GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC
By 888VC
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Quick Answer
AI-enabled accelerator for pre-seed/seed tech-enabled startups, ₹23.25 lakh+ investment.
About this funding program
The GRO8 AI-Enabled Venture Accelerator is a 12-week program by 888VC, designed to integrate AI into daily startup operations across strategy, sales, finance, product, and fundraising. It aims to provide execution-focused support, moving beyond mere ideation for participating ventures. Each cohort consists of 12 startups, benefiting from hands-on mentoring and practical operator knowledge.
Participants receive a minimum ₹23.25 lakh direct investment, with potential for ₹46.5 lakh-₹93 lakh for standout companies, and access to seed funding up to ₹4.65 crore. Key support areas include GTM strategy development, investor readiness, AI automation implementation, and pitch reviews. Startups also gain a startup kit valued at ₹55.8 lakh, along with extensive connections to a network of over 200 Seed/early stage VC funds, 1000+ angels, CFOs, and CXOs in India, and 100+ CXO/CIOs from the US, plus 50+ connected family offices. This comprehensive support facilitates accelerated growth and investor access.
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
888VC (also written 888vc) is a venture firm based in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Its website describes a cross-border model that links Indian startups with investors in India, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. It runs the GRO8 accelerator for founders, an invite-only…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹21 Lakhs – ₹4.2 Cr
What You Get
Participants receive a minimum ₹23.25 lakh direct investment, potential ₹46.5 lakh-₹93 lakh for standout companies, and access to seed funding up to ₹4.65 crore. Benefits include 12-week hands-on mentoring, GTM strategy, investor readiness, AI automation, pitch reviews, a ₹55.8 lakh startup kit, and extensive connections to over 200 VCs, 1000+ angels, CFOs, CXOs, and family offices for accelerated growth and investor access.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by 888VC for team capability, AI integration readiness, and execution orientation. Selected startups join a cohort of 12 companies for the 12-week program, with standout companies eligible for ₹46.5 lakh–₹93 lakh beyond the minimum ₹23.25 lakh investment. The selection process emphasizes openness to embedding AI across all startup operations.
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
How much investment does GRO8 by 888VC provide?
Participants receive a minimum ₹23.25 lakh direct investment. Standout companies can receive ₹46.5 lakh–₹93 lakh, and the program provides access to seed funding up to ₹4.65 crore through the broader 888VC and partner network.
Does 888VC take equity in exchange for the investment?
Yes. GRO8 is an equity accelerator program. The exact equity stake is negotiated as part of the investment terms. Participants also receive a ₹55.8 lakh startup kit and extensive investor network access alongside the capital.
What stage should my startup be at to apply?
The program targets pre-seed and seed-stage startups that have moved beyond ideation and are actively building and selling. You should have a functional product in market, evidence of early customer traction or revenue, and a defined go-to-market strategy.
Which sectors does the GRO8 accelerator focus on?
The program focuses on Deep Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Consumer, Healthtech, Sustainability, Manufacturing, Fintech, and SaaS startups. Startups must be technology-enabled with a global growth ambition from the outset.
What is the time commitment for founders?
The GRO8 program is a 12-week accelerator. Founders are expected to fully commit to the program, actively participating in mentoring sessions, workshops, and investor engagement activities throughout the cohort period.
What network access does the program provide?
Participants gain access to 200+ Seed and early-stage VC funds, 1,000+ angels, CFOs, and CXOs in India, 100+ CXO/CIOs from the US, and 50+ connected family offices — facilitating investor readiness and global market access.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
