Bengaluru-based venture capital firm Java Capital has unveiled a ₹400 crore (approx. $48 million) fund aimed at investing in early-stage deeptech startups, signaling a strong vote of confidence in India’s emerging frontier technologies. The fund, which targets a first close of ₹120 crore, is designed to fuel innovation across sectors such as AI, space-tech, robotics, and semiconductor design.
This move comes as India sees growing investor interest in deeptech, spurred by government support like the PLI schemes for electronics and semiconductors, and the rising demand for homegrown tech solutions. Java Capital, founded by former investment bankers and operators, had earlier backed over 20 startups, including Agnikul Cosmos and Aerostrovilos Energy—both high-profile players in India’s space and clean energy segments.
According to Java Capital, the new fund will focus on pre-seed to Pre-Series A rounds, writing initial cheques of ₹2–4 crore. The firm is especially bullish on tech that requires long gestation periods and strong IP, a space traditionally underserved by VCs in India due to higher perceived risk.
The timing of the fund aligns with India’s ambition to become a global innovation hub. As the US and China tighten restrictions on AI and chip exports, Indian deeptech is increasingly seen as a strategic frontier.
Analysts suggest that Java’s move could catalyze more early-stage capital into deep science, which has historically lagged behind SaaS and consumer tech in funding.
If executed well, this fund may help bridge India's deeptech funding gap and nurture globally competitive IP-led companies.
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