Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, has announced the launch of a Category II Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) named ‘VSS Investments Fund.’ The fund has a total size of Rs 20 crore, with an additional green shoe option of Rs 10 crore. It is designed to invest in startups specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electric Vehicles (EV), particularly those incubated in India with a focus on serving Indian consumers and businesses.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, a well-known figure in the Indian startup ecosystem, expressed his belief in the potential of Indian entrepreneurs, stating, “The Indian startup ecosystem has some of the brightest entrepreneurs in the world, and we have the potential to become a powerhouse of advanced technology and AI-driven innovations. India’s aspiration to be a $10 Trillion Atmanirbhar economy will be defined by the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Sharma’s track record includes investments in several startups, including Ola Electric, Josh Talks, Mesa School, UNNATI, KAWA Space, Praan, GOQii, KWH Bikes, Daalchini, and Treebo Hotels. The VSS Investments Fund is expected to facilitate follow-on investments in Sharma’s existing startup portfolio in the consumer and B2B tech space.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma will play a primary role as a contributor to the fund, alongside other external investors. The AIF has been sponsored by VSS Investco Private Limited, an entity owned and controlled by the Paytm founder. This initiative underscores the growing significance of investment and support for Indian startups, particularly those involved in cutting-edge technologies like AI and electric vehicles, which have the potential to shape the future of the Indian business landscape.
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