Singapore's ThinKuvate, SanchiConnect launch 'PULSE' to invest in AI-driven fintech startups

Early-stage VC ThinKuvate and deeptech ecosystem enabler Sanchi Connect announced the launch of joint accelerator programme, PULSE, designed to discover, invest, and scale 4-6 early-stage startups leveraging AI in solving financial world problems.

The 24-week programme will support a select cohort of AI-first fintech startups with Rs 2-crore Crore funding each, quick term-sheet issuance, and access to Sanchi Connect’s ecosystem of mentors, enterprises, and investor network.

Shortlisted startups will go through curated mentor-sessions, corporate pilot opportunities with banks, NBFCs and FinTech firms, regulatory clinics and participation in the 2026 Global Demo Day.

“India’s FinTech ecosystem is entering a new phase - one driven by AI, data intelligence, and regulatory innovation,” said Addison Appu, Managing Partner, ThinKuvate Fund. “Pulse will empower early-stage founders to build globally scalable, compliant, and commercially viable products that address real-world challenges in finance.”

“AI is changing the rules of FinTech, and India is at the heart of this change. Indian startups have a unique chance to create solutions that not only help Bharat but also change the way the world works in finance. This is because of their talent, size, and willingness to try new things. We at SanchiConnect think that this is India's time to take the lead in the next wave of AI-driven financial innovation. With our partnership with ThinKuvate, we intend to streamline our efforts on 4 to 6 early-stage startups that have a lot of potential and try to make them big,” said, Dr. Sunil K. Shekhawat, the founder of SanchiConnect

By combining capital, mentorship, and market access, the Pulse program aims to catalyse fintech success stories from Bharat and build scalable solutions across payments, lending, risk, embedded finance, and more.

Applications for Pulse open on 18th November 2025 and will open for a month.

ThinKuvate is an early-stage startup investment firm headquartered in Singapore, with a SEBI AIF VC Fund in India, focused on investing in high-impact, technology-driven businesses across emerging sectors. The firm partners with visionary founders building scalable solutions that advance financial inclusion, sustainability, and digital transformation.