Antler Grows India Portfolio with Addition of 30 Startups in 2024.

Early-stage venture capital firm Antler has strengthened its presence in India by investing in 30 startups in 2024, bringing its total India portfolio to 80 companies. These investments were made through Antler’s inaugural $75 million India fund, targeting sectors such as AI, consumer tech, fintech, deep tech, health, and climate.

Rajiv Srivatsa, Partner at Antler India, highlighted the quality of Indian founders driving this growth. “We’re seeing exceptional founding teams emerge from India’s talent pool, many of whom have deep expertise in AI and emerging technologies. These founders are not just building for India but are leveraging India’s talent to solve global problems,” he said.

Srivatsa noted that many of this year’s investments originated from Antler’s Residency program, which helps founders validate ideas, form teams, and gain early traction before securing funding.

The latest additions to Antler’s portfolio include companies like Bizup, a wholesale marketplace for fashion retail; Cautio, an AI-powered dashcam solution provider; Freshcon, offering ready-to-cook staples; Namma Yatri, a driver-focused mobility platform; and TradeFace, which fosters hyperlocal marketplaces.

Some portfolio companies are still in stealth mode, according to Antler. The firm’s next Residency program in India is set to launch in February 2025, continuing its mission to support India’s growing startup ecosystem.

HBL