive technologies, Accel has played a significant role in shaping the startup landscape in India. Their extensive network, coupled with deep industry expertise, makes Accel a preferred choice for startups looking to raise pre-seed investors funding and accelerate their growth trajectory.

Founder – Jim Swartz and Arthur Patterson 

Notable Investments – Flipkart, Swiggy, Freshworks, and Myntra.

Investment Focus – Consumer, Enterprise SaaS, Fintech, Healthcare, and B2B.

Stage of investment – Seed, Early, and Growth-Stage Investments 

Total Funding Amount – $19.56 billion

Kalaari Capital

Kalaari Capital is an early stage VC India synonymous with innovation and excellence in the Indian startup ecosystem. As a leading venture capital firm, Kalaari Capital has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing breakthrough ideas that have transformed industries. With a hands-on approach to investing, Kalaari Capital goes beyond providing capital to offer strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies. For startups seeking pre-seed funding, Kalaari Capital provides a solid foundation upon which to build and scale their ventures.

Founder – Vani Kola

Notable Investments – Cure.fit, Dream11, Snapdeal, and Myntra.

Investment Focus – E-commerce, Mobile, Technology, and SaaS.

Stage of investment – Early-stage, Technology-Focused Venture Capital Firm

Total Funding Amount – $160 million

3one4 Capital

3one4 Capital is a venture capital firm in Bangalore known for its focus on backing early-stage startups with innovative ideas and strong growth potential. With a name inspired by the mathematical constant π, symbolizing infinite possibilities, 3one4 Capital supports entrepreneurs who dare to think differently and challenge the status quo. Leveraging their deep understanding of technology and market trends, the team at 3one4 Capital identifies opportunities that have the potential to disrupt entire industries. For startups seeking pre-seed funding, 3one4 Capital offers not just financial support but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network of industry experts and mentors.

Founder – Pranav Pai

Notable Investments – BetterPlace, OpenApp, Darwinbox, and Tracxn.

Investment Focus – Technology, Consumer Media & Tech, SaaS, Fintech, Edtech, Healthtech, and more.

Stage of investment – Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed, Venture

Total Funding Amount – $518.5 million

Chiratae Ventures

Formerly known as IDG Ventures India, Chiratae Ventures is a premier venture capital firm that has been instrumental in shaping the startup ecosystem in India. With a focus on investing in sectors such as technology, consumer services, and healthcare, Chiratae Ventures has backed some of the country’s most successful startups from their earliest stages. The firm’s hands-on approach to investing and its global network and deep industry connections make it an ideal partner for startups looking to raise pre-seed funding. Chiratae Ventures not only provides capital but also offers strategic guidance and operational support to help startups navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.

Founder – Sudhir Sethi

Notable Investments – Myntra, Flipkart, Lenskart, FirstCry, CureFit, PolicyBazaar, Bizongo, Uniphore, Pixis, and Fibe

Investment Focus – Technology, Innovation, Financial Returns, ESG, and Impact 

Stage of investment – Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed, Venture

Total Funding Amount – $1 billion

All In Capital

Founded by Kushal Bhagia (ex-First Cheque) and Aditya Singh, All In Capital stands out as a next-generation VCs in India. With a strong emphasis on community, this firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting the next wave of entrepreneurial talent. By investing in Indian startups and nurturing them through their growth journey, All In Capital aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian startup ecosystem. Through their unique approach, which combines financial investment with mentorship and networking opportunities, All In Capital fosters an environment where founders can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Founder – Kushal Bhagia and Aditya Singh

Notable Investments – Magma, Volt Money, MeetRecord, SuprSend, CommandK, and Produze

Investment Focus – It does not confine itself to specific sectors and provides a platform for founders to showcase their potential across various industries

Stage of investment – Seed

Total Funding Amount – $874.6M

100X VC

100X VC is a Mumbai based venture capital firm with a unique approach to investing, focused on backing early-stage startups with transformative ideas and high growth potential. What sets 100X VC apart is its emphasis on providing startups with not just capital but also access to a wide range of resources and support services. Through their proprietary platform, 100X VC offers startups mentorship, networking opportunities, and operational support to help them overcome challenges and accelerate their growth. For startups seeking pre-seed funding, 100X VC provides a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality.

