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Pre Seed Fund

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Quick answer

Forum Ventures provides up to ₹9Cr in pre-seed equity investment for B2B SaaS and AI startups. The program offers strategic guidance, operational support, and a rich network.

Funding amount
₹9Cr (equity)
Funding type
Equity
Provider
Forum Ventures (Accelerator)
Application deadline
Rolling
Eligible stage
Idea · Product
Location
Open to startups registered in India

Overview

Forum Ventures operates a pre-seed venture capital fund targeting B2B technology startups, especially those in B2B SaaS and AI. They recognize that the early phase of a software venture is critical for long-term success and provide not just capital but also hands-on support, strategic guidance, and industry expertise. Their goal is to help founders validate market fit, drive innovation, and build scalable businesses for the next funding round—typically Seed or Series A.

The fund offers up to ₹9Cr in equity investment. Beyond capital, startups gain access to in-house consulting across Sales, Marketing, Product Engineering, Finance, HR, and Operations, enabling them to tackle complex challenges with best practices. They also join a curated group of Zero-to-One advisors, receive introductions to over 300 Fortune 500 and 1000 companies for rapid customer access, and get connections to seed and Series A venture capitalists. In addition, startups become part of a strong peer community of more than 400 B2B SaaS and AI founders who share insights and collaborations.

Applications are reviewed continuously on a rolling basis—there is no fixed deadline—making it easy to apply at any time.

Highlights

  • Up to ₹9Cr equity investment for B2B SaaS and AI startups.
  • Rolling deadline — apply anytime; no fixed closing date.
  • In-house consulting in sales, marketing, product engineering, finance, HR, and operations.
  • Access to advisors, customer introductions to 300+ F500/F1000 companies, and VC connections.
  • Peer network of over 400 B2B SaaS and AI founders.
  • Open to idea-stage, product/MVP, and early-revenue-stage companies.

Who can apply

The fund is open to pre-seed and early-stage startups in B2B technology, specifically B2B SaaS and AI. Eligible startups are typically at the idea stage, have a minimum viable product, or are generating early revenue. There are no specific requirements for DPIIT registration, MSME certification, or particular entity types. Companies must operate exclusively in the B2B software-as-a-service or AI sectors to align with Forum Ventures' domain expertise and investment focus.

Pre Seed Fund is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage working in ai saas enterprise. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

ideaproductrevenueai saas enterprise
Eligible stage
Idea · Product
Location
Open to startups registered in India

Deadline & timing

Pre Seed Fund 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

  • Up to ₹9Cr in equity investment.
  • Hands-on support and strategic guidance from experienced professionals.
  • In-house consulting across Sales, Marketing, Product Engineering, Finance, HR, and Operations.
  • Access to a network of Zero-to-One advisors.
  • Customer introductions to Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies (over 300 opportunities).
  • Introductions to seed-stage and Series A venture capitalists for future funding rounds.
  • Membership in a peer network of 400+ B2B SaaS and AI founders.

About the provider

Pre Seed Fund is offered by Forum Ventures, a startup accelerator. It is delivered directly by Forum Ventures 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 official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.

Selection process

Forum Ventures reviews applications based on several criteria: strong B2B SaaS or AI market potential, team capability, and early traction signals. Promising applicants are invited for an introductory call within 1–2 weeks to assess fit with the fund's focus and support model. Selected companies receive the pre-seed investment and full access to Forum Ventures' accelerator infrastructure and resources.

Documents you’ll need

Before you apply to Pre Seed Fund, 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

Pre Seed Fund is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage ai saas enterprise startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹9Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of companies does Forum Ventures invest in?

Forum Ventures invests in early-stage B2B technology startups, with a specific focus on B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies.

What is the maximum amount the fund offers?

The fund provides up to ₹9,00,00,000 (₹9 crore) in a pre-seed equity investment.

What stage should my startup be at to apply?

The fund is for pre-seed to early-stage companies. Eligible stages include idea stage, product/MVP stage, and early revenue stage.

Is there an application deadline?

No, the fund has a rolling application. Startups can 'Pitch Us' at any time — there is no fixed closing date.

What support does Forum Ventures offer beyond funding?

The program includes in-house consulting in sales, marketing, product engineering, finance, HR, and operations. You also get access to a network of Zero-to-One advisors, customer introductions to Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, introductions to VCs for future rounds, and a peer network of 400+ B2B founders.

Do I need DPIIT registration or MSME certification to apply?

The program description does not list DPIIT registration or MSME certification as requirements. It's advisable to confirm directly with Forum Ventures.

How do I apply for the fund?

Applications are ongoing. You can find the application form on the Forum Ventures website, where they encourage you to directly 'Pitch Us'.

What is the selection process like?

Forum Ventures reviews applications for B2B SaaS/AI market potential, team strength, and early traction. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an introductory call within 1–2 weeks. Selected startups receive funding and access to the program.

What sectors does the fund focus on?

The fund is solely for B2B software-as-a-service and artificial intelligence companies. Startups in other tech sectors are not eligible.

Does the fund take equity in my company?

Yes, this is an equity investment. The funding amount of up to ₹9Cr is provided in exchange for an ownership stake in your startup. Exact terms are determined on a case-by-case basis.

How much funding does Pre Seed Fund provide?

Pre Seed Fund provides ₹9Cr (up to) as equity. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.

Who offers Pre Seed Fund?

Pre Seed Fund is offered by Forum Ventures, a startup accelerator. It is provided as an investment.

More funding from Forum Ventures

Forum Ventures runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.

All programs by Forum Ventures

Alternatives to Pre Seed Fund

Not sure Pre Seed Fund is the right fit, or already applied? These are other equity open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.

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