Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter!

We're delighted to share a quick sneak into H1 2023.

Join us on this exhilarating journey of discovery and transformation as we continue to empower you with the knowledge and connections needed to shape the future of entrepreneurship.

The occasion warrants celebration!

IAN Fund I announces? great exits from some of its investments. With only a partial divestment from Woodenstreet, IAN has received an exceptional return of more than 10 times with an IRR of 105%! This comes on top of a partial divestment from Zypp which provided a 6.5 times return with an IRR of 88%. Both these companies have tremendous potential going forward and the Fund has retained the major part of its shareholding? to ride their success.

“These are exciting companies, which have exhibited impressive growth but are poised to scale even faster and have yet to realize their full potential. IAN Fund 1 therefore remains majorly invested in them and hopes to give even better returns to its investors “ - Padmaja Ruparel, Co-Founder IAN & Founding Partner, IAN Fund I

Read more here: https://www.vccircle.com/iansecures-bumper-returns-in-partial-exits-from-maiden-vc-fund-s-portfolio

Funding alert

>AltUni raises US$500K AltUni by InsideIIM, an alternative digital university, has secured funding of US$500K from IAN and? a group of other angel investors. In just 36 months, InsideIIM.com | AltUni.in has successfully cultivated a network of more than 4000 alumni with essential skills to thrive in the realm of digital businesses. Ankit Doshi, InsideIIM.com | AltUni.in | Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gHksHneP

>IAN invests $241k in Natural Pet Care company, Papa PawSome. Papa Pawsome offers a range of chemical free pet care products, including shampoos, paw creams, serums, and healing balms for dogs and cats.

>Space Safety and Logistics Company, Manastu Space raises $464k Manastu Space is a Space Safety and Logistics Company, using technology to save the Trillion $ Space industry from Debris Pollution in Space.

As satellite numbers rise, collision risks and debris pollution increase. Manatsu offers a cost-effective, green propulsion system with new fuel, engines, and catalysts to mitigate these challenges.

>Securweave raises $241kSecurWeave is a cutting-edge cybersecurity company, on a mission to address the security and safety needs of the rapidly evolving digital world.

Word on the street is

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) based security and enterprise big data analytics service provider Staqu Technologies has said it aims to generate a revenue of ?400-500 crore by 2028 from just ?14 crore right now as it expands its business.

In the next five years, once Staqu Technologies hits ?500 crore, it even plans to go public through an IPO!

Established in 2015, Staqu Technologies, a Gurgaon-based AI startup, offers a range of AI capabilities such as image recognition, language-independent speaker identification, facial recognition, and text processing, including sentiment analysis through its AI-powered video analytics model JARVIS. For more details: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/ai-start-up-staqu-aims-400-500-crore-revenue-by-2028/article67395712.ece

2. Conversational AI Company Uniphore Leverages Red Box Acquisition for New Data Collection Tool. Uniphore has acquired a voice recording firm Red Box. Red Box offers an open framework for data capture, and Uniphore will channel this data into U-Capture, its AI automation tool.

U-Capture will be integrated into Uniphore's established X platform, delivering real-time AI-ready data to facilitate the automation and analysis of conversations. Read more?here: https://lnkd.in/gq8uDa8U

3. Keeping in line with recent developments, Analytics India Magazine's list of ‘Top 10 space tech startups in India in 2023 features not one but two IAN portfolio companies Dhruva Space and Astrome leading the way. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gjDiQnHR

Stay updated with IAN making waves at: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/indian-angel-network/

IAN in the News

From thought-provoking webinars that spark discussions to unlocking the immense potential of the Biotech sector in India and even chairing significant industry events, our dedication to fostering growth and innovation knows no bounds.

Illuminating Thought Leadership Sessions: Engaging Industry Experts and veterans.

The IAN Group hosted informative Knowledge Sessions with renowned industry experts and thought leaders, exploring subjects of great interest to our investors.

1. In what could have only been a jam packed 2 day conference, hosting the brightest minds from? the ecosystem, The Global Entrepreneurship Network Australia (GEN Australia) proudly hosted this year's Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC2023) in Melbourne 19-21 September 2023.

IAN Co-Founder Padmaja Ruparel spoke at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Australia on how risk capital can transform the world.

#GEC2023 has been an excellent platform for global startup champions to come together to shape the future of innovation and economic growth. By strengthening and empowering the worldwide network of angel investors and associated organizations, the summit has shed spotlight on some groundbreaking innovations.

Read more here: https://genaustralia.org/?

2. We are delighted to see that Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, IAN, has been featured in Inc42 Media’s list of ‘38 Women Torchbearers of India’s Startup Investment Space’ along with several other prominent women leaders in the ecosystem.

Padmaja Ruparel has played a significant role in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, having been an active angel investor and mentor for numerous startups. It's truly inspiring to witness how she and other women are shattering the glass ceiling in today's entrepreneurial landscape.

3. Digital Rupee: How central bank digital currency (CBDC) will boost financial inclusion. In conversation with Mint Co-Founder. ?Padmaja Ruparel states, “CBDCs empower the unbanked by providing them access to the formal financial system. Apart from making micro-transactions viable, it provides financial independence, increases the propensity to save, and brings the user into the main banking framework. This microcurrency has the power to change lives! CBDC reduces the digital & economic divide in our country,"

4. What do investors look into when evaluating a pitch, what are the critical factors that Founders need to focus on? What does it take to build the right pitch? Sharing their takes at ThePitch is Priyank Garg, Managing Partner, IAN and Mayank Jain, Principal, Stellaris Venture Partners in an engaging fireside chat alongside Ashwin Moduga, Head - Research, Mosaic Digital.

In conversations with BatteryPool

"Empowering fleets with intelligent EV management solutions for seamless operations and ROI optimization."

The Indian EV industry is on the verge of substantial growth, with an anticipated 50% YoY expansion over the next decade, predominantly driven by the rapid adoption of 2W EVs, despite subsidy reductions. With over 200 million 2/3Ws on Indian roads, a complete electrification transition is expected in the next decade. The sector sees battery swapping as the ideal recharging approach for 2/3W EVs, eliminating downtime and the need for charger infrastructure.

Significant developments include massive adoption of 2/3W EVs, especially in the fleet and commercial vehicle segment, due to cost savings over traditional ICE vehicles. Government subsidies further fuel adoption, while rapid deployment of swapping infrastructure supports 2/3W EV integration in the commercial sector.

However, financing challenges for 2/3W EVs with swappable batteries persist, with apprehension from financiers and limited asset financing for battery packs. Despite these challenges, the EV battery swapping sector is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the fleet/commercial EV segment, with approximately 3 million compatible vehicles and rising adoption of swapping services by operators like BatteryPool in key markets. As battery swapping gains momentum and consumer acceptance, the market can expect more vehicles with swappable battery packs and specialized products from EV battery manufacturers. Battery swapping is poised to revolutionize the 2/3W EV space by removing upfront battery costs and overcoming charging challenges, potentially leading to vehicle commoditization and the emergence of value in services around battery packs.

BatteryPool, within the swapping ecosystem, is actively establishing India's most intelligent swapping network. Their proprietary, battery-agnostic automated swapping stations, designed for Indian conditions, promise enhanced service quality, asset utilization, safety, and efficient operations, positioning BatteryPool as the most convenient, ubiquitous, and reliable swapping service in India.