**IIMA Ventures to Boost Investments in Deep-Tech Startups**
IIMA Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, is set to significantly increase its investment capacity this year, focusing heavily on the deep-tech sector. The firm plans to make between 40 to 50 investments, with a notable increase in pre-seed and seed funding amounts, raising them to $500,000 from the typical range of $50,000 to $200,000. Priyanka Chopra, the CEO and managing partner at IIMA Ventures, emphasized the importance of providing a continuum of capital for startups at these early stages to help them realize their full potential.
To achieve this, IIMA Ventures will utilize its own funds and collaborate with other organizations to create shared capital pools. This approach is part of a broader strategy to support startups from their inception, ensuring they have the necessary resources to grow. The firm, established at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad with backing from the Department of Science and Technology and the Gujarat government, is particularly focused on deep-tech innovations, aligning with recent comments from Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal about the need for India to prioritize deep-tech advancements over quick-commerce solutions.
In 2023, IIMA Ventures partnered with the Small Industries Development Bank of India to establish a ₹40 crore fund dedicated to deep-tech startups. So far, the firm has made ten investments from this fund, including in companies like Morphing Machines, a fabless semiconductor manufacturer, and Cancrie, which produces nanocarbon for batteries from coconut shells. Chopra expressed optimism about deploying the entire capital from this fund within the next 18 months.
The firm’s deep-tech portfolio includes eight to ten space tech companies, such as Agnikul and Bellatrix Aerospace. This year, IIMA Ventures has intensified its focus on aerospace, recently investing in Nabhdrishti Aerospace, which specializes in gas turbines for aviation and power generation. The firm prides itself on building relationships with startups in their formative stages, often engaging with founders through a studio mechanism or personalized interactions.
In conclusion, IIMA Ventures is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing the deep-tech ecosystem in India, providing essential funding and support to innovative startups that are crucial for the country’s competitive edge in the global market.
**FAQ**
**What is IIMA Ventures’ investment strategy for 2025?**
IIMA Ventures plans to increase its investment amounts for pre-seed and seed startups to $500,000, focusing on deep-tech innovations and aiming for 40 to 50 investments this year.
