SUMMARY
- Suresh Sambandam launched Mudhal VC to back idea-stage startups in Tamil Nadu, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- The fund has invested Rs 25 crore in 15 companies and aims to support 50 startups in its first phase.
- Mudhal VC unveiled its marquee investment, Bad Boy, an electric super trike with cutting-edge features.
Kissflow‘s founder and CEO, Suresh Sambandam, has launched Mudhal VC, a venture capital fund aimed at supporting idea-stage startups in Tamil Nadu. The fund focuses on startups emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in the state, positioning itself as a key player in fostering innovation beyond the traditional tech hubs.
During the launch event in Chennai, Sambandam shared his vision of turning Mudhal VC into the “YCombinator of Tamil Nadu.” The fund operates with a unique approach of “Coach first, Capital second,” meaning it prioritizes mentorship, strategic advice, and networking alongside capital investments. This dual approach is aimed at empowering startups not only to get started but also to scale and succeed on a global platform.
In its initial phase, Mudhal VC has raised Rs 25 crore from family office sources, investing across diverse sectors like food-tech, electric vehicles, health-tech, SaaS, and bio-tech. Around 15 companies, including Amura, Bversity, BookingBee, MeenSatti, Mushroom MaMa, and Pickmyad, have already received funding. The fund’s total planned investment is Rs 125 crore over two phases, covering around 50 companies in the first phase alone. Notably, it will begin raising capital from Limited Partners (LPs) after two to three years to further support follow-on investments in the startups it backs.
One of the standout companies in Mudhal VC’s portfolio is Bad Boy, an electric super trike that was unveiled during the event. The fully electric, two-seater trike boasts impressive specs, including an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds, a top speed of 200 km/h, and a range of 400 km per charge. A key feature of Bad Boy is its 45-degree tilting mechanism, which provides superior control and agility when cornering, offering a motorcycle-like driving experience.
Sambandam also highlighted the impact of the Idea Pattarai accelerator, which has engaged over 1,000 founders through workshops over the past two years. This initiative has resulted in over 75 startups being in various stages of mentorship, further cementing Mudhal VC’s role in the Tamil Nadu startup ecosystem.
Mudhal VC’s investments range between Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 1 crore, providing significant financial backing and strategic direction for early-stage startups.
