Campus Fund: India's First VC Fund Built for Student Founders
Campus Fund is a Bangalore-based venture capital firm founded by Richa Bajpai in 2020, exclusively backing student, recent-graduate, and dropout founders across India. The firm writes initial checks of Rs 1 crore to Rs 8 crore, evaluating over 7,000 startups a year through more than 100 student scouts. Its third fund launched at $100 million, backing a portfolio of 41 companies across deep tech, space tech, and climate sectors.
Overview
Campus Fund is a Bangalore-based venture capital firm founded by Richa Bajpai. Bajpai co-founded Goodera and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 India. She launched Campus Fund in 2020 as a SEBI-registered fund. The firm backs current students, recent graduates, and college dropouts exclusively. It stands as India's first and largest fund built specifically for student-led startups.
Investment Focus and Stage
Campus Fund writes initial checks between roughly Rs 1 crore and Rs 8 crore. It evaluates more than 7,000 startups each year through campus-based scouting. A network of over 100 student scouts sources deals across Indian campuses. The firm's portfolio spans deep tech, space tech, and climate sectors. Half of its capital is reserved for follow-on investments in winners.
Fund Size and Portfolio
Campus Fund raised Rs 75 crore in an earlier funding round. It has since launched a third fund at $100 million, its largest yet. That fund plans to back up to 60 startups over four years. The portfolio included 41 companies as of early 2026. IIFL Wealth, HDFC Bank, and Fireside Ventures founder Kanwaljit Singh count among its backers.
Leadership
Richa Bajpai founded Campus Fund and continues to lead the firm today. She built her earlier career as co-founder of Goodera, a corporate social responsibility platform. Her recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 India list reflects that track record. Bajpai's model centers on identifying talent before traditional investors take notice. The firm's scouting network gives her team early access to student-built companies.