From Seed to Success: 15 Active Angel Networks for Indian Startups

Three points you will get to know in this article:

• India currently has over 125 angel networks and syndicates, with projections indicating a growth to 200-plus by 2030.
• Indian angel networks have engaged in 540+ funding rounds since 2014, supporting 470+ startups.
• Indian angel investors consistently excel at spotting and seizing new opportunities.

India’s remarkable ascent as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem has left many observers in awe. Starting with a mere 445 startups, according to government data, in late 2016, the nation has now blossomed into a hub of innovation with a staggering 1 Lakh startups. The captivating tech landscape of India has piqued the interest of global investors, drawing them to become integral contributors to India’s narrative of growth.
However, this narrative isn’t dominated by global venture capital (VC) or private equity (PE) firms. Instead, it’s the unsung heroes—the angel investors—who have played a pivotal role in fortifying and expanding this thriving ecosystem.

In a league matching their international counterparts, Indian angel investors have consistently demonstrated their prowess, particularly in identifying nascent and unexplored opportunities, such as seed stage investments. Many initially skeptical, these investors have time and again showcased their ability to spot and nurture emerging prospects.

This remarkable journey is a testament to the fact that India’s startup story is not just about numbers and figures but about the resilience and acumen of individual investors who have added a unique chapter to the unfolding saga of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

AngelList India

In 2018, the Silicon Valley investors’ community set its sights on India, marking the beginning of an impactful journey. Spearheaded by the visionary Naval Ravikant, this network proudly boasts its support for over 500 Indian startups. Notably, it played a pivotal role in fueling STAGE’s growth with a substantial contribution of $4.8 million in the funding round of November 2022.

In celebrating this milestone, AngelList India emphasized its commitment to maintaining a distinguished standard. This involves curating a community of investors distinguished by their substantial investment track records and deep domain expertise. In essence, AngelList India aspires to create an ecosystem where seasoned investors with a wealth of experience come together to propel the success of promising ventures.

ah! Ventures

Established in 2012 by the dynamic duo Abhijeet Kumar and Harshad Lahoti, ah! Ventures boasts an extensive network comprising more than 62,000 enterprising minds and over 3,000 savvy investors. The company proudly asserts its involvement in 183 investments across 121 startups to date. The cumulative worth of its investment portfolio stands impressively at $47 million, underscored by a notable tally of 16 successful exits.

Dexter Angels

Dexter Angels is passionately engaged in supporting a wide array of startup sectors, spanning health technology, educational technology, cutting-edge technology, consumer brands, and various others. Our core interests lie in startups dedicated to digitizing small and medium enterprises, revolutionizing education technology, driving initiatives to make healthcare more accessible, promoting financial and technological inclusivity, crafting consumer brands tailored for the discerning Indian market, and nurturing the growth of Indian Software as a Service (SAAS) startups.

Calcutta Angels network

Founded in 2013 by Kumar Patodia, Pradyumna Dalmia, and Raghav Kanoria, the Calcutta Angels network boasts a diverse portfolio comprising 17 innovative startups. Their investments traverse various stages and sectors, reflecting a commitment to versatility.

Among the standout ventures supported by this dynamic network are MCaffeine, LetsMD, Tabsquare, and more. These noteworthy startups underscore the strategic foresight and keen discernment exercised by Calcutta Angels in fostering entrepreneurial success.

Chandigarh Angels Network

Having garnered support from more than 70 investors, Chandigarh Angels Network (CAN) was established in 2015 under the guidance of Alok Ramsisaria. According to the network, the startups within its portfolio have contributed to the creation of over 1,500 job opportunities.

Up to the present moment, the network has engaged in 28 investments, taking the lead in eight of them and successfully exiting three. Its portfolio encompasses a diverse array of sectors including F&B, education, fintech, consumer internet, social services, retail, and more.

Hyderabad Angels

Established in 2012, Hyderabad Angels supports fledgling startups, securing investments from countries such as the US, the UK, Singapore, and the UAE.

Boasting a robust community of more than 120 investors hailing from various backgrounds, Hyderabad Angels has actively participated in over 50 investment ventures, achieving more than 10 noteworthy successes. In a collaborative effort, the network has forged partnerships with over 50 companies, playing a pivotal role in securing investments for emerging startups.

Indian Angel Network

Established in 2006 by Alok Mittal and Padmaja Ruparel, the Indian Angel Network (IAN) boasts an impressive track record. Over the years, it has facilitated 198 investments, spearheaded 98 funding rounds, and successfully navigated 14 exits.

IAN stands out as a SEBI-registered early-stage fund, drawing support from a diverse community of over 470 investors hailing from approximately 11 nations. This network underscores IAN’s global appeal and collaborative spirit, making it a dynamic force in the realm of angel investing.

Jito Angel Network

Jito Angel Network, an integral part of the Jito Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF), was established in 2017, drawing its inspiration from the acronym JITO, representing the Jain International Trade Organisation.

Spearheaded by Siddharth Jain and headquartered in the vibrant city of Mumbai, JITO has emerged as a dynamic force in the investment landscape. With a robust community of over 450 investors, the angel network has been a catalyst for innovation and growth since its inception.

