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Unicorn India Ventures (UIV) is a Mumbai-based venture capital firm founded in 2015/2016 by Anil Joshi and Bhaskar Majumdar. The firm focuses on early-stage technology startups, aiming to assist entrepreneurs in building innovative products that disrupt traditional sectors. UIV manages a corpus of ₹600 Crore (approximately $72 million) through the IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund-I, a collaboration with IIT Madras designed to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
As of now, UIV has invested in a total of 63 companies, demonstrating a commitment to supporting startups that provide innovative solutions to real-life problems. The firm operates with a team of 21 professionals, including four partners, and has established a presence in multiple locations, including offices in London, Delaware, and Mauritius. UIV's notable milestones include achieving a 2x return to limited partners from its first fund, which has been fully deployed.
Unicorn India Ventures primarily invests in early-stage startups, particularly in the seed and Series A stages. The firm emphasizes tech-driven, capital-efficient business models that can scale effectively and address significant societal challenges. UIV's investment strategy encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including fintech, deep tech, consumer/internet SaaS, drone & space technology, media & entertainment, edtech, and hardware & robotics.
Investment sizes typically range from $0.5 million to $2 million, allowing UIV to lead initial rounds of pre-Series A funding. The firm seeks startups that leverage innovative technologies to create scalable societal impact, focusing on businesses that can provide real-world solutions. UIV's philosophy of 'mentor capitalism' combines capital with expertise and a robust support network, enhancing the potential for portfolio companies to succeed.
Unicorn India Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 63 companies, focusing on those that provide innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Anil Joshi — Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Anil has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having led numerous successful investments in technology startups.
Bhaskar Majumdar — Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Bhaskar brings a wealth of knowledge in investment strategies and has a strong background in supporting early-stage companies.
Vinay Ambardekar — CFO. Vinay oversees financial operations and has a background in finance and investment management.
Raj Mahale — Legal Counsel. Raj provides legal guidance and support for the firm's investment activities.
Rohan Picha — Associate (Investments). Rohan focuses on sourcing and evaluating potential investment opportunities.
Rishabh Raj — Associate (Investments). Rishabh assists in the investment process and portfolio management.
Naveen Gurrapu — Sr. Analyst (Investment). Naveen analyzes market trends and startup performance to inform investment decisions.
Shreya Ganesh — Sr. Analyst (Investments). Shreya supports the investment team with research and analysis.
Charmi Shah — PR & Marketing. Charmi manages public relations and marketing efforts for UIV.
Priya Singh — Finance & Operations. Priya oversees operational functions and financial management.
Ajay Gohil — Assistant Manager (Accounts). Ajay supports accounting and financial reporting.
Mohit Tekani — Accounts Manager. Mohit manages the accounting team and financial records.
Dhruv Nilesh Shah — Analyst (Investments). Dhruv assists in investment analysis and due diligence.
Praveen Dubey — Head – Investor Relations & Fund Raising. Praveen manages relationships with investors and fundraising efforts.
Pulkit Mehrotra — Vice President (Investments). Pulkit leads investment initiatives and strategy development.
Sharon Jacinto — AVP - Fund Operations. Sharon oversees fund operations and compliance.
To pitch Unicorn India Ventures, founders should submit their proposals through the application portal on their website. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses societal challenges. UIV typically responds to submissions within a reasonable timeframe, but founders are encouraged to follow up if they do not receive a response.
Unicorn India Ventures runs the FoundersForge initiative, which includes webinars and whitepapers aimed at supporting early-stage founders. This program features experienced entrepreneurs sharing insights on various topics crucial to startup growth. Founders can participate in these webinars to gain valuable knowledge and connect with industry experts.
As of February 2026, Unicorn India Ventures has made 17 investments in 2025 and 2 investments in 2026 year-to-date. Recent notable investments include EyeROV, specializing in underwater robotics, and VerveSemi, focusing on semiconductor technology. UIV continues to expand its portfolio, emphasizing its commitment to supporting innovative startups that address societal challenges.
In addition, UIV's first fund has achieved a 2x return to its limited partners, showcasing the firm's effective investment strategy and ability to identify promising startups. The firm is currently in the first close of its third fund, with details on the amount yet to be disclosed.
What are Unicorn India Ventures' investment criteria?
UIV invests in early-stage startups that leverage innovative technologies to create scalable societal impact. They focus on capital-efficient business models that address real-world problems.
How can startups apply or pitch to Unicorn India Ventures?
Startups can submit their pitch through the application portal available on their website. The preferred channel for submissions is through the [Submit Your Pitch](https://www.f6s.com/unicorn-india-ventures-2021/apply) link.
What makes Unicorn India Ventures different from other VC firms?
UIV combines capital with expertise and a robust support network, following a philosophy of 'mentor capitalism'. This approach provides portfolio companies with business acumen and access to a global network of mentors and advisors.
What is the geographical scope of Unicorn India Ventures?
UIV primarily focuses on investments in Asia, with a strong emphasis on the Indian market.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
The firm manages a corpus of ₹600 Crore (approximately $72 million) and typically invests between $0.5 million to $2 million in early-stage startups.
What is Unicorn India Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
UIV actively supports its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational guidance, and access to a network of industry experts, enhancing their chances of success.
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