Warmup Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm co-founded by Sharad Bansal, Rajendra Lora, and Yogesh Chaudhary, has announced the launch of its second fund, Warmup Fund II.
With a sizable corpus of Rs 300 crore, the new fund is poised to support early-stage startups across a range of transformative sectors, including deep-tech, climate, and sustainability.
The newly registered SEBI Category 2 AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) will target 25 to 30 startups, investing Rs 5–7 crore in each company. A key feature of Warmup Fund II is its significant provision for follow-on investments, ensuring that backed startups receive the support they need to scale and expand over time.
Warmup Ventures seeks to bridge the gap between India’s rich entrepreneurial heritage and its rapidly evolving innovation-driven ecosystem. The fund’s unique approach involves engaging with family offices and second-generation entrepreneurs, connecting legacy businesses with the next generation of forward-thinking startups. This approach fosters a mutually beneficial ecosystem, where traditional business acumen merges with cutting-edge innovation.
Warmup Ventures has a history of successfully backing startups across various sectors, with a portfolio of over 15 companies. Notable investments include Bobabhai, a retail brand expanding to over 45 stores nationwide, Nitro Commerce, which now hosts over 200 brands, and Minimines, a pioneering Li-ion battery recycling startup. Other investments include RocketPay, a payment collection app now used by over 5,000 merchants, and Balwaan Krishi, an agritech company that raised Rs 40 crore from JM Financial to support small and mid-size farmers.
Warmup Ventures is focused not only on providing capital but also on equipping early-stage founders with the resources, knowledge, and networks necessary to make informed decisions and drive rapid growth. The firm’s hands-on approach helps startups navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both entrepreneurs and investors alike.
With Warmup Fund II, the firm is set to expand its portfolio and continue playing a vital role in India’s startup ecosystem, supporting companies that are transforming industries and creating a lasting impact on society. By focusing on high-potential sectors like deep-tech and sustainability, Warmup Ventures is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape