ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups
A rolling co-investment fund from ACIC VGU Foundation that puts ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh into Indian DeepTech and Community-Based startups, on the same pre-money terms as their lead investor.
- Funding amount
- ₹12L – ₹15L (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- ACIC VGU Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Run by the ACIC VGU Foundation, the ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund acts as a co-investor rather than a lead. It steps into a round that already has an outside lead attached and writes its cheque on matching conditions — the same pre-money valuation, the same share price and the same instrument named in that lead's term sheet.
That structure matters for the cap table. Because the money enters while the round is still live, a founder avoids the extra dilution that comes from a delayed entry once the round has closed at a marked-up price.
The sector focus is deliberately narrow: DeepTech companies and Community-Based ventures. Applicants from anywhere in India are welcome, and there is a single gate that matters most — a signed term sheet from an eligible lead investor. Without that document, nothing moves forward.
The fund commits a flat ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh, with ₹15 Lakh as the usual default, and it typically sits inside raises sized between ₹15 Lakh and ₹50 Lakh. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, which means there is no closing date to plan around.
Highlights
- Co-investment of ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh, with ₹15 Lakh as the standard commitment
- Invests at the same pre-money valuation, share price and instrument as your lead investor
- A signed term sheet from an eligible lead investor is required to apply
- Built for DeepTech and Community-Based startups across India
- Typically joins active raises sized between ₹15 Lakh and ₹50 Lakh
- Rolling applications — the window is always open
Who can apply
Your company needs to be registered in India, either as a Private Limited Company or as an LLP.
- A signed term sheet from an eligible lead investor is mandatory — this is the trigger for the whole programme.
- That lead investor's round must be an active raise sized between ₹15 Lakh and ₹50 Lakh.
- DPIIT recognition is preferred. It is listed as a preference rather than a hard condition.
- At least one founder must be an Indian citizen who is working on the business full-time.
- The venture should belong to DeepTech or the Community-Based space.
DeepTech here covers areas such as AI/ML, robotics, IoT, agritech, biotech, climatetech, drones, cleantech and spacetech. Community-Based covers ventures built around rural development, farmer livelihoods, women entrepreneurship, affordable healthcare, financial inclusion or the circular economy.
ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
The core offer is a co-investment of ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh, made at the same pre-money valuation and share price your lead investor has agreed. ₹15 Lakh is the default commitment; the Investment Committee can scale it down to ₹12 Lakh, for instance where milestones are unclear or the cap table is complicated.
Because the terms mirror the lead investor's term sheet, the instrument mirrors it too — plain equity or CCDs, whichever the lead has chosen. This removes the friction of a second valuation negotiation and the risk of a separate pricing dispute.
Due diligence is deliberately abbreviated, and the close is timed to land alongside your main raise rather than after it, which speeds up access to capital.
Beyond the cheque, selected startups get:
- Incubation and mentorship within the ACIC-VGU Foundation ecosystem, including guidance from industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs and technical leaders.
- Commercialisation support covering customer discovery, go-to-market strategy and intellectual property guidance.
- Pilot opportunities with industry partners.
- Ecosystem access to investors, corporate partners, academic institutions and relevant government schemes, which strengthens follow-on fundraising readiness.
About the provider
ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups is offered by ACIC VGU Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by ACIC VGU Foundation as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Every application first passes an eligibility screen. The check is specific: does the startup hold a signed term sheet from a lead investor who qualifies, and does the venture clearly belong to either the DeepTech or the Community-Based category?
Shortlisted applicants then move into a rapid due diligence stage. It is lighter than a typical investor review because the lead investor has already validated and priced the deal. The work at this stage centres on three things:
- Confirming the terms of the lead investment.
- Assessing the strength of the technology or solution.
- Checking strategic fit with ACIC-VGU's objectives.
The final decision rests with the Investment Committee, which weighs the startup's overall potential together with the terms the lead investor has already set.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹12L – ₹15L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund offer, and what size of round does it join?
The fund commits between ₹12 Lakh and ₹15 Lakh, and ₹15 Lakh is the standard amount. It can be reduced to ₹12 Lakh at the Investment Committee's discretion, such as when milestones are ambiguous or the cap table is complex. The fund usually participates in raises that fall between ₹15 Lakh and ₹50 Lakh.
Who is eligible to apply for the ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund?
Any Indian startup registered as a Private Limited Company or an LLP can apply. DPIIT recognition is preferred but not stated as a strict requirement. At least one founder must be an Indian citizen working full-time on the business, and the venture must operate in DeepTech or the Community-Based sector.
Do I need a lead investor before I can apply?
Yes. A signed term sheet from an eligible lead investor for an active raise is the trigger for this programme — the fund co-invests, it does not lead. An application without that signed term sheet cannot be taken forward.
Which sectors does the fund back?
Two categories. DeepTech covers areas including AI/ML, robotics, IoT, agritech, biotech, climatetech, drones, cleantech and spacetech. Community-Based covers sustainable solutions aimed at rural development, farmer livelihoods, women entrepreneurship, affordable healthcare, financial inclusion or the circular economy.
Does the Anchor Fund take equity in my company?
Yes, it is an equity-style investment. The fund co-invests on the same terms as your lead investor, which may be through equity shares or Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs). Either route ultimately results in an equity stake in your company.
Who decides the valuation and the share price?
Your lead investor's term sheet does. The Anchor Fund adopts the same pre-money valuation, share price and instrument type that the lead has set, so there is no separate valuation exercise or second round of price negotiation.
Is DPIIT recognition mandatory to apply?
No. The eligibility guidelines state that a startup should preferably hold DPIIT recognition, which means it is treated as a preference rather than a hard rule. A company without DPIIT recognition can still apply, as long as the other conditions are met.
What documents do I need to submit?
You will need your pitch deck, financial projections, company incorporation documents and — most importantly — the signed term sheet from your lead investor. Together with the completed online application form, these cover what the fund asks for at the application stage.
How do I apply, and what happens after I submit?
Applications go through the official online portal via the apply link. Once submitted, the ACIC-VGU team validates your term sheet and screens the application against the eligibility criteria. Shortlisted startups then undergo further due diligence and may meet the Investment Committee for final evaluation.
Is there an application deadline?
No. The ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund runs on a rolling, always-open basis, so there is no closing date to work towards. Because the fund closes alongside your main raise, the right time to apply is once your lead investor's term sheet is signed.
Who offers ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups?
ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund — ₹12L to ₹15L Co-Investment for DeepTech Startups is offered by ACIC VGU Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.
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