Founder – Yagnesh Sanghrajka, Ninad Karpe, Sanjay Mehta, and Shashank Randev 

Notable Investments – Anyway.ai, Baylink, Deepvue.tech, EasyReplenish, FUTR STUDIOS, GoCodeo, Hummsa Biotech, Kroto and Openleaf

Investment Focus – Enterprise Applications, Consumer, High Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Detail, FinTech 

Stage of investment – Early Stage Venture

Total Funding Amount – $2.7 million

Huddle Ventures

Huddle Ventures is a boutique venture capital firm that specializes in supporting early-stage startups across various sectors, including technology, e-commerce, and healthcare. With a hands-on approach to investing, Huddle Ventures works closely with entrepreneurs to provide them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. Whether it’s connecting startups with strategic partners, assisting with product development, or facilitating market expansion, Huddle Ventures is committed to helping its portfolio companies achieve their goals. For startups looking to raise pre-seed funding, Huddle Ventures offers a personalised approach and a wealth of industry expertise to support their growth journey.

Founder – Ishaan Khosla and Sanil Sachar

Notable Investments – Asaya, Bold Care, Blue Tokai Coffee, CureSkin.

Investment Focus – Consumer Brands, Fintech, Agri-Tech and Healthcare Areas

Stage of investment – Pre-Seed & Seed 

Total Funding Amount – $27.7B

Lightbox

Lightbox is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in disruptive technology startups with the potential to redefine industries and create lasting impact. With a portfolio that includes companies such as Cleartrip, Dunzo, and Rebel Foods, Lightbox has a proven track record of backing successful ventures from their earliest stages. The firm’s collaborative approach to investing, coupled with its deep understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics, makes it a valuable partner for startups seeking seed funding vc in india. Lightbox not only provides capital but also offers strategic guidance and operational support to help startups navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses.

Founder – Thai Tran (formerly a product manager at Google and YouTube) and Nilesh Patel

Notable Investments – Droom, Faasos, and Embibe.

Investment Focus – Consumer, Detail, Food and Agriculture Tech, EdTech, Enterprise Applications, HealthTech

Stage of investment –  Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed

Total Funding Amount – $54.4M

Together Fund

Launched by Girish Mathrubootham (Founder and CEO of Freshworks) and Manav Garg (Founder and CEO of Eka Software), Together Fund embodies a founder-focused approach to venture capital. Specializing in supporting India’s burgeoning SaaS sector, this fund provides not only financial backing but also strategic guidance from experienced founders. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by SaaS entrepreneurs, Together Fund is committed to empowering Indian startups to build and scale innovative products in the global market. By leveraging their extensive networks and industry expertise, Together Fund accelerates the growth trajectory of SaaS startups, ensuring their success on a global scale.

Founder – Girish Mathrubootham (Founder and CEO of Freshworks), Manav Garg (Founder and CEO of Eka Software), and Shubham Gupta (previously at Matrix Partners India and GS Singapore).

Notable Investments – Workhack, Kula, Toplyne, and Spry.

Investment Focus – Enterprise Applications, Enterprise Infrastructure, Vertical SaaS, HealthTech, High Tech 

Stage of investment – Early Stage venture 

Total Funding Amount – $150 million

Antler India

Antler India, led by a team of seasoned professionals, is a pioneering venture capital firm dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial innovation in the country. With a mission to empower the next generation of founders, Antler India provides more than just financial backing—it offers a comprehensive ecosystem of support, mentorship, and resources to help startups thrive in today’s dynamic market landscape. Founded on the principle of identifying and nurturing exceptional talent, Antler India stands out as a catalyst for transformative change. By leveraging its global network and expertise, the firm scouts for promising entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas and provides them with the necessary tools and guidance to turn their visions into reality.

Founder – Magnus Grimeland

Notable Investments – Airalo, Homebase, Xailient, Modoyo, Marco Capital 

Investment Focus – Enterprise, Fintech, Health, AI, Edtech, Biotech, Proptech, Climate, Cybersecurity, Future of Work

Stage of investment –  Early Stage Venture, Seed, Venture 

Total Funding Amount – $221.4B

Bessemer Venture Partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is one of the oldest and most respected venture capital firms in India and Overseas, with a rich history of backing iconic companies such as LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Shopify. With a focus on investing in early-stage startups with the potential for rapid growth, Bessemer Venture Partners provides entrepreneurs with the capital, expertise, and network they need to succeed. For startups looking to raise pre-seed funding, Bessemer Venture Partners offers a prestigious platform and access to a vast network of industry leaders and seed fund investors in india.

