Speciale deeptech fund marks a major milestone in India’s startup ecosystem, with a Rs 1,400 crore investment aimed at supporting deep technology startups. The fund focuses on accelerating innovation across sectors such as AI, Robotics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

Fund Focus and Strategy:

The Chennai-based VC firm plans to invest in 12-15 early-to-growth stage startups, deploying $5-8 million per deal to help them build sustainable revenues. Key sectors include space tech, advanced manufacturing, energy storage, quantum systems, health biosciences, and defence tech—with big bets on unmanned systems and maritime surveillance amid rising global demand. Founding partner Vishesh Rajaram highlights that while seed funding is plentiful, growth capital for de-risked tech is scarce, making this fund timely. Through the speciale deeptech fund, early-stage startups will gain access to long term capital, strategic mentorship, and industry expertise.

Leadership and Track Record

Speciale onboarded Vijay Jacob, ex-Newsquest Capital, as general partner to spearhead these investments, emphasizing global scalability for professor-led founders. Building on success, the firm recently closed Fund III at Rs 600 crore and has backed 35 startups like Agni Kul Cosmos, Galax Eye, and Ultraviolet, achieving nine exits. This portfolio proves their knack for turning deeptech IP into commercial wins.

Impact on Deeptech

Trends India’s deeptech scene is booming with government pushes like sovereign tech initiatives, but scaling remains tough—Speciale’s fund bridges that by attracting institutional LPs over family offices. As startups eye exports and defence contracts, this Rs 1,400 crore infusion could spawn unicorns, aligning with 2025’s trends in AI infra and climate tech. Investors and founders alike see it fuelling India’s shift from copycat to innovation leader. The launch of the speciale deeptech fund highlights growing investors confidence in India’s deep technology and innovation-driven companies.

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A trusted news source (Economic Times/ Business Standard)