Junior VC Exceeds Expectations in Record Time

A Junior VC (AJVC), the pre-seed venture capital firm founded by Aviral Bhatnagar, has closed its maiden fund at over Rs 200 crore, more than double its original target of Rs 100 crore. The firm achieved this milestone in just nine months since launching in September 2024, drawing strong commitments from global institutional investors and prominent Indian family offices.

Bhatnagar, a former investor at Venture Highway, established AJVC shortly after Venture Highway merged with Silicon Valley–based General Catalyst last year, aiming to create a platform dedicated to nurturing India’s next-generation startups.

AJVC: A Rising Star in Pre-Seed Investing

With its debut fund, AJVC has quickly become one of India’s most active pre-seed investors, signaling a strong appetite among investors for early-stage startups. Since its launch, the firm has:

• Received over 11,000 founder applications from 50 cities, 6,000 colleges, and 4,000 companies
• Already invested in 25 startups, primarily in AI and consumer technology
• Planned investments in 60 to 70 additional startups over the next few years

“India’s startup ecosystem is thriving, and AJVC aims to support visionary founders at the very beginning of their journey,” said Aviral Bhatnagar. “Our focus is on empowering entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance to build category-defining businesses.”

Why AJVC Is Making Waves

AJVC’s success reflects both the growing pre-seed market in India and its founder-friendly approach. By tapping into a broad network of institutions and family offices, the firm has positioned itself as a go-to partner for ambitious entrepreneurs.

The fund’s focus on AI and consumer tech startups aligns with global trends, as investors seek high-growth opportunities in sectors poised for disruption.

What This Means for Indian Startups

The closure of AJVC’s maiden fund at twice the target is a clear signal that India’s early-stage startup ecosystem is booming. With new capital and mentorship, hundreds of founders across the country now have a chance to scale their ideas into global businesses.

Experts believe AJVC’s proactive strategy—screening thousands of founders, investing early, and offering strong support—will accelerate innovation and drive the next wave of unicorns in India.

Looking Ahead

With Rs 200 crore under management, AJVC is well-equipped to identify and nurture the most promising startups across the country. Over the coming years, the firm expects to invest in 60 to 70 additional companies, supporting India’s startup ecosystem from the ground up.

AJVC’s meteoric rise also sets a benchmark for pre-seed venture capital in India, inspiring other investors to engage early and provide much-needed support to young entrepreneurs.

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