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First Cheque Targets 15-20 Startup Investments with Larger Pre-Seed Fund for D2C Focus!
Early-stage venture capital firm First Cheque, a part of India Quotient, plans to back 15-20 startups over the next 18 months with its third cohort. This time, First Cheque is setting up initial investments as high as $500,000, reflecting a significant increase in their funding strategy aimed at supporting emerging businesses.
Growing Pre-Seed Funding Landscape
Kanika Agarrwal, a partner at India Quotient, noted the evolving pre-seed funding landscape, stating:
“The pre-seed market offers a variety of funding options today, including angel investors, family offices, and micro VCs. We’re adjusting our program to collaborate with these groups, allowing us to make larger investments.”
This shift highlights First Cheque’s commitment to adapting its investment approach to meet the needs of the current market and to leverage the growing interest in early-stage funding.
Background of First Cheque
Founded in 2018 under the India Quotient umbrella, First Cheque primarily funds early-stage startups with support from family offices and institutions in India and globally. The firm has a sector-agnostic investment strategy but is particularly interested in direct-to-consumer (D2C) startups for this cohort. Agarrwal emphasized the need for brands that stand out in less saturated categories.
“There’s an abundance of D2C brands, but we’re seeking truly unique ones in underrepresented categories—think kids’ brands, sports, white goods, and brands for Gen Z,” she said, highlighting a focus on the younger demographic where “me too” brands are less common.
Investment Strategy and Portfolio
Bengaluru-based First Cheque has already invested in over 130 startups, supporting diverse companies such as jewelry brand Giva, SaaS startup Rocketlane, career platform Seekho, fleet management tool Fleetx, RO water provider DrinkPrime, and generative AI startup Simplismart. The firm aims to leverage its experience and networks to help new ventures scale effectively.
Financial Performance
In its previous funding rounds, First Cheque has successfully raised capital from various investors. For instance, it closed its second fund at approximately ₹38 crore (around $4.75 million) and has been actively involved in nurturing first-time founders through mentorship and resources.
Competitive Landscape
The Indian startup ecosystem is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share in various sectors. First Cheque’s focus on D2C brands aligns with broader trends indicating increased consumer preference for personalized shopping experiences. By targeting underrepresented categories, First Cheque aims to differentiate itself from other venture capital firms that may overlook niche markets.
Future Outlook
As First Cheque embarks on this new investment strategy, it will be crucial to monitor how these investments perform in the rapidly changing market landscape. The firm’s ability to identify unique opportunities within the D2C space could position it favorably for future growth and success.
Conclusion
First Cheque’s initiative to target 15-20 startups with larger pre-seed investments marks a significant evolution in its funding strategy. By focusing on D2C brands that offer unique value propositions, the firm aims to capitalize on emerging trends within the Indian startup ecosystem.
As this new cohort unfolds over the next 18 months, it will be interesting to see how First Cheque leverages its resources and networks to support these startups in achieving their growth objectives while navigating the competitive landscape of early-stage investments. The commitment to enhancing the pre-seed funding environment reflects a proactive approach to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Air with M5 chip, starting at $999 for 13-inch and $1,299 for 15-inch models. The MacBook Air M5 boasts a 2nm M5 chip with 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, and 50 TOPS Neural Engine for seamless AI tasks like real-time translation and 8K editing. Up to 22 hours of battery life, Thunderbolt 5, and Wi-Fi 7 make it the ultimate ultraportable, now 10% thinner at 0.44 inches with fanless cooling.
Key MacBook Air M5 features include Liquid Retina XDR display (500 nits, nano-texture option), 12MP Center Stage camera, and six-speaker Spatial Audio. Colors like new Sky Blue join Midnight and Starlight. Pre-orders are live today, with macOS Sequoia 15.4 enhancing Apple Intelligence and iPhone Continuity for students, pros, and remote workers.
Why buy MacBook Air M5 now? It outpaces Snapdragon X Elite rivals with ecosystem magic and future-proof performance, eyeing top 2026 laptop sales. CEO Tim Cook calls it “more capable than ever.” Visit apple.com for M5 MacBook deals and specs.
Delhi NCR-based gaming startup Zupee has acquired Mumbai-based microdrama platform Vertical TV in a deal valued under INR 40 Cr. This move strengthens Zupee Studio, its short-video arm launched in September 2025, by integrating Vertical TV’s expertise in bite-sized dramas like romance and thrillers.
Facing challenges from India’s 2025 real-money gaming ban, Zupee valued at $1 Bn after raising $120 Mn has pivoted to non-gaming content, including recent layoffs of 40% of its workforce. The acquisition builds on its November 2025 purchase of Australian AI firm Nucanon for interactive storytelling, targeting its 200 Mn+ users with engaging, mobile-first formats.
This deal underscores the rising microdrama trend in India, helping Zupee diversify amid regulatory pressures and compete in the short-video space dominated by quick, shareable content for on-the-go audiences.
T.N. Seshan’s name stands tall in India’s history as the man who transformed the nation’s electoral system with extraordinary courage and integrity. Born in 1932 in Kerala, Seshan grew up with values of discipline, education, and service to the nation — virtues that shaped his illustrious journey. From his early brilliance at Madras Christian College to his advanced studies in public administration at Harvard University, Seshan’s path reflected rare determination and intellect. Joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1955, he built a reputation as a no‑nonsense officer committed to efficiency and honesty, serving in key roles such as Secretary of Defense and overseeing vital national programs.
As the Chief Election Commissioner of India in 1990, T.N. Seshan sparked a new era of electoral integrity. In a system once marred by corruption, violence, and malpractice, Seshan brought order, fear, and respect through his groundbreaking reforms. He introduced voter ID cards, imposed strict spending limits on campaigns, and insisted on transparency at every level of the election process. Despite criticism from political circles that labeled him dictatorial, his relentless pursuit of fairness empowered every citizen to vote fearlessly. Under his leadership, the Election Commission became a symbol of strength and integrity in Indian democracy.
Seshan’s passing in November 2019 marked the end of an era, but his message continues to resonate across generations. Leaders from every corner of the country mourned the loss of the man who restored faith in free and fair elections. His enduring legacy reminds us that true leadership lies not in wielding power, but in serving people with honesty, courage, and conviction. T.N. Seshan’s life remains a timeless inspiration a reminder that democracy thrives only when its citizens are vigilant, responsible, and fearless.
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