Venture Catalysts2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Mumbai multi-stage investor founded in 2016 as an angel network. Backs pre-seed to Series B startups and runs the 100Unicorns accelerator fund. Rolling pitches.
- Up to $1M
- Funding
- Negotiated per deal
- Equity
- No fixed program length
- Program length
- Rolling
- Applications
About Venture Catalysts
Venture Catalysts, now branded VCats++, is a Mumbai investment firm that started in 2016 as an angel network. It has grown into a multi-stage platform that invests from pre-seed to Series B. It runs two SEBI-registered Category I angel funds for deal-by-deal syndication and co-creates Category II funds with other managers.
One of those is 100Unicorns, formerly 9Unicorns, its accelerator fund for idea-stage and early startups. In September 2025 the firm closed a Rs 150 crore round of primary and secondary capital. Outlook Business reported that it manages over $500 million across vehicles and has deployed about $200 million through syndication over nine years.
The firm says it has backed 400+ startups and recorded 200+ exits and up-rounds. Portfolio names include BharatPe and Pixis, which became unicorns, plus InsuranceDekho and Renee Cosmetics. Beardo was acquired by Marico and ConfirmTkt by ixigo.
What makes it different is reach. The firm claims 10,000+ investors in its community and presence in 90% of Indian districts, so a startup outside the big metros can still get in front of investors. There is no fixed cohort.
Founders submit a pitch through the website at any time. Terms are negotiated deal by deal.
What Venture Catalysts looks for
Venture Catalysts invests across sectors, with a stated tilt toward technology, consumer, fintech, healthtech and climate tech. Its own fund lineup shows it backs both idea-stage teams through 100Unicorns and companies raising Series B. Because capital often comes from a large angel community, a clear story and visible traction help. Founders from smaller Indian cities are a good fit given the firm's district-level network.
How the Venture Catalysts program works
Venture Catalysts is not a cohort accelerator. It works like a syndicate plus a family of funds. A founder submits a pitch, the team screens it, and promising startups present to the investor community at pitch events such as its Global Pitch Day and DDay sessions.
Capital can come from the angel funds, from 100Unicorns for very early companies, or from later-stage vehicles such as Elev8 Venture Partners for Series B and C. After investment, the platform offers fundraising support, introductions to its investor network and follow-on rounds. 100Unicorns Fund II, launched in May 2024 with a $200 million target, was reported to write first cheques of $300,000 to $1 million, with $500,000 to $2 million in later rounds alongside co-investors.
How to apply to Venture Catalysts
- 1Prepare a pitch deck covering problem, product, traction, team and the round you are raising.
- 2Submit it through the founders form at venturecatalysts.in/Form.
- 3Expect an initial screening call with the investment team if your startup fits.
- 4If shortlisted, pitch to the investor community at a Venture Catalysts pitch event.
- 5Negotiate terms and complete due diligence with the participating fund or syndicate.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable Venture Catalysts alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by Venture Catalysts.
Venture Catalysts vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venture Catalysts | Up to $1M | Negotiated per deal | Mumbai, India | Rolling admissions |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | Up to $5.8M | Minority stake | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Up to $2.9M | None on grant | EU | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | Up to $2M | ~7% | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | Up to $1.5M | Not published | New York | Rolling admissions |
| Seedcamp | Up to $1.3M | Varies | London, UK | Rolling admissions |
Venture Catalysts FAQ
When is the Venture Catalysts application deadline?+
Venture Catalysts reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
How much does Venture Catalysts invest?+
There is no single figure. Ticket sizes depend on the vehicle. Reports on the 100Unicorns Fund II launch in May 2024 cited first cheques of about $300,000 to $1 million, while older Fund I coverage cited around $150,000 for 5 to 7 percent at idea stage. Syndicated angel rounds vary deal by deal.
Is Venture Catalysts an accelerator?+
Not in the classic cohort sense. It is a multi-stage investment platform with angel funds and several Category II funds. Its accelerator-style vehicle is 100Unicorns, formerly 9Unicorns, which targets idea-stage and early startups. There are no fixed batches or demo days on a calendar, so founders can pitch at any time.
Which well-known startups has Venture Catalysts backed?+
The firm names BharatPe and Pixis as unicorn outcomes. Other portfolio companies include InsuranceDekho, Renee Cosmetics, Wiom and Kissan Konnect. Beardo was later bought by Marico and ConfirmTkt by ixigo. The firm says it has backed more than 400 startups over the past decade.
Do I need to be based in Mumbai?+
No. The firm is headquartered in Mumbai but says it has presence in 90% of Indian districts and a community of more than 10,000 investors. Founders anywhere in India can submit a pitch online. Pitch events and investor meetings are organized by the platform.
Sources: venturecatalysts.in, outlookbusiness.com, yourstory.com, entrackr.com, kr-asia.com