Shastra VC: A $100 Million Fund for Early-Stage Startups

Shastra VC has introduced a significant $100 million fund that concentrates on early-stage startups within deeptech, artificial intelligence, climate technology, spacetech, defence, and renewable sciences. Formerly known as Veda VC, the firm aims to invest amounts ranging from $500,000 to $3 million in startups that focus on intellectual property.

Investment Focus of Shastra VC

Fund III will continue to support deeptech startups while sharpening its emphasis on sectors such as space and defence, artificial intelligence, and renewable sciences. The fund also plans to expand its capacity to assist companies beyond their initial investment rounds.

Leadership Team of Shastra VC

Shastra VC is spearheaded by Vasant Rao, Avijeet Alagathi, and Ashis Nayak. Rao and Nayak previously co-founded Autoninja, which was later acquired by ICICI Lombard. Alagathi, on the other hand, established BYG, which was subsequently acquired by Curefit.

Current Portfolio and Assets

The firm reports having deployed approximately $55 million across its first two funds and currently manages assets worth about $100 million. Its impressive portfolio encompasses startups like Simplismart, Alt Carbon, Sisir Radar, and Avammune.

Advisory Network

Shastra VC has established an advisory network that includes prominent business leaders and scientific experts such as CP Gurnani and C. Jayaram, alongside domain specialists in biotechnology, semiconductors, climate, and space sectors. This initiative is further augmented by a network of over 30 technical champions, which includes founders, researchers, operators, and limited partners.