Chiratae Ventures launches Sonic DeepTech to back early-stage founders in frontier technologies

Chiratae Ventures has launched Sonic DeepTech, a fast-track funding programme aimed at helping early-stage founders working in frontier technologies. The initiative will invest from seed to Series A and will offer up to $2 million to each startup.

The firm said the programme is designed to cut the gap between evaluation and capital deployment. Chiratae plans to take an investment decision within 48 hours. Along with funding, founders will get access to domain experts and industry partners to help them take products from lab-stage to commercial rollout.

Sonic DeepTech will focus on sectors where India is pushing for global leadership. These include energy and climate, quantum technologies, robotics and advanced manufacturing, space technologies, applied AI and ML, defence, bio and medtech, and the digital economy.

Chiratae said it has already deployed more than $200 million across over 50 deeptech startups. Its portfolio includes companies such as Pixis, Miko, Agnikul, Aether Biomedical, Pando.ai, Cavli Wireless, Sigtuple, HealthifyMe and Metadome.ai. These startups work across AI, robotics, spacetech, medical devices and supply chain systems. The portfolio has crossed 180 patent filings, with more than 130 patents granted.

The venture capital firm manages over $1.3 billion across funds and has backed more than 130 startups since inception. Its broader portfolio features companies such as Flipkart, Lenskart, Myntra, FirstCry, PolicyBazaar, Cult.fit and AgroStar.

Saharsh Sharma, Vice President Investments at Chiratae Ventures, said India’s next wave of category-defining companies will come from deeptech founders who pair research with strong product thinking. He said founders need capital that understands long timelines and partners who can open doors.

Applications for the programme are now open for founders building in frontier technology areas.