GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC

The GRO8 AI-Enabled Venture Accelerator, run by 888VC, is a structured 12-week program built for early-stage startups that want to embed artificial intelligence into their day-to-day operations. The initiative goes beyond lectures—it focuses on execution-level support across strategy, sales, finance, product development, and fundraising. Each cohort is intentionally limited to 12 startups, ensuring hands-on guidance and measurable progress. Beyond the core curriculum, participants benefit from a minimum direct investment of US$25,000 (approximately ₹21 lakhs), which increases for standout teams, as well as access to a broader network of 200+ venture capital funds, over 1,000 angel investors, 100+ US-based CXOs/CIOs, and 50+ family offices. Startups also receive a complimentary startup kit valued at US$60,000. The accelerator is particularly suited for ventures with global ambition and a product that is already tapping into customer traction or revenue, not just an idea.

• Minimum US$25,000 direct equity investment for every selected startup (up to ~₹4.2 Cr for top performers)
• 12-week fully residential / hands-on accelerator; limited cohort size of 12 companies ensures close mentorship
• Explicit focus on end-to-end AI integration: strategy, sales, finance, product, and fundraising
• Access to vast network: 200+ VCs, 1,000+ angels, 100+ US CXO/CIOs, and 50+ family offices
• Startup kit worth US$60,000 covering SaaS tools, compliance credits, and infrastructure
• Rolling admissions—apply any time; decision typically aligned with cohort start cycles

GRO8 Cohort 2 is designed for pre-seed to seed-stage startups that are already beyond the ideation phase. You must have a functional product (or clearly validated MVP) with early customer traction, revenue, or evidence of product-market fit. The venture should be technology-enabled, open to integrating AI deeply into its workflow, and capable of scaling internationally. Ideal sector fits include deep tech, artificial intelligence, consumer products, healthtech, sustainability, manufacturing, fintech, and SaaS. Founders should be able to commit fully to the 12-week program, including mentor sessions and investor activities. There are no restrictions on Indian states or entity types, and DPIIT/MSME registration, as well as specific founder tenure thresholds, are not required.

GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise, fintech and health pharma biotech. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC 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.

Every startup entering the cohort receives a minimum direct investment of US$25,000 (around ₹21 lakhs). Top-performing startups can qualify for an additional US$50,000–US$100,000, and exceptionally strong teams may access follow-on seed funding of up to US$500,000. These are equity investments without mention of a fixed cap (terms vary). In addition to funding, each startup gets a 12-week hands-on accelerator that includes go-to-market strategy development, investor readiness preparation, pitch review, and one-on-one mentoring focused on integrating AI automation into key operations. A startup kit worth US$60,000 (tools, credits, services) is also provided. Participants gain verified access to over 200 VC funds, 1,000+ angel investors, CFOs/CXOs in India, 100+ US-based CXOs/CIOs, and 50+ family offices—all active in the early-stage ecosystem.

GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is offered by 888VC, a venture-capital firm. It is delivered directly by 888VC as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Startups are evaluated on team capability, readiness to embed AI operationally, and demonstrable execution focus. The reviewing panel at 888VC shortlists from the applications and then selects 12 teams per cohort for the 12-week program. Priority is given to founders who show an open-minded approach to integrating AI across strategy, sales, finance, product, and fundraising. Companies that exceling during the program may be offered additional investment of US$50,000–US$100,000 beyond the base commitment.

Before you apply to GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC, 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.

GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is best suited for product and revenue-stage deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise and fintech startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹21L – ₹4.2Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.