Enlighten Angel Fund Rebrands to Enlighten Capital, Launches Rs 200 Crore Micro VC Fund with Greenshoe Option
- ByStartupStory | December 26, 2024
Enlighten Angel Fund, a key player in India’s early-stage startup ecosystem, has officially rebranded itself as Enlighten Capital Micro VC, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. The fund announced that it has received SEBI approval to operate as an Alternate Investment Fund (AIF). As part of this new phase, Enlighten Capital has launched its maiden fund of ₹200 crore, which includes a ₹100 crore greenshoe option.
The move reflects Enlighten Capital’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting emerging startups in India. With a strategic focus on emerging technologies, disruptive ideas, and sustainable growth, the fund aims to play a pivotal role in driving the country’s startup ecosystem.
Over the last two years, Enlighten Angel Fund has successfully syndicated over ten investments, earning a reputation for identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures. This rebranding marks a transition towards institutional support, allowing Enlighten Capital to take a larger role in scaling impactful startup ideas.
Enlighten Capital is helmed by industry veterans Koushik Shekar and Arvind Subramaniam, supported by a strong partner team comprising Goutham Sekhar, Snehali Mansingh Khamkar, and Rohit Mohan.
Koushik Shekar, Managing Partner at Enlighten Capital, began his career in technology with stints at Sutherland and CITI before transitioning into consulting and angel investing. Arvind Subramaniam, the General Partner, is a seasoned entrepreneur and operator-turned-venture capitalist, known for a successful exit in his entrepreneurial journey. He also contributed significantly during his tenure at StartupTN, the state innovation agency of Tamil Nadu.
In a joint statement, the leaders emphasized their mission to empower startups at the intersection of innovation and sustainability.
“We believe in the transformative power of startups to shape the future of India. Through Enlighten Capital, we are dedicated to creating a positive impact in the ecosystem by supporting founders who are building solutions that matter,” said Koushik Shekar.
Arvind Subramaniam added, “Our focus is on sectors that are driving change – Emerging Technologies, Smart Manufacturing, Mobility, and Fintech. These industries hold immense potential for growth and societal impact, and we’re thrilled to support the bold innovators leading this charge.”
Enlighten Capital has developed a structured approach to investing and cultivated a strong network of limited partners (LPs) and angel investors. This positions the fund as a key enabler in India’s growing venture capital landscape, addressing the critical gap in early-stage funding.
By concentrating on early-stage startups, Enlighten Capital aims to help founders scale their ventures and turn their innovative visions into reality.
About Enlighten Capital
Enlighten Capital, formerly known as Enlighten Angel Fund, is a SEBI-registered Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) dedicated to supporting early-stage startups. With a robust corpus of ₹100 crore, the fund focuses on advancing emerging technologies, smart manufacturing, and the electric vehicle sector. An additional ₹100 crore greenshoe option underscores its commitment to driving growth and innovation in these dynamic industries.