Bat VC Launches $100M Fund to Back India’s Next Wave of AI and Deeptech Startups

In a bold move that reinforces India’s growing reputation as a global technology hub, Bat VC, a venture capital firm founded by former leaders from Twitter, Yahoo, and Amazon, has officially announced its entry into the Indian market. The firm is launching its second fund with a corpus of $100 million, focused on supporting early-stage startups in AI, deeptech, fintech, and B2B SaaS.

With this strategic investment, Bat VC aims to empower startups solving complex problems using cutting-edge technologies and position India as a central node in the future of global innovation.

Who Are the Founders of Bat VC?

Bat VC was co-founded by:

• Manish Maheshwari – Former Head of Twitter India

• Aditya Mishra – Former Yahoo executive

• Ravi Metta – Former Amazon executive

All three serve as general partners at the firm. However, it is Manish Maheshwari who will lead Bat VC’s India operations, with the firm establishing its base in Bengaluru — widely regarded as the tech capital of India.

Focus of the $100M Fund

The newly announced fund will concentrate on funding early-stage startups operating in the following sectors:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Deeptech

• Fintech

• B2B Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Ravi Metta highlighted the firm’s strength in evaluating and scaling high-potential startups:

Bat VC’s strategic approach isn’t just about providing capital—it involves close collaboration, mentorship, and helping startups expand internationally.

Why India?

Bat VC’s entry into India is backed by strong data and market signals that reflect the country’s rising prominence in the AI space.

Key Highlights:

• India’s AI sector is growing at a 32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

• The sector is projected to reach $23 billion by 2027

• US-India cross-border AI investments rose 180%, hitting $4.7 billion in 2023

India offers a unique combination of deep technical talent, a thriving startup culture, increasing investor interest, and an expanding consumer market—all of which make it a compelling destination for early-stage investment.

Track Record: Bat VC’s Notable Investments

Bat VC has already demonstrated success with its first fund, having invested in several high-impact startups, including:

• Wand AI – No-code AI platform for building workflows

• StockGro – India’s popular social investment platform

• Nickelytics – Acquired; focused on mobility-based digital advertising

• Accern – Acquired; an AI insights platform for financial services

• Uptiq AI – AI-powered financial intelligence platform

These investments indicate the firm’s expertise in identifying disruptive startups and helping them achieve scale and, in some cases, successful exits.

What This Means for Indian Founders

The launch of Bat VC’s second fund is significant for India’s startup ecosystem, especially for founders working in emerging tech sectors. Bat VC brings not only capital but also a deep understanding of product scaling, international markets, and cross-border growth.

Here’s what Indian entrepreneurs can expect:

• Access to early-stage capital tailored for AI, fintech, and SaaS innovation

• Hands-on mentorship from experienced global tech operators

• Strategic guidance for global market expansion

• A long-term partner committed to building sustainable, high-impact ventures

With their India base in Bengaluru, Bat VC is well-positioned to discover and nurture the country’s next generation of startup success stories.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Indian AI and Deeptech

Bat VC’s $100 million fund launch in India is a powerful signal of the country’s growing stature in the global tech landscape. As AI and deeptech continue to reshape industries worldwide, India stands poised to lead the charge — and firms like Bat VC are helping accelerate that journey.

This fund isn’t just about investing in startups; it’s about building a future where India is home to globally influential companies solving meaningful problems through technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who founded Bat VC?
Bat VC was co-founded by Manish Maheshwari (ex-Twitter India), Aditya Mishra (ex-Yahoo), and Ravi Metta (ex-Amazon).

Q2. How much is Bat VC investing in India?
Bat VC has launched a $100 million fund specifically to invest in early-stage Indian startups.

Q3. Which sectors is the fund targeting?
The fund will focus on startups in AI, deeptech, fintech, and B2B SaaS.

Q4. Why is Bat VC focusing on India?
India’s AI sector is expanding rapidly, supported by a strong technical workforce, increased cross-border investment, and a growing startup ecosystem.

Q5. Where will Bat VC be based in India?
Bat VC’s India operations will be led from Bengaluru.

Q6. What are some startups Bat VC has previously invested in?
Notable investments include Wand AI, StockGro, Nickelytics (acquired), Accern (acquired), and Uptiq AI.