• Accel and Prosus to co-invest up to $2 million each in Indian science-led startups.
• Focus on deep-tech sectors like robotics, AI, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.
• Partnership marks Prosus’ first global co-investment alliance of this kind.

Accel, a leading venture-capital firm, has teamed up with global investment group Prosus to fund early-stage Indian startups building breakthrough technologies. The two firms will co-invest up to $2 million each under Accel’s Atoms X program, which supports companies with longer development cycles, often called LeapTech ventures.

This partnership is Prosus’ first global co-investment initiative, aimed at startups working in areas such as AI applications, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductors. The goal is to nurture deep-tech innovation that can scale globally and transform industries through unique technological advantages.

Pratik Agarwal, Partner at Accel, said, “India needs innovations that create affordable excellence at population scale”. He emphasized that India’s frugal innovation mindset and scale make it a fertile ground for such startups.

Ashutosh Sharma, Head of India Ecosystem at Prosus, said, the alliance will support founders from early ideation to later stages, adding that both firms will invest directly from their funds.

Accel and Prosus have previously co-invested in Wiom, an affordable broadband platform. Accel has also backed Posha, a kitchen robotics startup, and Sarla Aviation, which is developing flying taxis.

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Globally, deep-tech startups drew over $80 billion in funding in 2024, with India contributing about 8% of deal volumes. Accel’s Atoms program has already supported over 40 startups, with a third attracting follow-on investments.

Both firms believe deep-tech companies grow slowly at first but eventually scale rapidly, much like bamboo that sprouts after years underground.