As India’s startup ecosystem matures, deep tech ventures are emerging as transformative players in sectors ranging from energy storage to synthetic biology. These startups, driven by scientific breakthroughs and technological innovation, are solving high-impact, complex problems. To understand the dynamics of this evolving landscape, Indian Startup Times sat down with Vishal Katariya, a key figure at Ankur Capital, one of India’s prominent early-stage venture capital firms, which focuses on backing technology-led innovation.
The Evolving Landscape of Deep Tech in India
Reflecting on the trajectory of deep tech startups in India, Katariya highlighted a clear trend: “The deep tech landscape is witnessing significant growth, with increasing investment and innovation,” he said. However, he noted that while early-stage funding has picked up momentum, the next big challenge lies in access to growth-stage capital.
Katariya emphasized the need for stronger industry engagement. “Companies like Vedanta and Tata Steel have started showing encouraging signs of participation. But for deep tech to realize its full potential, broader industry adoption and support are essential,” he added. Over the next five years, he envisions a more integrated ecosystem where industries and startups collaborate to accelerate innovation and adoption.
Supporting the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
As a venture capitalist working closely with founders, Katariya believes the role of investors extends well beyond capital. “At Ankur Capital, we don’t just invest money. We help early-stage founders with mentorship, strategic inputs, and guidance on achieving product-market fit,” he said.
When asked about his advice for young entrepreneurs entering the deep tech space, he offered clear guidance: “Focus on solving real, large-scale problems. Build a strong intellectual property (IP) moat. Differentiation is key.” He emphasized that startups need to be technologically sound while staying grounded in market realities.
Katariya also shed light on Ankur Capital’s strategic direction. “With Fund 3, we’re doubling down on supporting technological entrepreneurship. Our investment thesis is evolving to align with the changing needs of the ecosystem,” he stated.
Creating Real-World Impact: Portfolio Highlights
Ankur Capital’s portfolio includes a number of promising deep tech startups that are already making a measurable impact:
- String Bio: Leveraging synthetic biology, this company is working on solutions to reduce methane emissions from rice farming while simultaneously improving crop yields—an effort with both climate and productivity benefits.
- Vegrow: Aiming to streamline the agri-food supply chain,Vegrow uses digital tools to help farmers get better prices and reduce food waste, creating economic and environmental value.
- Captain Fresh: Focused on the seafood market, Captain Fresh is helping reduce wastage and improve supply chain efficiency through digitization, thereby addressing both economic and climate challenges.
“These companies are prime examples of how deep tech can move the needle not just for industries, but for society at large,” said Katariya.
Looking Ahead
With increasing institutional interest, growing founder talent, and a rising number of impactful solutions, India’s deep tech ecosystem is poised for significant acceleration. Yet, as Katariya pointed out, sustained support—through capital, collaboration, and mentorship—is critical to unlock its full potential.
As Ankur Capital continues to nurture startups that lie at the intersection of technology and impact, the future of India’s deep tech sector looks promising. With the right ecosystem enablers, these ventures are well-positioned to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
-Interview conducted by Bhumika Rawat, Feature Editor, Indian Startup times
