Equirus, a leading financial services firm, proudly announces the launch of the Equirus InnovateX Fund (EIF), a US$25 million investment vehicle dedicated to supporting seed-stage tech companies. Equirus InnovateX Fund aims to nurture visionary entrepreneurs and empower them to build ground-breaking solutions that will shape the future of various industries. Key investment themes for EIF include Software as a Service (SaaS), Deep Tech, Fintech, and other emerging sectors, with a primary focus on business-to-business (B2B) themes. The US$500,000 to US$1 million fund will be invested in 15-20 companies showcasing proven track record of sustainable business models, strong monetization strategies with capabilities of solving critical problems in large addressable markets.
Operated by experienced founders Sunder Nookala and Sadhika Agarwal, EIF brings a wealth of knowledge and a solid investment track record to the table. The ethos of EIF extends beyond providing capital; the fund is committed to unlocking value for early-stage start-up founders. Through strategic counsel, amplified governance, assistance in building exceptional teams, and a focus on building enduring, sustainable enterprises, Equirus InnovateX Fund seeks to empower entrepreneurs to successfully navigate the complexities of the start-up journey.
“Post 2022, there has been a discernible shift in investment approach. We expect this recalibration in venture investing to continue. Capital deployment will remain cautious and favour sustainable business models with robust monetization potential. We believe that Equirus InnovateX Fund is more than just a financial investment; it’s a strategic partnership aimed at catalyzing innovation, fostering growth, and contributing to the success stories of the next generation of tech leaders. By combining financial backing with a wealth of experience, mentorship, and industry connections, EIF is poised to make a significant impact in the tech start-up ecosystem,” said Sunder Nookala, Early-Stage VC, and Head Tech & Digital at Equirus.
Sadhika Agarwal, Early-Stage VC at Equirus, shared her enthusiasm for the fund’s launch, stating, “EIF represents a unique opportunity to foster innovation in the tech sector. Our aim is not just investing capital but in being catalysts for the success of visionary entrepreneurs, helping them create sustainable enterprises that will shape the future. The talent pool in India coupled with a supportive ecosystem for tech, positions us well to nurture promising businesses that can compete at a global level.”
Ajay Garg, Managing Director at Equirus, an active angel investor with a decade-long track record, has notable investments including Republic, Druva, Kwench, Mobstac, among others. Sunder, a serial entrepreneur, an active angel investor & ex-founder of Kwench, an employee engagement platform, achieved a successful exit after the company’s acquisition by US-based O.C. Tanner. He is an active angel investor and LP in Upekkha and PointOne Capital, has invested in companies like Credgenics and GoComet. Meanwhile, Sadhika founded Sudo Foods, a consumer brand specializing in quality plant-based alternatives.
About Equirus:
Equirus Group provides full-service Investment Banking services for corporate clients and offers services covering equity capital markets, debt capital markets, structured finance, PE, M&A, insurance broking, and wealth products. It also offers portfolio management services and research along with institutional equities. Equirus has done more than 240 transactions across M&A, PE, IPOs, QIPs, Rights Issues, and Structure Finance raising. $10.6 billion in the process. Over the last 16 years, Equirus has built impeccable credentials across domains and has created a niche for itself in its ability to structure and deliver transactions in-line with the client’s requirements.
