ajvc

Overview

A Junior VC (AJVC) is a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments in early-stage startups in India. Founded by Aviral Bhatnagar, a former lead investor at Venture Highway, AJVC has rapidly established itself within the Indian startup ecosystem since its inception. The fund reportedly closed at INR 200 crore, surpassing the initial INR 100 crore target, and is headquartered in Pune, India. AJVC emphasizes swift response times and a founder-friendly approach, often providing pre-seed funding in less than three weeks.

Recent Developments

September 2025: AJVC announced the final close of its maiden fund at INR 200 crore. This sum exceeded their initial target by INR 100 crore, reflecting robust investor interest and confidence in the burgeoning Indian startup ecosystem.
March 2025: AJVC completed the first close of its fund at INR 100 crore. During this period, the firm invested in 25 startups across sectors such as AI, SaaS, and consumer technology.
August 2024: The firm officially launched with an initial target of mobilizing resources to support pre-seed startups.
AJVC has reviewed over 11,000 applications, showcasing its wide-reaching impact across more than 50 cities.
Emphasizing community support, AJVC provides its startups access to a 600,000-strong network and resources valued at INR 4 crore. Key investments include AI platforms like TruFides and Chop Finance, and consumer brands such as Mithila Foods and Nuyug.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	August 2024
Headquarters	Pune, India
Founders	Aviral Bhatnagar
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Indian family offices, tech unicorn founders
Industry	Venture Capital
Number of Employees	Estimated 1-10

Early History

A Junior VC began as a blog by Aviral Bhatnagar, addressing gaps in venture capital conversations within India’s startup ecosystem. Over the years, this platform expanded into a venture fund focusing on pre-seed investments. The firm, officially established in 2024, traces its conceptual foundation back to discussions spearheaded by Bhatnagar and his experiences at Venture Highway. Since then, AJVC’s mission has evolved to streamline funding processes and provide a supportive, accessible environment for burgeoning entrepreneurs.

Company Profile and Achievements

AJVC's business model centers on providing pre-seed funding to promising early-stage startups across India. It emphasizes rapid funding cycles, often delivering funding decisions within weeks. The company primarily invests in sectors like AI, SaaS, consumer technology, and B2B services. AJVC has invested in 25 startups, focusing on ease of access and founder-first values.

AJVC’s structured investment approach offers INR 1.5 crore ($180,000) for a 9% equity stake.
The firm aims to support approximately 60-70 more startups by early 2028, demonstrating its long-term vision.
AJVC’s community-driven programs foster an environment for startups to accelerate growth through peer and mentor networks.
Being one of the few firms investing beyond traditional metropolitan areas, it is proactive in locations like Jharkhand and Assam.

Current Operations and Market Position

Currently, AJVC is a prominent player in India's pre-seed investment landscape, with an enhanced focus on technology-driven sectors. The firm differentiates itself by emphasizing speed and founder-first principles, supporting startups at the earliest stages of development. With a commitment to investing in AI and SaaS, AJVC is well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating demand for innovative solutions in these domains.

Conclusion

A Junior VC holds a significant role in India's venture capital scene, marked by strategic, founder-centric investment practices. With Aviral Bhatnagar at its helm, AJVC continues to leverage its expertise and robust network to identify and nurture promising startups. The firm’s strategic investments in emerging technologies position it well to influence the future trajectory of India's startup ecosystem, aiming not just for financial returns, but also for a transformative impact on the industry.