100Unicorns

9Unicorns, now operating under the umbrella of Venture Catalysts++, is a prominent Mumbai-based accelerator venture capital firm that has significantly impacted India's early-stage startup ecosystem. Established as a stage and sector-agnostic investor, it focuses on providing crucial seed and pre-Series A funding to promising startups across diverse industries. The firm distinguishes itself by offering not just capital but also extensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a robust network of angel investors, industry experts, and corporate partners, aiming to foster comprehensive growth for its portfolio companies.

As an accelerator VC, 9Unicorns typically targets startups that are past the ideation stage and show strong potential for scalability and market disruption. Their investment philosophy revolves around identifying innovative business models and strong founding teams. The firm's typical initial cheque size ranges from $100,000 to $1 million, positioning them as a key early-stage funding source for Indian entrepreneurs. Beyond the initial investment, 9Unicorns actively supports its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, leveraging its extensive network to facilitate follow-on investments.

9Unicorns successfully closed its maiden fund at $100 million (approximately INR 740 crore), underscoring its significant capital base for early-stage investments. Since its inception, the firm has built an impressive portfolio, having invested in over 100 startups. Notable companies within its portfolio include high-growth ventures like BharatPe, Vedantu, and Shiprocket, demonstrating its ability to identify and back future market leaders. The firm's strategic rebranding and integration with Venture Catalysts further solidify its position as a comprehensive platform for startup acceleration and investment in India.