Since its establishment, Jito Angel Network has actively participated in 76 investments, taking the lead in 46 of them. This dedicated involvement has resulted in a cumulative investment exceeding INR 147 Crores, underscoring the network’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial endeavors.

Mumbai Angels Network

Boasting an impressive roster of over 750 investors, Mumbai Angels Network (MAN) proudly touts a track record of over 200 highly successful investments, coupled with an impressive count of 100-plus exits.

Established in 2006 by the dynamic duo of Prashant Choksey and Praveen Chakravarty, MAN’s widespread investor base spans across 10 countries, contributing a substantial INR 400 Cr to fuel the growth of promising Indian startups. As per the information graciously shared on the network’s website, the portfolio is diversified, encompassing technology, marketplace, and life sciences startups, constituting 14%, 10%, and 8% of the impressive lineup, respectively.

Lead Angel

Established by Sushanto Mitra back in 2013, this network has successfully navigated a decade in India. Collaborating with 400 angel investors spanning diverse backgrounds, both in India and overseas, this network holds the prestigious registration with SEBI as a Category-I AIF.

Throughout its journey, it has ventured into 80 investments and spearheaded 19 rounds. Among its notable success stories, Lead Angel takes pride in having Supr Daily, Planet SuperHeroes, and Belita as its standout exits.

Chennai Angels

Established in 2007 by Ramaraj R, the Chennai Angels (TCA) places a strong emphasis on agritech and sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs), cutting-edge science and technology, healthtech, fintech, direct-to-consumer (D2C), and the exciting realm of Web 3.0. To date, the network proudly asserts its support for over 80 startups throughout India.

Among the ventures championed by TCA are notable names such as Chai Kings, BatteryPool, Samaaro, Finance Buddha, goSTOPS, Freed, and a host of other innovative startups. TCA’s track record includes successful exits from pioneering startups like Purplle, TrulyMadly, CloudCherry, PopXO, and Online Prasad.

Yatra Angel Network

Established in 2020, Yatra Angel Network (YAN) has set its sights on fostering the growth of fintech startups across India. Operating primarily in the early stages, the network actively engages in funding rounds ranging from pre-seed to pre-Series A.
Nestled in the vibrant city of Mumbai, YAN proudly holds the distinction of being India’s pioneering early-stage fintech-focused SEBI-registered CAT 1 alternative investment fund. At its core, YAN is on a mission to inspire its investors to champion fintech startups committed to addressing challenges through cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, and data analytics.

LetsVenture

Founded in 2013 by the dynamic duo of Shanti Mohan and Sanjay Jha, the platform proudly asserts a track record of more than 950 investments, boasting an impressive portfolio valued at over $11 billion. Let’s Venture proudly encompasses a network of 19,530 investors, each contributing to the vibrant ecosystem.

Venture Catalysts

Established in 2016 by the visionary quartet comprising Anil Jain, Anuj Golecha, Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, and Gaurav Jain, Venture Catalysts boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing 176 startups, collectively valued at an impressive sum surpassing $3 billion.
The most recent feather in its cap occurred as BASIC Home Loan secured a substantial $4.7 million in a pre-Series B funding round, spearheaded by the astute stock market luminary, Ashish Kacholia. This investment marks the ongoing commitment of Venture Catalysts to foster innovation and growth in the entrepreneurial landscape.

We Founder Circle

Founder Circle (WFC) proudly boasts a thriving community of over 9,000 dedicated investors. Established in 2020 by the visionary team of Neeraj Tyagi, Gaurav VK Singhvi, Bhawna Bhatnagar, Vikas Aggarwal, and Saurabh Deo, our journey has been marked by active involvement in more than 100 investment transactions. Our mission revolves around providing startup founders with a wealth of multi-domain expertise, achieved through a diverse network of accomplished investors who are passionate about fostering innovation and success.

Chennai Angels

Established in 2007 by Ramaraj R, the Chennai Angels (TCA) places a strong emphasis on agritech and sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs), cutting-edge science and technology, healthtech, fintech, direct-to-consumer (D2C), and the exciting realm of Web 3.0. To date, the network proudly asserts its support for over 80 startups throughout India.

Among the ventures championed by TCA are notable names such as Chai Kings, BatteryPool, Samaaro, Finance Buddha, goSTOPS, Freed, and a host of other innovative startups. TCA’s track record includes successful exits from pioneering startups like Purplle, TrulyMadly, CloudCherry, PopXO, and Online Prasad.

India’s startup ecosystem, now the world’s third-largest, owes much of its success to the pivotal role played by angel investors. Beyond mere financial backing, these individuals have demonstrated foresight in identifying and nurturing emerging opportunities, particularly in the seed stage. The rise of angel networks has further solidified their impact, providing essential support to early-stage startups and fostering a collaborative environment that extends beyond mere funding. As India’s tech landscape continues to evolve, the symbiotic relationship between angel investors and entrepreneurs remains a driving force in propelling the nation’s innovation and growth.