📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

The Chennai Angels: A Sector and Geography Agnostic Fund The fund has invested in 64 startups since its inception

By S Shanthi

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Company Handout

The Chennai Angels (TCA) was formed in 2007 by a group of prominent successful entrepreneurs from TiE Chennai, who felt that they needed a funding arm to support the companies that they were nurturing. Today, they are 144 members strong with a mix of individuals, corporates and institutions.TCA has invested across SaaS, Fintech, Edutech, Consumer Tech, Manufacturing Tech, AI, Hospitality and other sectors across India and overseas.

The firm claims to be both sector and geography agnostic in its investments. "Our investment philosophy is quite simple. The startup needs to address a critical problem for a business or a consumer. Their solution needs to be not only unique but should also leverage technology for scaling. The offerings need to be clearly differentiated from the competition. At the same time, we look for a fair revenue model that benefits both the customer and the company. Startups that address large addressable markets, have a robust go-to-market strategy and are backed by an experienced, passionate team will definitely grab the interest of TCA's investors," said K Chandran, CEO, The Chennai Angels.

The fund has invested in 64 startups since its inception. In addition, it has participated in up round fundraises by over 36 of its portfolio companies. TCA's target for 2021 is a total of 25 investments, with a cumulative investment ranging around INR 40 Cr.

Some of its well-performing startups include Chennai-based Indus Valley and Chai Kings.

Some other notable startups that TCA has nurtured and helped grow are Nojoto, Proklean, Paperflite, Hitwicket, Finbud and Fourth Partner Energy.

S Shanthi

Former Senior Assistant Editor

Shanthi specializes in writing sector-specific trends, interviews and startup profiles. She has worked as a feature writer for over a decade in several print and digital media companies. 

 

Thought Leaders

It's the End of the Entrepreneurial Era As We Know It

With the rise of advanced technologies and AI, are we losing all sense of the independent business person and entrepreneur?

Business News

These 4 Words Make It Obvious You Used AI to Write a Paper, According to New Research

Scientists are increasingly using ChatGPT and other AI bots to write studies.

Science & Technology

Exploring How Virtual Reality is Changing Startups

Virtual reality's immersive environment is where startup marketing is headed, and early adopters will be the ones who profit.

Green Entrepreneur®

A Deer Invasion in Hawaii Has Turned Into an Environmental Crisis—And a Sustainable Business Opportunity

How Maui Nui Venison built a for-profit harvesting business that protects the land and helps the local community.

Growing a Business

'Marketing Happy Hour' Podcast Hosts Share the Best Way to Connect With Consumers: 'Think of Social Media Like a First Date'

Brand marketing experts and hosts of the Marketing Happy Hour podcast share tips on how to launch, grow, and make the most out of your small business's online presence.