Highlights
Warmup Ventures: Leading the Way in Emerging Startup Investments
Founded in mid-2023, Warmup Ventures has swiftly established itself as a prominent player in the investment landscape, championing over 15 budding startups. The firm has recently introduced its second investment initiative, Warmup Fund II, which is a SEBI-registered Category 2 Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with a total size of Rs 300 crore.
Investment Approach
Supported by seasoned founders and next-generation entrepreneurs, Warmup Ventures is focused on:
- Making investments ranging from Rs 5-7 crore in approximately 25-30 early-stage firms across diverse sectors.
- Providing capital for future funding rounds to support the long-term growth of its portfolio companies.
The Founding Team
The fund was established by three distinguished entrepreneurs:
- Sarad Bansal: An alumnus of IIT Delhi and founder of the edtech platform Tinkerly.
- Rajendra Lora: A graduate of IIIT Jabalpur and founder of the agritech startup Freshokartz.
- Yogesh Chaudhary: Owner of Jaipur Rugs.
This trio has jointly invested in over 100 emerging startups in the past five to six years through angel investments. They offer not just financial support, but also invaluable networks that assist founders throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. “We are developing a platform that bridges our rich heritage with future growth opportunities,” said Yogesh Chaudhary, one of the founding partners at Warmup Ventures.
Proven Success Record
Since its inauguration as a syndicated fund in mid-2023, Warmup Ventures has made commendable progress by investing in various nascent enterprises. Some notable investments include:
- Boba Bhai: A fast-casual dining establishment.
- Nitro Commerce: An AI-driven marketing technology firm.
- MiniMines: A company dedicated to recycling lithium-ion batteries.
- Biva Analytics: A business intelligence platform designed for direct-to-consumer brands.
- RocketPay: A fintech innovator focused on revolutionising payment solutions.
- Balwaan Krishi: An agritech startup committed to enhancing agricultural practices.
“Having navigated our own entrepreneurial paths, we comprehend the critical importance of securing the right funding for success in any venture,” stated Sharad Bansal, Managing Partner at Warmup Ventures. “At Warmup Ventures, we are committed to not just providing financial support but also empowering early-stage founders with insights and connections that are pivotal for making informed decisions that foster their growth.”