a99 VC
a99 VC is a Chennai-based venture capital firm founded by Vignesh Shankar in 2021. It backs manufacturing and industrial technology companies from pre-series A through series B, with checks between $5 million and $10 million planned for its third fund. Fund II closed near Rs 105 crore. The portfolio includes Avartan Technologies, Intangles, Innocule, and EzeRx.
Overview
a99 VC is a venture capital firm based in Chennai. It began as Artha99 Investment Partners in 2021. Founder Vignesh Shankar held a corporate role at Stanley Black & Decker. He left that role to start the firm full time. The firm now centers on advanced manufacturing and industrial technology. It also backs infrastructure and infrastructure-linked ancillary businesses.
Investment Focus and Stage
a99 VC focuses on pre-series A through series B companies. Its upcoming third fund targets checks between $5 million and $10 million. Earlier funds leaned toward pre-series A and seed-stage deals. The firm organizes its strategy around four areas. These include research-driven manufacturing, enabling technologies, digitisation, and infrastructure.
Fund Size and Portfolio
a99 VC's second fund launched in 2022 with a target of Rs 50 crore. Strong demand pushed that fund to a final size near Rs 105 crore. The firm is now raising a third fund with a $100 million target. It has secured soft commitments of $30 million toward that goal. A first close was expected by April 2026. Portfolio companies from Fund II include Avartan Technologies, Intangles, Innocule, and EzeRx. Other backed companies include Lyzr.ai and the electric vehicle maker Raptee.
Leadership
Vignesh Shankar founded a99 VC and serves as its managing partner. He left a corporate career at Stanley Black & Decker to start investing in 2021. Shankar built the firm's early fund with his own capital. He has since grown it into a Sebi-registered venture platform. His strategy centers on backing India's manufacturing and infrastructure growth.