Stories
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.
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.
Leaving behind a high-paying job at JPMorgan, an Indian entrepreneur embraced a 70% salary cut to pursue true purpose and passion in the startup world. Disenchanted with what he described as a “robotic” corporate routine, he sought meaningful work that made a real impact. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of his new journey, one focused on value creation rather than titles and corporate perks.
Powered by resilience and fresh perspective, the entrepreneur launched his own startup, prioritizing innovation and hands-on solutions. The road was challenging, but his vision resonated with the market: the startup quickly gained traction and raised $6 million—an impressive acknowledgement of its potential in a competitive landscape. Every hard lesson from early setbacks and bootstrapping paid off in real customer growth and investor confidence.
Today, his journey stands as an inspiring example for professionals seeking authentic success outside the corporate grind. By trading comfort for creative freedom, he grew a venture that solves important problems, generates jobs, and builds wealth beyond just salary. For ambitious founders, his story highlights the power of risk-taking, adaptability, and relentless focus on impact in India’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Larry Page is a visionary technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Google, one of the world’s most influential companies. Born in 1973 in Michigan, Page grew up surrounded by computer technology, which inspired his passion for innovation from an early age. He studied computer engineering at the University of Michigan and later pursued his PhD at Stanford University, where he developed the revolutionary PageRank algorithm with Sergey Brin. This technology fundamentally changed the way search engines rank websites, making Google the most accurate and popular search engine globally.
The journey of Larry Page and Google began in 1998 when they officially launched the search engine from a small garage. Leveraging their unique algorithm, Google quickly surpassed competitors due to its ability to deliver highly relevant search results, transforming internet search forever. Under Larry Page’s leadership as CEO, Google expanded beyond search to launch groundbreaking products including YouTube, Gmail, and Google Maps, turning it into a global tech powerhouse that shapes how we access and interact with information online.
Larry Page later became the CEO of Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., driving innovation and investment in next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare solutions. His visionary leadership and commitment to technological advancement have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. Today, Larry Page remains a key influencer in shaping the future of technology and digital innovation worldwide.
Paytm Grants ₹16.7 Crore ESOPs To Employees Under 2019 Stock Option Plan
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