With the burgeoning of the Indian startup ecosystem, the venture capital firms have now become an essential part of the market. The wave of venture capital funding is reshaping the startup financing structure and is making it possible for small businesses and startups to drive towards growth. Once a company reaches the maturation stage, it is crucial that it acquires an ample amount of funding and this is where VCs come to the rescue.

As with the evolvement of the investment structure, VCs are now actively participating in the funding process and are helping startups to scale up their business models. Recognized by SEBI, VCs are the most suitable and reliable form of funding when a business is looking for an investment to develop its portfolio. Some of the most trusted and active-performing VCs that are currently backing up the Indian startup market are:

1. Accel Partners
Headquartered in California, Accel Partners is one of the oldest VCs in the country and it mostly focuses on internet technology companies.
Domain of Investment: Infrastructure, Internet and Consumer Services, Mobile and Software
Startups Funded: Flipkart, BookMyShow, Myntra, BabyOYE, etc.

2. Blume Ventures
Established in 2011, the Mumbai-based homegrown VC along with startup funding also offers support and mentoring to the entrepreneurs.
Domain of Investment: Mobile Applications, Telecommunication, Internet and Software, Research and Development
StartupsFunded: Cashify, TaxiForSure, EKI Communications, Printo etc.

3. Nexus Venture Partners
Investing in early-stage and growth-stage startups across various sectors in India and the USA, Nexus Capital Ventures is one VC firm to look out for.
Domain of Investment: Mobile, Big Data Analytics, Data Security, Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Outsourced Services, Technology

Startups Funded: Delhivery, Craftsvilla, Snapdeal,Unacademy

4. Kalaari Capital
Bengaluru-based VC, Kalaari Capital invests in the companies which they believe are capable of capturing new markets and is providing innovative solutions to the customer.
Domain of Investment: Internet, Curated Web, Ecommerce
Startups Funded: UrbanLadder, Zivame, Instamojo, Mettl, Scoopwhoop, etc.

5. Sequoia Capital
Affiliated to Sequoia capital California, the firm invests in companies during the early funding stage and also in later stages of expansion.
Domain of Investment:Finance, Healthcare, Technology, Consumer Internet
Startups Funded: Zomato, Practo, GroupOn, Justdial, etc.

6. Chiratae Ventures
Formerly known as IDG Ventures India, the VC firm has an experience of over 15 years in the space and has funded over 200 companies in the past across various sectors.
Domain of Investment: Technology-based Consumer Services, Mobile, Software Products
Startups Funded: Myntra, Lenskart, Curefit, FirstCry, etc.

7. SAIF Partners
Specializing in private equity and venture capital across Asia, SAIF Partners has been investing in the startups since 2001.
Domain of Investment: IT, Mobile, Financial Services, Consumer Product
Startups Funded: Paytm, Network18, Justdial, etc.

8. Matrix Partners
Founded in 1977, Matrix Partners not only invests capital in startups but also assists them in other domains as well like hiring and building strategic partnerships.
Domain of Investment: E-commerce, Consumer Internet, Entertainment and Media
Startups Funded: Chumbak, Dailyhunt, Razorpay, Housejoy, etc.

9. Helion Venture Partners
Primarily investing in technology and technology-powered startup, Helion Venture Partners is a $605 Mn Indian-based VC firm.
Domain of Investment: Internet, Outsourcing, Healthcare, Financial Services, Education
Startups Funded: MakeMyTrip, Housing.com, TAXI For Sure, PubMatic, etc.

10. Steadview Capital
Hong Kong-based VC firm, Steadview Capital tends to make long-term investments in different industries.
Domain of Investment: E-commerce
Startups Funded: Olacabs, Flipkart, Urban Ladder, etc.

The current investment landscape of the country is developing and with VC’s backing up more and more companies, newer avenues and opportunities are being opened up in the market for startups and small businesses.