Enlighten Angel Fund Rebrands to Enlighten Capital, launches Rs 200 crore fund

Enlighten Angel Fund, a prominent player in India’s early-stage startup ecosystem, has announced that it has received SEBI approval to operate as an Alternate Investment Fund (AIF).

The firm has also announced a rebranding to Enlighten Capital Micro VC as part of its new growth journey in the expanding startup ecosystem.

Launching Rs 200 crore fund

Notably, it has launched its maiden fund of Rs 200 crore, which includes a Rs 100 crore greenshoe option.

The launch highlights the fund's commitment to supporting emerging startups in India, aiming to foster innovation in the entrepreneurial landscape. It will focus on emerging technologies and disruptive startups, aligning with the country's vision for sustainable growth.

Over the past two years, the fund, formerly known as the Enlighten Angel Fund, has successfully syndicated more than 10 investments in startups, building a reputation for identifying and nurturing high-potential venture

With this transition, Enlighten Capital is poised to play a larger role in India's startup ecosystem by providing institutional support to entrepreneurs with scalable and impactful ideas.

Leadership team

Enlighten Capital is led by industry veterans Koushik Shekar and Arvind Subramaniam, alongside a strong partner team that includes Goutham Sekhar, Snehali Mansingh Khamkar, and Rohit Mohan. The team brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering India’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Koushik started his career in technology at Sutherland and CITI before pivoting to consulting and angel investing. Arvind Subramaniam is an entrepreneur and operator turned venture capitalist, with a successful exit to his name.

Prior to joining Koushik at Enlighten Angel Fund to facilitate its transformation into a venture capital fund, he was with StartupTN, the state innovation agency of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

“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, Managing Partner at Enlighten Capital.

Adding to this, Arvind Subramaniam, General Partner, stated, "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."

The fund focuses on providing financial support to early-stage startups that are pioneering advancements in emerging technologies, smart manufacturing, and the electric vehicle sector.