Antler India, an investment firm, plans to double its investments this year (CY2024) following the closure of a ₹600 crore ($75 million) maiden India-focused fund earlier this year. The firm has already invested in 63 startups and is targeting an additional 100-120 investments by the end of the year. Antler India specializes in pre-seed startups and operates independently from its Singapore-based global entity.

Recent Investments

Recently, Antler India led an $11 million pre-Series A funding round in Bengaluru-based ride-hailing startup Namma Yatri. The round was co-led with Blume and included participation from Google.

Nitin Sharma, Co-founder and Partner at Antler India, highlighted the significance of Namma Yatri’s innovative business model in the urban mobility space. “In the last 12 years or so, there has been only one business model in the urban mobility space. Very little innovation has happened. Namma Yatri’s business model is disruptive, and we are happy it is coming out of India,” Sharma said. He also emphasized that Namma Yatri’s model considers the driver community by following a samaj sarkar bazaar approach, integrating community, government, and business interests.

Unlike competitors such as Ola, Uber, and Swiggy-backed Rapido, which charge a 25-30% commission on each ride, Namma Yatri adopts a subscription model, charging drivers a per-day fee.

Sector Focus

Antler India is sector-agnostic but has a strong focus on sectors like SaaS, fintech, and generative AI. The firm is also interested in startups leveraging large networks like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Additional areas of interest include edtech, senior care, pet care, and alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.

Key portfolio companies include Houseeazy, IndiaP2P, Inspecity, Apnibus, and LogX.

Strategic Vision

Launched in India in 2020, Antler India is committed to "day-zero" investing, backing entrepreneurs at the earliest stages—even before they have traction, a team, or a finalized idea. The firm benefits from a global network, with a presence in 30 locations worldwide, allowing Indian founders to quickly access international resources.

“We are present in 30 locations worldwide. This means any founder who is starting their journey with us in India can very quickly access a global network,” added Sharma.

Source: Financial Express