Vertex Ventures Targets India with AI and Fintech Investments
Funding | Apr 24, 2025 | Vertex Venture Management Pte
Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, a venture capital firm, has significantly increased its investments in India, focusing on AI-driven businesses, fintech, and consumer brands. After a two-year slowdown in the funding environment, the firm has seen a resurgence in deals from late 2023 onward. The firm's fifth fund closed in September 2023 at $541 million, which is 80% larger than the previous fund. This fund primarily targets Series A funding rounds, with some involvement in pre-A and Series B rounds, and has been actively engaging with high-quality founders to build a robust pipeline. Recent investments include a $54 million Series B for SpotDraft, $16 million Series A for Spyne, and $4.6 million for Nuuk. Vertex Ventures remains sector agnostic but continues to see fintech, particularly SME lending and wealthtech, as key areas. The firm also emphasizes the need to distinguish high-quality, sustainable AI startups from short-term trends. India remains a priority market, although investments are also made across Southeast Asia with local teams in various countries.
Sectors
- Venture Capital
- Artificial Intelligence
- Fintech
Geography
- India – Vertex Ventures is increasing its investment activities specifically in India, making it a significant focus area.
- Southeast Asia – The firm also operates and invests across Southeast Asia, with teams in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Industry
- Venture Capital – The article discusses investments made by Vertex Ventures, a venture capital firm, highlighting its strategy and activities in India and Southeast Asia.
- Artificial Intelligence – Vertex Ventures has a focus on AI-driven businesses, indicating its investment interest in the AI industry.
- Fintech – The firm is particularly interested in fintech areas such as SME lending and wealthtech, showing its active involvement in the financial technology sector.
Financials
- $541 million – The size of Vertex Ventures' fifth fund closed in September 2023.
- $54 million – Series B funding amount raised by SpotDraft.
- $16 million – Series A funding amount raised by Spyne.
- $4.6 million – Funding amount raised by D2C electronics brand Nuuk.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertex Ventures | Investor | Company | A venture capital firm focused on investments in Southeast Asia and India. |
| Piyush Kharbanda | General Partner | Person | General Partner at Vertex Ventures, responsible for outlining the firm's strategic investment direction. |
| SpotDraft | Target Company | Company | A company focused on contract lifecycle management, recently raised $54 million in Series B funding. |
| Spyne | Target Company | Company | An AI photography and editing software provider for automotive dealers, recently raised $16 million in Series A funding. |
| Nuuk | Target Company | Company | A direct-to-consumer electronics brand that recently raised $4.6 million. |
| Prosus | Investor | Company | An investor in SpotDraft alongside Vertex Ventures. |
| Premji Invest | Investor | Company | An investor in SpotDraft alongside Vertex Ventures. |