z21 Ventures
z21 Ventures backs early-stage AI and deep-tech startups founded by Indian-origin entrepreneurs targeting global markets.
Overview
z21 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2022 and operating across the US-India corridor. The firm focuses on technology companies serving North American and global markets, with investment interests spanning artificial intelligence, enterprise software, healthcare, deep tech, cybersecurity, and other technology-led businesses.
Investment Focus and Stage
z21 Ventures invests primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages, with the ability to support companies into later rounds. Its current strategy centers on AI-as-a-service and deep-tech businesses founded predominantly by Indian-origin entrepreneurs, whether they operate from India or elsewhere in the global Indian diaspora.
The firm looks for technically strong teams building capital-efficient products for large, underserved enterprise markets.
Fund Size and Portfolio
z21 Ventures launched its first fund with $5 million in 2022. Its second fund targets $40 million and reached a $20 million first close in 2024, anchored by WestBridge Capital. The firm now reports more than 45 companies backed across its funds.
Its portfolio includes TrueFoundry, Inito, RISA Labs, Hen Technologies, Perceptyne Robots, Develo, DeviceThread, Zime, Shifu Health, RapidFire AI, and Furnishka. Recent investments span enterprise AI, healthcare technology, industrial automation, electric mobility, cybersecurity, and other deep-tech applications.
Leadership
Raj Shekhar Singh is Co-founder and General Partner. He previously helped build Innovaccer and co-founded International Battery Company and HyperspecAI, bringing experience across healthcare technology, batteries, autonomous systems, and enterprise software.
Abhinav Shashank is Co-founder and General Partner and the CEO and Co-founder of Innovaccer, a healthcare technology company he started in 2012. Jyotika Gupta is Co-founder and Partner, with a background in business operations and strategy. Sudarshan Ravi Jha is Co-founder and Partner and previously co-founded LetsTransport. He focuses on SaaS, AI, and enterprise technology.