Manish Maheshwari's Fund Targets AI, Enterprise Software, Healthcare Seed Startups
Why should anyone caring about early‑stage tech watch Manish Maheshwari now? The answer lies in a shift that’s quietly reshaping India’s startup funding pool. While the tech world still buzzes about late‑stage unicorns, Maheshwari is turning his attention to the very first breaths of a company’s life.
He co‑founded Fanory.ai in 2022, a creator‑monetisation platform that rode the wave of digital content, and has since stepped into a new role as a general partner at BAT VC. That move signals more than a career pivot; it hints at a deliberate strategy to funnel capital where ideas are still forming, not yet polished. The fund he backs targets the pre‑seed and seed phases, zeroing in on artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and healthcare—sectors where early funding can dictate the trajectory of innovation.
In a market where capital often skips the riskiest bets, Maheshwari’s focus could tip the scales for fledgling founders.
The fund will invest in the pre‑seed and seed stages, with a focus on key segments such as artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and healthcare. Manish Maheshwari Founder, Fanory.ai → General Partner, BAT VC.
The fund will invest in the pre-seed and seed stages, with a focus on key segments such as artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and healthcare. Manish Maheshwari Founder, Fanory.ai → General Partner, BAT VC Manish Maheshwari co-founded Fanory.ai in 2022 as a creator monetisation platform, enabling content creators to build personalised apps and monetise superfans. Earlier, he was the head of Twitter India, and a prominent voice in the Indian tech and entrepreneurial landscape.
At BAT VC, he backs startups across AI, consumer tech, and SaaS, drawing on his experience building and scaling products in competitive markets. In May this year, he announced a $100-million Fund II to focus on startups in AI, fintech, and SaaS, operating across both India and the US.
While AI continues to dominate venture capital allocations, with more than half of global VC money earmarked for AI firms in 2025, the real test for early‑stage investors lies in translating that capital into sustainable businesses. Manish Maheshwari’s new fund, launched under BAT VC, says it will back pre‑seed and seed ventures in artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and healthcare, sectors that already attract heavy funding in India—$780 million last year and an upward trajectory expected this year. The fund joins a roster that includes Venture Catalysts, Peak XV Partners, and Blume Ventures, all of which have begun taking seats on cap tables and offering mentorship to fledgling AI teams.
The focus is clear. Maheshwari, who co‑founded creator‑monetisation platform Fanory.ai in 2022, now serves as a general partner, bringing operational experience to the table. Yet it remains unclear how the influx of capital will affect startup survivability, especially as many seed‑stage companies face intense competition for talent and market share.
The upcoming months will reveal whether this concentration of early funding translates into lasting growth across the targeted segments.
Further Reading
- New York-based Bat VC, cofounded by former X India head announces $100 million AI-focussed fund - Economic Times
- New York-based BAT VC Announces India Entry with $100 Million AI-focused Fund II - Business Standard
- Bat VC launches $100 million fund to back US and Indian AI startups - Business Insider
- Next-Gen VC Leaders Shaping the AI Landscape - Indian Startup Times
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Common Questions Answered
What stages of startup funding does Manish Maheshwari's BAT VC fund target?
The BAT VC fund, led by Manish Maheshwari, focuses on investing in pre‑seed and seed‑stage startups. It aims to support companies at the earliest phases of development, providing capital before they reach larger Series A rounds.
Which industry segments are prioritized by Maheshwari's new fund according to the article?
Maheshwari's fund concentrates on three key segments: artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and healthcare. These sectors are highlighted because they already attract substantial venture capital in India and show strong growth potential.
How does Manish Maheshwari's background with Fanory.ai and Twitter India relate to his role at BAT VC?
Maheshwari co‑founded Fanory.ai in 2022, a creator‑monetisation platform, and previously served as head of Twitter India. This experience in building and scaling tech products informs his investment thesis, emphasizing early‑stage innovation in AI and related fields.
What does the article say about global venture capital trends for AI in 2025?
The article notes that more than half of global venture capital money in 2025 is earmarked for artificial intelligence firms. This reflects a broader shift toward AI, underscoring the relevance of Maheshwari's focus on AI startups.