Chiratae Ventures launches Sonic Deeptech programme, offers cheques up to $2 million

Indian venture capital firm Chiratae Ventures has launched a dedicated deeptech investment programme, Sonic Deeptech, to support early-stage founders building in deep-tech and allied industries.

In a release issued today, the VC firm, which is known for its early bets on Lenskart, Bounce and Cult.Fit, said that it will invest up to $2 million and offer access to experts and partners to help founders move from lab to market.

The Sonic Deeptech programme will focus on eight areas: energy and climate, quantum technologies, robotics and advanced manufacturing, space technologies, applied artificial intelligence and machine learning, defence, bio and medtech, and the digital economy. The VC firm believes these sectors have a "significant opportunity where India can lead."


“India’s next wave of category-defining companies will come from deeptech startups that combine research rigour with product thinking,” said Saharsh Sharma, Vice President – Investments, Chiratae Ventures. “Founders need capital that understands long timelines, and partners who can open doors with customers and research collaborators.”

The initiative comes at a time when interest in deeptech is rising across areas. Investors say early-stage startups in these sectors often face longer product development timelines and require capital that can move with quicker conviction.

Chiratae has invested more than $1 billion since its inception. The VC firm said it has already deployed over $200 million into deeptech startups.

The company’s portfolio includes Pixis, robotics company Miko, supply chain platform Pando.ai, prosthetics maker Aether Biomedical, and spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos.

Chiratae said in its statement that its deeptech bets collectively account for 187 patent applications, with 150 published and 133 granted.