Get All Access for $5/mo

Nurturing the Next Wave of India-Centric Startups: WEH Ventures As of now, WEH Ventures has made 27 investments, mainly in pre-seed and seed-stage startups.

By Minakshi Sangwan

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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

Deepak Gupta, General Partner, WEH Ventures

WEH Ventures' investment thesis focuses on backing founders who tackle meaningful, India-centric challenges.

Deepak Gupta, General Partner, WEH Ventures, says, "We believe India is a country with a vast trove of opportunities, and our purpose is to back compelling founders trying to solve meaningful India-centric problems. Some of these ideas are complex, and some may be simple. Irrespective, we strive hard to increase the probability of success for our portfolio."

Since 2017, Gupta and his team at WEH Ventures have been dedicated to providing early-stage support to help startups reach critical milestones and scale effectively. This approach has enabled them to tap into India's deepening digital penetration and emerging opportunities.

"With the deepening digital penetration across the country, we are witnessing an increasing number of India-specific opportunities that are being addressed by Indian founders. We are well-positioned to support these visionary entrepreneurs and their innovative solutions," says Gupta.

"We've backed a lot of companies that are 'non-obvious' when we invest but have been hailed as 'category-creating' later," he adds.

Pratilipi (stories platform), smallcase (low-cost investing platform), Sri Mandir (spiritual platform), Jar (savings platform for Bharat), MasterChow (a new-age Asian ready-to-cook brand), and Animall (a cattle trading platform) are some of the portfolio companies of the Mumbai-based platform.

Gupta highlights that AppsForBharat, Jar, NOTO, SusVest, and Unbox Robotics are a few of their most well-known companies.

According to Gupta, their portfolio construction is relatively selective; each deal for them is an exposure with the potential to move the needle on a fund. They strive to be responsible stewards of their investors' capital.

Additionally, Gupta doesn't believe in evaluating founders through a checklist. "They don't have to be from an IIT/IIM or an alumnus of a Unicorn or be a part-resident in Third Wave HSR. We believe that the team above all should be truly passionate about the problem they are solving, willing to strive through the ups and downs over many years, and self-aware of the skills they don't possess," he comments.

As of now, WEH Ventures has made 27 investments, mainly in pre-seed and seed-stage startups.

Looking ahead to FY 2024–25, Gupta notes an increase in high-quality founders launching new ventures, reflecting a growing entrepreneurial spirit in India. WEH Ventures plans to continue its steady investment pace, supporting visionary entrepreneurs.

The firm's comprehensive support includes onboarding investors, sourcing key hires, guiding business direction, assisting with M&A activities, and resolving founder conflicts.

"This holistic approach has empowered our portfolio companies' founders to drive their companies forward and achieve remarkable growth," Gupta concludes.

Facts:

  • Portfolio Size: 27
  • Average Ticket Size: Around INR 3 Cr
  • Total Exits: 3
  • Total Assets Under Management: INR 135 Cr
Minakshi Sangwan

Junior Writer

News and Trends

Multiples Private Equity Leads INR 1000 Cr Funding in Shubham Housing

With the raised funds, the Gurugram-based platform aims to propel its growth trajectory, diversifying its product offerings and strengthening its national footprint.

News and Trends

Former Cleartrip CEO Ayyappan R Eyes Quick Commerce with FirstClub

After stepping down as Cleartrip's CEO earlier this year, Ayyappan brings his expertise from leading positions at Flipkart, including his role as chief business officer at Myntra.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Growth Strategies

Amazon To Improve Services In Tier II, III Cities: Samir Kumar, Country Manager

The bigger share of our business is coming from Tier II,III and beyond, says Samir Kumar, country manager, Amazon India

Growing a Business

How to Spot Trends and Anticipate Market Shifts Before Your Competition

Discover how to identify disruptive trends before your competitors by mastering the art of anticipating market shifts. Learn strategies for staying ahead and gaining a competitive edge in business.