Bluehill VC
Overview
Bluehill VC is a venture capital firm focused on investing in intellectual property-driven deep tech startups. Founded in 2017, the firm operates primarily from Chennai, India. Bluehill VC aims to support startups in sectors like semiconductors, defense, energy, and advanced materials. It has raised and is deploying capital from a $50 million fund targeting investments at pre-Series A and Series A stages. Notable founders include Manu Iyer and Sridhar Parthasarathy.
Recent Developments
- July 2025: Bluehill VC announced it is targeting the final close of its ₹350 crore maiden fund by the end of 2025. They have secured ₹225 crore so far and have begun investing in deep tech startups.
- June 2025: Bluehill VC built a ₹150 crore war chest to diversify beyond deep tech, focusing on creating intellectual property in engineering and science. They are also working closely with large institutional investors and the Kerala government to secure additional funding.
- May 2025: In response to India's growing semiconductor momentum, Bluehill VC began investing in fab-side technologies alongside their existing fabless design investments. This aligns with government initiatives like India’s Semicon India Programme, which supports infrastructure for semiconductors.
- April 2025: Bluehill VC emphasized the potential of India’s IP-led innovation in deep tech sectors as they see increasing participation from experienced professionals founding startups.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, India |
| Founders | Manu Iyer, Sridhar Parthasarathy |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Government of Kerala, various high net worth individuals |
| Industry | Venture Capital, Deep Tech |
| Number of Employees | 2-10 |
Early History
Bluehill VC was founded in 2017 by Manu Iyer and Sridhar Parthasarathy, aiming to fill a niche for funding in the emerging deep tech scene in India. The firm’s strategy involves investing early in startups that exhibit strong technical differentiation and potential for global impact. Early investments were primarily in sectors like clean-tech and industrial tech. Bluehill distinguishes itself through active involvement in its portfolio companies, providing not just financial support but also strategic guidance.
Company Profile and Achievements
Bluehill VC focuses heavily on investments that create strong intellectual property within deep tech sectors. The firm operates as a seed and early-stage fund that looks to empower startups by being among the first to invest in high-potential companies. Notable accomplishments include:
- Early investment in Raptee: With a $3 million pre-Series A round led by Bluehill, Raptee, an electric motorcycle startup, is preparing for significant market expansion.
- Driving focus on the semiconductor sector: Taking early positions in fab-side technologies signifies Bluehill’s commitment to the growing semiconductor market in India.
- Portfolio diversity: Investments span across various technologies including AI/ML, defense tech, energy, and space tech.
Current Operations and Market Position
Bluehill VC is actively engaged in ramping up investments in deep tech start-ups disproportionally driven by intellectual property. The firm is leveraging its Chennai base to support startups that address global technological needs. With an eye on lucrative segments such as semiconductor manufacturing advancements and deep tech, Bluehill continues to assert its competitive edge by nurturing startups with innovative capabilities.
Blue Hill Capital Photos
Blue Hill Capital maintains a visible presence in the investor community, often participating in industry events and investor panels. This visibility helps reinforce its prominence as a key player in the deep tech investment landscape.
VC Firms in Chennai
Chennai has become a burgeoning hub for venture capital activity, with firms like Bluehill VC leading the charge in supporting technology-driven startups. The city’s strategic location and access to intellectual resources make it a vibrant ecosystem for venture capital investments.
Conclusion
Bluehill VC stands out as a prominent player in India's venture capital scene, especially within deep tech sectors. The firm’s commitment to fostering innovation through early-stage investments and its strategic focus on intellectual property sets it apart from many traditional VCs. As the capital raised is fully deployed, and deep tech gains more traction in India, Bluehill VC is well-positioned for future growth and impact, potentially influencing the technological landscape significantly.