Chanakya: A Delhi Firm Backing Idea-Stage Founders
Chanakya is a Delhi-based, idea-stage venture capital firm founded by Gautam Kapur and Puneet Malik, backing sector-agnostic early-stage founders across India. The firm has made six investments since its founding, according to PitchBook, including Plutos One and Astrafin. Both partners bring backgrounds in technology and global corporate experience to their work with founders.
Overview
Chanakya is an idea-stage venture capital firm based in Delhi. Gautam Kapur and Puneet Malik founded the firm together. Kapur brings over fifteen years of tech experience across the UK, Europe, and India. Malik previously worked with companies including Nissan, Aston Martin, and CitiFinancial. The firm invests as a sector-agnostic, early-stage fund. It looks for founders it describes as A+ teams at the earliest stage.
Investment Focus and Stage
Chanakya backs founders at the idea stage, ahead of formal pre-seed rounds. The firm believes technology-focused startups need a technologist on the founding team. It looks for that person to hold equity and build hands-on. The team engages closely with founders from a very early point. Chanakya's general partners also mentor students through programs like Masters' Union's Venture Initiation Program.
Fund Size and Portfolio
Chanakya has made six investments since its founding, according to PitchBook. Plutos One counts among its confirmed portfolio companies. Astrafin and Kookar also sit within its wider portfolio. The firm's most recent tracked investment came in August 2025, backing Astrafin. RocketPay, Bodhi, and Redesyn could not be independently confirmed in this search.
Leadership
Gautam Kapur co-founded Chanakya and serves as general partner. He focuses on the architecture and infrastructure side of technology and operations. Puneet Malik co-founded the firm alongside him, also serving as general partner. Malik studied at Grenoble Ecole de Management before his venture career. Both partners work closely with founders from New Delhi.