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- A deeptech VC’s deep dive into India’s investment thesis
- Chinese regulators block Meta’s US$2 billion Manus deal
- A look into our archives on how AI agents are rewriting online retail
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A 2019 investment in SpaceX through a Dubai family office he managed prompted Chetan Mehta to look more closely at India’s space sector while shaping the thesis for AUM Ventures’ first fund.
That process led him to meet founders, engage with members of the Indian Space Research Organisation, and eventually have Skyroot Aerospace as one of the fund’s first spacetech investments.
That early conviction now defines AUM Ventures. The India-focused deeptech VC has built a portfolio across spacetech, semiconductors, and robotics, making 24 investments so far. It is now preparing a larger second fund of around US$80 million, with a first close targeted by May.
The timing is well-aligned with broader shifts. India’s government is backing deeptech and manufacturing, while geopolitical tensions are pushing countries to rely less on imported technology and build local strength in areas such as chips, defense, and space.
In today’s top story, our interview with Mehta explains why AUM avoids crowded sectors and where he sees the strongest opportunities in India’s deeptech ecosystem.
He also shares advice for founders, such as on why they shouldn’t raise too much capital too early.
Samreen Ahmad, journalist
Top Story
VC founder outlines why he’s doubling down on Indian deeptech
AUM Ventures founding partner Chetan Mehta / Photo credit: AUM Ventures
AUM Ventures, which has backed startups such as Skyroot, Cosmoserve Space, Azimuth AI, and Sanyark Space through its first fund worth US$23 million, is doubling down on India’s deeptech sector with a new US$80 million vehicle.
In this interview, Mehta discusses AUM Ventures’ investment thesis and breaks down common issues that deeptech founders face.
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