100X.VC

100X.VC is a SEBI-registered Category I Alternative Investment Fund based in Mumbai, founded in 2019 by Sanjay Mehta alongside Ninad Karpe and CEO Vatsal Kanakiya. It was the first venture capital fund in India to adopt India SAFE Notes, a simplified, founder-friendly investment instrument designed to reduce legal complexity and speed up funding. The fund is sponsored by Mehta Ventures and typically invests ₹1.25 crore (approximately $150,000) per startup in exchange for 15% future equity.

100X.VC runs a cohort-based model, selecting startups through a competitive application process. Over 10,000 startups apply annually, and the fund has backed more than 180 companies across 12+ cohorts, supporting over 400 founders in total.

Role in the Startup Ecosystem

100X.VC has democratized early-stage funding in India by simplifying the investment process through SAFE Notes. Before its entry, seed-stage fundraising in India often involved lengthy legal negotiations and complex term sheets. By standardizing the investment instrument and running a transparent, cohort-based selection, 100X.VC has made venture capital more accessible to first-time founders. The fund also serves as a signal to later-stage investors, with many portfolio companies going on to raise follow-on rounds from larger VCs.

Programs and Initiatives

100X.VC runs bi-annual cohorts, selecting 15-20 startups per batch. Beyond capital, portfolio companies receive mentoring from the 100X.VC partner network, access to a community of fellow founders, and support in preparing for subsequent fundraising rounds. The fund also runs a Scout Program (Superscout) that leverages its network to source deals from across India. 100X.VC actively participates in the Startup India initiative and collaborates with ecosystem partners for founder events and workshops.

Who Benefits

Pre-seed and seed-stage founders across India building in any sector. The fund is sector-agnostic and invests in both tech and non-tech startups. First-time founders who may lack VC connections benefit particularly, as the open application process levels the playing field. The SAFE Note structure is especially useful for founders who want to close funding quickly without extended legal negotiations.

Strategic Impact

100X.VC has influenced how early-stage investing works in India. Its adoption of SAFE Notes has been widely replicated by other funds, and its cohort model has brought transparency to a process that was previously opaque. By backing a large number of startups per year, the fund has also increased the overall volume of funded ventures entering the Indian market.