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BAT VC is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2021-2022, with a focus on empowering visionary founders at the earliest stages of their journey. The firm operates from offices in New York, Dallas, and Bangalore, targeting high-growth technology sectors, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and enterprise software as a service (SaaS). BAT VC aims to provide more than just capital; it offers strategic guidance, operational expertise, and access to global markets.
The firm has a target fund size of $100 million for its second fund, which is intended to back early-stage AI startups across the US and India. BAT VC has established itself as a cross-border operator-investor, helping founders achieve product-market fit and scale internationally. Notable milestones include backing companies that have successfully exited, such as Nickelytics and Accern, showcasing the firm’s ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
BAT VC invests in early-stage companies, specifically in Pre-Seed, Seed, and early Series A rounds. The firm emphasizes an AI-first investment thesis, backing companies that leverage AI to create scalable, defensible, and differentiated products. Their investment strategy includes a focus on product-market fit and cross-border growth, particularly between the US and India. BAT VC seeks startups that can demonstrate a credible cross-border scaling story, especially those that integrate AI into their core offerings.
Investment checks typically range from $3 million to $5 million, aligning with their strategy to support companies that are approaching or have achieved product-market fit. The firm is particularly interested in sectors such as AI, fintech, and SaaS, but also considers opportunities in healthcare, consumer products, media, construction, and retail. BAT VC's geographic focus spans both the United States and India, making it a compelling partner for startups looking to bridge these two markets.
BAT VC has built a diverse portfolio of innovative companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects BAT VC's commitment to supporting companies that leverage technology to create impactful solutions in their respective fields.
Aditya Mishra: Managing Director & General Partner. Aditya has a background in technology and investment, having previously held executive roles at Yahoo!, G/O Media, Accenture, and EY. He is recognized for architecting Fund I's investment strategy.
Ravi Metta: US Head & General Partner. Ravi is a technology and product-engineering leader with experience as the former CTO at Finastra and product engineering leadership at Intuit. His focus areas include AI, SaaS, and enterprise software.
Manish Maheshwari: India Head & General Partner. Manish is the former head of Twitter/X India and has held executive roles at Flipkart and Intuit. He leads BAT VC's efforts in the Indian market.
Adelina Pepenella: CFO & COO. Adelina brings extensive experience in finance, M&A, and cash-flow management from her work in digital and print media/private-equity settings.
Robert J. Potvin Jr.: Global Business Development & IR Partner. Robert has over 25 years of institutional investment experience, having worked with firms like Definitive Capital Management and Mellon Asset Management.
Anshul Tyagi: Vice President. Anshul has a background in corporate development and cross-border M&A, providing advisory services for VC and PE investments and exits.
To pitch BAT VC, founders should submit their application through the designated startup application portal on the BAT VC website. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and financial projections. Founders are encouraged to provide insights into their team’s background and any traction achieved to date.
BAT VC prefers warm introductions but will consider direct applications through their website. Response times may vary, but founders can generally expect feedback within a few weeks of submission.
In May 2025, BAT VC announced the launch of its second fund, targeting $100 million to invest in early-stage AI startups across the US and India. This fund aims to support companies that leverage AI technology to create scalable solutions.
Recent portfolio highlights include the successful backing of companies like Nickelytics and Accern, both of which have achieved notable exits. BAT VC continues to engage actively with the startup ecosystem, focusing on its investment strategy and portfolio development.
What investment criteria does BAT VC look for?
BAT VC focuses on early-stage companies in the AI, fintech, and SaaS sectors, particularly those that demonstrate a credible cross-border scaling story between the US and India. They seek startups that have achieved or are approaching product-market fit.
How can founders apply or pitch to BAT VC?
Founders can submit a startup application through the BAT VC website at this link. General inquiries can be directed to info@bat-vc.com.
What makes BAT VC different from other investors?
BAT VC provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational expertise, helping portfolio companies achieve product-market fit and scale internationally.
What is the geographic scope of BAT VC's investments?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States and India, focusing on cross-border opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
BAT VC typically invests between $3 million and $5 million in early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
BAT VC offers operational support and strategic guidance to help portfolio companies navigate growth challenges and achieve their business objectives.
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