Founder – Henry Phipps Jr.

Notable Investments – Shopify, LinkedIn, Canva, Pinterest, Discord 

Investment Focus – Enterprise, Consumer and Healthcare Spaces

Stage of investment –  Seed, Early-Stage, and Growth-Stage Investments.

Total Funding Amount – $14.3 billion

Kae Capital

As a sector-agnostic fund, Kae Capital is at the forefront of driving innovation in India. With over 35 years of cumulative VC experience, the team at Kae Capital has invested in over 100 startups, spanning a diverse range of industries. By identifying early-stage teams with groundbreaking solutions, Kae Capital aims to fill existing market gaps and maximize the potential of emerging ventures. Through their hands-on approach and strategic guidance, Kae Capital partners with founders to navigate the complexities of the startup journey and achieve sustainable growth.

Founder – Sasha Mirchandani 

Notable Investments – Nazara Technologies (gaming), Porter (logistics tech), HealthKart (health-tech), Zetwerk (manufacturing tech), Tata 1MG (health-tech), Traya (D2C) and Square Yards (property tech).

Investment Focus – Consumer Brands, Fintech, Health, SaaS, Technology 

Stage of investment –  Pre-Seed to Pre-Series A Stages

Total Funding Amount – $250 Mn

Norwest Venture Partners

Norwest Venture Partners is a leading venture capital and growth equity investment firm that has been backing entrepreneurs and building businesses for over 60 years. With a focus on partnering with visionary founders and investing in innovative technologies, Norwest Venture Partners has built a strong track record of success across multiple sectors. For startups looking to raise pre-seed funding, Norwest Venture Partners offers a wealth of experience, resources, and strategic guidance to help them navigate the complexities of building and scaling their businesses

Founder – Promod Haque, Jeff Crowe, Jon Kossow

Notable Investments – Swiggy, Faire, Vast Data, National Stock Exchange, Workato

Investment Focus – Consumer, Healthcare, Enterprise 

Stage of investment –  Growth Equity, Venture 

Total Funding Amount – $15.5B

Future of Venture Capital in India

Here are five key trends shaping the future of venture capital in India:  

Increased Focus on Deep Tech and Innovation

Venture capital firms are investing more in deep technologies such as AI, blockchain, and biotech. These areas are expected to lead to future innovation and economic growth. Startups in these sectors are drawing significant attention due to their potential to revolutionize industries.

Growing Interest in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities

VC firms are looking beyond major cities to invest in startups from smaller towns and cities. This shift is fueled by the growing entrepreneurial talent and untapped markets in these regions. Startups outside the traditional hubs are gaining visibility and support.

Rise of ESG and Impact Investing

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming crucial for VCs. Firms are seeking startups that offer both financial returns and positive social or environmental impact. This trend reflects a broader commitment to responsible and sustainable investing.

Collaborative Ecosystems

There is an increasing trend of collaboration among corporations, government bodies, and venture capitalists. These partnerships are creating a more supportive ecosystem for startups. Initiatives like corporate venture capital and government-backed funds are becoming more common.

Focus on Sustainable Growth

VCs are placing greater emphasis on startups that demonstrate a clear path to profitability. The focus is shifting from rapid, unsustainable growth to achieving sustainable, long-term success. Startups with solid business models and realistic growth plans are more likely to attract investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the landscape of early stage VC in India is brimming with opportunities for startups seeking pre-seed funding. The top 15 venture capital firms for pre-seed highlighted in this blog represent a diverse array of seed funding investors, each with its own unique approach and value proposition for early-stage entrepreneurs. From providing financial support to offering strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to valuable networks, these seed funding vc firms play a crucial role in nurturing the growth of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

For startups, choosing the right seed capital investors to partner with can be a pivotal decision that sets the stage for their future success. Whether it’s Blume Ventures’ hands-on support, Eximius Ventures’ strategic investments, or Sequoia Capital’s unparalleled track record, each top venture capital funds in india firm brings its strengths and expertise to the table. By carefully evaluating their options and aligning themselves with investors who share their vision and values,  startups can maximize their chances of securing the funding and support they need to thrive.

Related: Top Pre-seed Venture Capital Firms in Bangalore