Riceberg Ventures

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Overview

Riceberg Ventures is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2023. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Zurich, and San Francisco, the firm was established by Ankit Anand, Mredul Sarda, Shubham Raj, and Lino Gandola. It focuses on supporting startups in deeptech sectors like spacetech, AI, and cybersecurity. As of January 2025, Riceberg Ventures has launched a $20 million fund to invest in 25-30 startups globally with an average ticket size of $0.5 million.

Recent Developments

  • January 2025: Riceberg Ventures launched a $20 million fund dedicated to deeptech startups, emphasizing sectors such as spacetech, medtech/lifesciences, cybersecurity, AI, robotics, novel energy, semiconductors, and quantum computing. The firm aims to fund 25-30 startups globally with an average investment of $0.5 million.
  • Collaboration: The firm collaborates with E2MC Ventures on KickSky, India's first dedicated SpaceTech accelerator, which recently launched its second cohort.
  • Key Investments: The VC has backed startups like Manastu Space, known for testing its green propulsion system during an ISRO mission, Signatur Biosciences, and Keyron Medical. EtherealX, a portfolio company, raised $5 million for developing reusable launch vehicles.
  • Empowering Indian Innovators: Riceberg Ventures emphasizes empowering Indian entrepreneurs, offering capital and resources to help startups overcome systemic challenges.
  • Strategic Initiatives: The firm plans strategic partnerships, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hungarian government to promote international SpaceTech collaboration.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2023
HeadquartersBengaluru, Zurich, San Francisco
FoundersAnkit Anand, Mredul Sarda, Shubham Raj, Lino Gandola
Key InvestorsConsortium of Limited Partners
IndustryVenture Capital
Number of Employees2-10

Early History

Founded in 2023, Riceberg Ventures emerged from a collaboration between Ankit Anand, Mredul Sarda, Shubham Raj, and Lino Gandola, who brought diverse experiences from fields such as physics, computer science, and venture capital. Early investments focused on space and deep technology, setting the stage for disruptive innovations. The firm’s initial successes include supporting startups like Manastu Space and Arch0, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in green propulsion and cloud security.

Company Profile and Achievements

Riceberg Ventures operates as a venture capital firm devoted to early-stage investments, particularly in deeptech. The business model involves not only funding but also providing significant strategic support through a global network of experts. Major achievements:

  • 2023: Founding and immediate impact with initial investments in deeptech startups, focusing on novel technologies such as spacetech and AI.
  • 2024: Launch of KickSky, India’s first dedicated SpaceTech accelerator in partnership with E2MC Ventures.
  • Funding Success: Raised a $20 million fund to support startups tackling complex global challenges.
  • Portfolio Achievements: Manastu Space successfully tested its propulsion system on an ISRO mission, and other companies like EtherealX progressing towards innovative space exploration solutions.

Current Operations and Market Position

Riceberg Ventures is operational across India, Europe, and the USA. The firm supports startups with substantial funding and expert-driven guidance, focusing on emerging sectors like AI, robotics, and spacetech. Its strategic initiatives position it as a key player in global deeptech, helping startups navigate product-market fit and securing follow-on investments.

Conclusion

Riceberg Ventures plays a significant role in the deeptech landscape, offering crucial early-stage support to startups innovating in challenging sectors. Through strategic partnerships and a robust investment focus, Riceberg is poised to further influence the industry by nurturing groundbreaking technologies and empowering entrepreneurs to lead major advancements globally.