Monday, April 17, 2026: Capital-A, a venture capital firm that invests in manufacturing companies, has announced the first phase of its second fund, raising Rs 160 crore. This is an important step as the firm plans to support more early-stage companies that are working to improve India’s manufacturing industry.
The new fund aims to raise a total of Rs 300 crore, with the option to increase it to Rs 400 crore if needed. Most of the initial money has come from the firm’s partners, along with a group of family offices, wealthy individuals, and industry leaders, including the Chamaria Group, Steel House Family Office, Avyay Jhunjhunwala, and MP Family Office.
The firm says it is also in talks with other institutional and government-backed investors in India who are interested in supporting manufacturing and related sectors. This shows growing confidence in India’s industrial future.
Domestic Investors Back Capital-A’s Plan to Grow Manufacturing Startups
As global supply chains change and countries look to strengthen their own industries, India’s manufacturing sector is gaining new attention. Sectors like machinery, defense equipment, space technology, and hardware are becoming more important, and Capital-A’s fund plans to back startups that are working in these areas.
The fund has already started investing in seven companies, including space tech company Manastu Space, farming-related startup Agrileaf, and companies working with automation and hardware. Three more investments are in the final stages.
“We see a change in how founders and investors view manufacturing and industrial technology in India,” said Ankit Kedia, Founder of Capital-A. “These are long-term businesses that need patience and strong support to succeed.”
Kedia also shared that his team wants to work closely with entrepreneurs solving real industrial problems. “Our experience building manufacturing businesses has shown us the importance of early support and hands-on involvement. We want to help Indian startups grow into companies that can last for many years.”
The company said the fund is likely to invest in 17-20 companies with a deal size of $2-3 million over the startup’s lifecycle while the first cheque would range from $750K to $1 million.
The VC firm, set up in 2021 by Ankit Kedia – Managing Director at prominent rigid plastic packaging company Manjushree Technopak, is aiming to mark the first close of the fund by the end of 2025.
