Driving Innovation in Fintech, AI, and Consumer Tech with Strategic Pre-Seed Investments
Eximius Ventures, a leading pre-seed-focused venture capital firm, has launched its second fund with a corpus of $30 million. This initiative reinforces the firm’s commitment to nurturing India’s startup ecosystem by backing early-stage companies in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), software-as-a-service (SaaS), frontier tech, and consumer tech. The new fund aims to invest in 25-30 startups, with initial cheques of $500,000 per company. Additionally, Eximius has reserved half of the fund for follow-on investments, ensuring long-term support for high-potential ventures.
A Proven Investment Strategy
Selective and Focused
Unlike the traditional spray and pray approach, Eximius Ventures takes a selective, thesis-driven strategy. The firm identifies startups with bold, disruptive ideas, offering them the resources to scale in highly competitive markets.
Pearl Agarwal, Founder and Managing Partner at Eximius Ventures, commented: At a time when funding is becoming increasingly selective, we are doubling down on pre-seed startups. Our goal is to bridge the gap for founders seeking their first institutional capital, enabling them to thrive in competitive global markets. With Fund II, we are excited to partner with visionary founders and accelerate India’s innovation ecosystem.
Portfolio Expansion: Building on Fund I Success
Eximius Ventures’ first fund, launched in 2021 with a $10 million corpus, made investments in 23 startups, with over 60% of these companies securing up-rounds from prominent global investors. The fund delivered an impressive internal rate of return (IRR) exceeding 40%, solidifying Eximius’ reputation as a key player in India’s venture capital space.
Standout Portfolio Companies
Jar: A micro-savings platform democratizing gold investments for India’s next billion users.
Finarkein: A leading workflow orchestration platform driving the account aggregator revolution.
Vegapay: A plug-and-play credit card platform helping financial institutions launch card and lending products.
Stan: A gamified engagement platform enabling gamers, creators, and fans to connect through digital collectibles. Fund II builds on this momentum, with four new investments already made in consumer tech and AI/SaaS sectors. These investments are co-led with other prominent institutional investors, reflecting Eximius’ collaborative and strategic approach.
Backing Visionary Founders
Eximius Ventures prides itself on identifying exceptional founders with a first-principles mindset and a proven ability to execute in large, competitive markets. The firm’s investment committee, comprising sector experts with over 40 years of operating and financial experience, ensures rigorous evaluation and long-term support for its portfolio companies.
A Diversified Investment Base
Fund II has attracted a diverse range of limited partners (LPs), including:
High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs)
Founder-Investors
Family Offices
Global Corporate Venture Companies (CVCs), including Japanese institutional investors. This diverse investor base highlights the growing confidence in Eximius Ventures’ selective and thesis-driven approach.
Investing in the Future
With Fund II, Eximius Ventures is set to invest in sectors driving India’s digital transformation:
Fintech: Empowering financial inclusion through innovative platforms.
Artificial Intelligence and SaaS: Enabling data-driven solutions and operational efficiencies.
Frontier Tech: Fostering breakthroughs in emerging technologies like blockchain and quantum computing.
Consumer Tech: Enhancing customer experiences through digital-first platforms. Eximius Ventures aims to empower startups that can scale globally while contributing to India’s economic growth and technological leadership.
Leadership with Vision
Led by Pearl Agarwal and Preeti Sampat, the firm’s team of eight sector-focused professionals brings over 25 years of combined global investment experience. Their deep expertise allows them to identify and support startups with transformative potential.
Conclusion
The launch of Eximius Ventures Fund II marks a new chapter in India’s venture capital landscape. By championing pre-seed startups in fintech, AI, and frontier tech, Eximius Ventures is driving innovation and creating long-term value for founders and investors alike. At At Prittle Prattle News, “featuring you virtuously,” we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter. For additional insights and updates, visit Prittle Prattle News..
