ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund: Co-Investment
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Quick Answer
Co-investment of ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh for DeepTech and Community-Based startups in India, on the same pre-money terms as your lead investor.
- Funding amount
- ₹12 Lakhs – ₹15 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- ACIC VGU Foundation
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
DeepTech and Community-Based startups across India can get ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh from the ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund, a pre-money co-investment tied to a term sheet. The fund invests alongside an external lead investor at the same pre-money valuation, price and terms, rather than after the round closes at a marked-up valuation. ₹15 Lakh is the default commitment. The Investment Committee can adjust it to ₹12 Lakh.
You need a signed term sheet from an eligible lead investor for an active raise between ₹15 Lakh and ₹50 Lakh. The fund mirrors that term sheet's instrument (Equity or CCDs), so there is no separate valuation dispute. Due diligence is shortened and closes alongside your main raise. Because the money goes into the ongoing round, it avoids post-round equity dilution markups.
You can apply as a Private Limited Company or LLP. DPIIT recognition is preferred. At least one founder must be an Indian citizen working full-time on the business.
You also get access to the ACIC-VGU Foundation incubation ecosystem. It includes mentorship from industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs and technical leaders, support for customer discovery, commercialization strategies, intellectual property (IP) guidance and industry pilots, and a network of investors, corporate partners, academic institutions and government schemes.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
ACIC-VGU Foundation is the Atal Community Innovation Centre at Vivekananda Global University in Jagatpura, Jaipur. Its full name is Atal Community Innovation Centre - Vivekananda Global University Foundation, and it describes itself as a startup incubator supported by the Atal…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹12 Lakhs – ₹15 Lakhs
What You Get
Pre-Money Co-Investment: Secure ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh in funding at the exact same valuation and terms as your Lead Investor. The default commitment is ₹15 Lakh, with adjustments to ₹12 Lakh possible at the Investment Committee's discretion. This model helps prevent post-round equity dilution markups.
Fast-Tracked Process: Benefit from an abbreviated due diligence process designed to move rapidly and close simultaneously with your main raise, accelerating capital access.
No Re-Valuation Friction: Avoid separate valuation disputes, as the Anchor Fund mirrors your Lead Investor's term sheet instrument (Equity or CCDs) exactly, adopting their pre-money valuation and share price.
Incubation & Mentorship: Access ACIC-VGU Foundation's comprehensive incubation ecosystem, including direct mentorship from industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and technical leaders.
Market & Tech Access: Receive hands-on support for customer discovery, commercialization strategies, intellectual property (IP) guidance, and opportunities for industry pilots.
Ecosystem Connection: Tap into a broad network of investors, corporate partners, academic institutions, and relevant government schemes, enhancing your startup's follow-on investor readiness.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund is designed to be streamlined, leveraging the validation already performed by the lead investor. Initially, applications are screened for adherence to eligibility criteria, particularly the presence of a signed term sheet from an eligible lead investor and explicit alignment with either DeepTech or Community-Based sectors. Subsequently, a rapid due diligence process will focus on validating the terms of the lead investment, assessing the potential of the startup's technology or solution, and confirming its strategic fit with ACIC-VGU's objectives. Final investment decisions are made by the Investment Committee, which considers both the startup's overall potential and the established terms set by the lead investor.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application through the official portal, including all required startup and investment details.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the ACIC-VGU Anchor Fund?
Any Indian startup incorporated as a Private Limited Company or LLP (preferably with DPIIT recognition) that has secured a signed Term Sheet from an eligible Lead Investor for an active raise between ₹15 Lakh and ₹50 Lakh. At least one founder must be an Indian citizen working full-time on the business.
What startup sectors are eligible?
The fund focuses on two main categories: DeepTech Startups (AI/ML, Robotics, IoT, Agritech, BioTech, ClimateTech, Drones, CleanTech, SpaceTech, etc.) and Community-Based Startups (Sustainable solutions focused on rural development, farmer livelihoods, women entrepreneurship, affordable healthcare, financial inclusion, or circular economy).
How much investment can my startup receive from the Anchor Fund?
The fund provides a flat co-investment band of ₹12 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh, with ₹15 Lakh as the default investment amount. Adjustments toward ₹12 Lakh are made at the Investment Committee's discretion (e.g., in cases of milestone ambiguity or cap-table complexity).
How is the valuation and pricing calculated?
The Anchor Fund operates on a pre-money co-investment model. It enters the same round at the exact same pre-money valuation, share price, and instrument type (Equity or CCDs) as defined in your Lead Investor's Term Sheet.
Does this fund take equity in my company?
Yes, the Anchor Fund co-invests on the same terms as your Lead Investor, which can be through equity or Convertible Compulsorily Debentures (CCDs), ultimately leading to an equity stake in your company.
What kind of support is offered beyond funding?
Beyond funding, startups gain access to ACIC-VGU's incubation ecosystem, including direct mentorship from industry experts, support for customer discovery and commercialization, intellectual property (IP) guidance, and networking opportunities with investors, corporates, and academic institutions.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
