
The Chennai Angels
Description
The Chennai Angels (TCA) stands as one of India's pioneering angel investment networks, established in 2007. Based in Chennai, India, TCA's core mission revolves around fostering entrepreneurship by providing crucial early-stage capital coupled with active mentorship. The group comprises a diverse network of seasoned entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals dedicated to identifying and nurturing promising startups across various sectors. Their approach goes beyond mere capital infusion, emphasizing hands-on guidance to help new generation entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of building and scaling their ventures.
TCA primarily focuses on seed and pre-Series A funding rounds, targeting startups that demonstrate strong potential for innovation and market disruption. Their typical first cheque size ranges from INR 50 lakhs to INR 5 crore, which translates approximately to $60,000 to $600,000 USD, depending on the prevailing exchange rates and the specific needs of the startup. This flexible investment range allows them to support a wide array of early-stage companies, from nascent ideas requiring initial validation to those ready for market expansion. The network's robust due diligence process ensures that only high-potential ventures receive funding, aligning with their commitment to impactful investments.
With a portfolio boasting investments in over 70 companies, The Chennai Angels has significantly contributed to the vibrant Indian startup ecosystem. Their sector-agnostic investment strategy has led to successful ventures in diverse fields such including SaaS, FinTech, EdTech, Healthcare, DeepTech, and Consumer products. The network comprises over 100 active angel investors, each bringing unique expertise and industry connections to the table, further enhancing the value proposition for their portfolio companies. TCA's long-standing presence and strategic investments underscore its role as a vital catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in India, particularly in the southern region.
Investor Profile
The Chennai Angels has backed more than 24 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 6 rounds, about 25% of its total and boasts 5 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Angel, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in India, United States.
- Strong thematic focus on E-Commerce, Retail, Internet.
- Typical check size: $60K – $600K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (63%)
- Angel (17%)
- Series A (13%)
- Series Unknown (8%)
Country Focus
- India (88%)
- United States (13%)
Industry Focus
- E-commerce
- Retail
- Internet
- Travel
- Software
- Automotive
- Food And Beverage
- Social Media
- Saas
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
Frequently Asked Questions
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