Top 10 active investors in Indian startups in H1 2024

The Indian startup ecosystem is gearing up for a remarkable resurgence in 2024, fueled by the strategic moves of top investors who are reshaping the landscape. After the highs of 2021 and a period of funding slowdowns, the ecosystem’s resilience is being tested and strengthened by visionary investors focusing on AI, deep tech, fintech, and more. This renewed momentum is not just about pumping capital; it’s about strategic guidance, hands-on mentorship, and long-term partnerships that are driving sustainable growth. In this article, we spotlight the top 10 investors who are at the forefront of India’s startup revival, making bold bets on the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Top 10 Indian investors driving startup resurgence in 2024

Despite recent challenges, the Indian startup ecosystem is poised for a comeback, thanks to the efforts of key investors. Here are the top 10 investors making a significant impact in 2024:

1. Stride Ventures

Founded: In 2019 by Ishpreet Singh Gandhi

Specialisation: Venture debt

Key investments: LendingKart, Ola Electric, Ather Energy

Milestones: Closed Stride Ventures India Fund III at $165 Mn in May 2024, reinforcing its leadership in venture debt.

Stride Ventures has quickly become a go-to for startups seeking debt financing without diluting equity. Their hands-on approach has helped startups navigate challenging financial landscapes, making them a critical partner in the growth stories of many emerging companies.

2. ah! Ventures

Founded: In 2009 by Abhijeet Kumar and Harshad Lahoti

Specialisation: Early-stage startups

Key investments: Agrielectric, Barbrew Beverages, Push Sports

Milestones: Supported 127 startups with 17 successful exits, underscoring their expertise in nurturing early-stage ventures.

ah! Ventures prides itself on fostering a robust community of investors and entrepreneurs, offering not just capital but strategic guidance. Their extensive network has been instrumental in helping startups scale efficiently and access additional funding rounds.

3. InnoVen Capital

Founded: In 2008 by Ashish Sharma

Specialisation: Debt capital for tech startups

Key investments: BharatPe, Rebel Foods

Milestones: Continuously backs high-growth startups, with a portfolio that includes Swiggy, Zoomcar, and OYO.

Innoven capital is known for its tailored financing solutions that cater to the unique needs of tech startups. Their expertise in structuring deals has made them a preferred partner for companies looking to scale rapidly while maintaining financial flexibility.

4. Marwari Catalysts

Founded: In 2019 by Sushil Sharma

Specialisation: Early-stage startups

Key investments: Insurance Padosi, Revoquant, One Dose

Milestones: Expanding influence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, fostering innovation in underserved areas.

Marwari Catalysts has been pivotal in democratising startup opportunities beyond the major urban centres. By focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, they are not only driving economic growth in these regions but also tapping into a rich vein of untapped entrepreneurial talent.

5. Inflection Point Ventures (IPV)

Founded: In 2018 by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV)

Specialisation: Connecting startups with angel investors

Key investments: Snap-E Cabs, REGRIP, Glamplus

Milestones: Launched a sector-agnostic accelerator in January 2024 to support idea-stage entrepreneurs.

Inflection Point Ventures unique model of connecting startups with a vast network of angel investors has created a thriving ecosystem for early-stage ventures. Their hands-on mentorship, coupled with a strong emphasis on scalable business models, has led to a high success rate among their portfolio companies.

6. FAAD Network

Founded: In 2015 by Karan Verma and Dinesh Singh

Specialisation: Seed to pre-Series A startups

Key investments: Grip, Just Deliveries, Ayna

Milestones: Invested over $121K in agritech startups in July 2024, with a focus on sustainable agriculture.

FAAD Network is recognised for its strategic investments in industries with long-term growth potential, such as agritech and sustainability. Their commitment to social impact, along with their financial backing, is helping to drive innovation in sectors that are crucial for the future.

7. Venture Catalysts (VCats)

Founded: In 2015 by Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Anil Jain, Anuj Golecha, and Gaurav Jain

Specialisation: Early-stage startups

Key investments: SmartJoules, Skye Air Mobility, Butterfly Learnings

Milestones: Aiming to close its early-stage startup fund ‘VC Grid’ with a corpus of INR 900 Cr by the end of 2024.

VCats has established itself as a powerhouse in the startup ecosystem, with a focus on backing innovative solutions that address real-world problems. Their diverse portfolio reflects their belief in the potential of technology to drive positive change across various sectors.

8. Blume Ventures

Founded: In 2011 by Karthik Reddy and Sanjay Nath

Specialisation: Early-stage startups with a long-term partnership approach

Key investments: Battery Smart, Bambrew, Euler Motors

Milestones: Made 315 investments since inception, with a strong focus on fintech, mobility, and sustainability.

Blume Ventures is known for its patient capital approach, where it works closely with founders over the long term. Their ability to spot early trends and invest in future-forward sectors has made them a key player in India’s startup ecosystem.

9. 100X.VC

Founded: In 2019 by Sanjay Mehta

Specialisation: Early-stage VC firm

Key investments: Anyway.ai, Baylink, Deepvue.tech

Milestones: Made 161 investments since its launch, solidifying its presence in the early-stage startup ecosystem.

100X.VC’s innovative approach to early-stage investing, including its use of iSAFE notes, has made it easier for startups to raise capital quickly. Their focus on AI, deep tech, and other cutting-edge technologies positions them at the forefront of the next wave of innovation.

10. All In Capital

Founded: In 2022 by Kushal Bhagia and Aditya Singh

Specialisation: Community-driven investment approach

Key investments: Tractor Factory, MagicStudio, Everyday

Milestones: Since its inception, All In Capital has made 43 investments, collaborating with 150 startup founders to drive growth in India’s tech ecosystem.

All in Capital’s community-centric approach is redefining the investment landscape, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to support startup growth. Their focus on collaboration and knowledge-sharing is fostering a vibrant startup community that thrives on collective success.

In conclusion, these top 10 investors are driving the revival of the Indian startup ecosystem in 2024 through strategic investments. By championing sectors like AI, fintech, and sustainability, these investors are not only fueling individual startups but also contributing to the broader vision of India as a global innovation hub. With their continued support, the future of Indian startups looks brighter than ever, poised to make a lasting mark on the world stage.