Seafund

Overview

SeaFund was established by Manoj Kumar Agarwal and Mayuresh Raut to support technology entrepreneurs working on complex engineering and innovation challenges.

The firm focuses on Indian-domiciled startups developing products and technologies that can serve domestic markets and expand internationally. Its investment philosophy emphasises strong founding teams, proprietary technology, defensible intellectual property, and the potential to build sustainable businesses.

SeaFund's team works closely with founders on business strategy, go-to-market planning, revenue models, product prioritisation, hiring, and customer acquisition. It also helps portfolio companies connect with potential customers, industry decision-makers, technology partners, and follow-on investors.

The firm operates through Seafund Venture India Trust, with Salamander Advisors LLP as its investment manager. Its investment vehicles include a Category I AIF (SEBI Registration No. IN/AIF1/16-17/0263) and a Category II AIF (SEBI Registration No. IN/AIF2/22-23/1122).

Investment Focus and Stage

SeaFund invests in technology businesses with defensible intellectual property and significant engineering or research capabilities. Its investment interests cover:

• Semiconductors and Electronics: Chip design, high-performance computing, semiconductor technologies, and electronic systems.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI platforms, machine learning applications, data analytics, and intelligent automation.
• Space Technology: Satellite infrastructure, launch systems, space-based computing, and related technologies.
• Robotics and Industrial Automation: Autonomous systems, industrial robotics, connected devices, and manufacturing technologies.
• Cybersecurity: Technologies addressing digital security, secure communications, and data protection.
• Biotechnology and MedTech: Healthcare innovation, medical devices, biotechnology, and technology-enabled medical solutions.
• Electric Mobility and Alternative Fuels: EV technologies, powertrain systems, energy solutions, and alternative-fuel applications.

The firm invests primarily from Pre-Seed to Pre-Series A. Its typical initial investment ranges from US$300,000 to US$750,000, with up to US$2 million potentially allocated for follow-on investments in successful portfolio companies.

Fund Structure and Portfolio

SeaFund's investment activity spans two funds, with investments across deep tech, fintech, SaaS, healthcare, industrial technology, logistics, and other technology-led categories.

Selected portfolio companies include:

• Calligo Technologies: A semiconductor company developing high-performance computing solutions using specialised hardware and the POSIT number system to improve computational accuracy and efficiency.
• TakeMe2Space: A space-technology startup developing infrastructure to make access to space and satellite-based services more accessible.
• Genrobotics: A robotics company developing machines and automation solutions for hazardous and socially challenging applications, including sanitation.
• Finsall: An insurtech platform focused on financing insurance premiums and improving access to insurance products.
• Redwing: A technology company developing autonomous drone and robotics solutions for industrial and logistics applications.
• Consint: A technology company developing AI-driven solutions for business and operational challenges.
• C-Electric: A company operating in the electric mobility and energy technology ecosystem.
• Wigzo: A customer-engagement and marketing automation platform that was acquired by Shiprocket in 2022.

The portfolio illustrates SeaFund's preference for businesses where technology and engineering provide a meaningful competitive advantage. Its investments span applications in industrial productivity, financial services, mobility, healthcare, and space infrastructure.

Leadership

SeaFund is led by an investment team with experience across technology, finance, data science, enterprise software, and startup operations.

Mayuresh Raut – Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Mayuresh brings more than 25 years of experience across data science, investments, technology, and startups. Before establishing SeaFund, he held roles associated with GE, IBM, and Novozymes. He studied Material Science and Engineering and Finance and is an alumnus of INSEAD and Virginia Tech. His areas of focus include material science, factory automation, climate technology, and healthcare.

Manoj Kumar Agarwal – Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Manoj has more than 25 years of experience across finance, technology, investments, and entrepreneurship. His previous professional experience includes Karuturi, Pursuit, and consulting assignments. He studied Computer Science and Finance and is an alumnus of INSEAD and BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru. His investment interests include fintech, telecommunications, space technology, and robotics.