UK-based talent investor Entrepreneur First (EF) has entered India and has committed $25 million to promote tech startups.

EF was founded in 2011 and supports talented individuals in finding co-founders and building startups. It focusses on deep tech companies in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, AR/VR, Robotics, etc.

The investor also announced its first-ever Indian cohort of 50 founders, selected from 900 applicants. Thirty per cent of those selected hold doctorates across streams such as aerospace, neuroscience, machine learning, etc. Each of the selected members will receive $2,000 per month for the first three months as they find a co-founder and develop ideas. EF has helped create over 200 companies globally and helped raise $350 million for its incubated companies, a statement said. It has an alumni base of 1,200 across Europe and Asia.

Esha Tiwary, General Manager of Entrepreneur First in India said, “We have remarkable talent available in India. Through Entrepreneur First, we are trying to change the narrative for ambitious people who have thus far hesitated to start companies due to several reasons such as lack of a co-founder, no big idea, job security.”

EF will invest in companies developed in its bi-annual Bangalore programme that clear the Investment Committee. Finalised startups will pitch to regional and global investors at the Investor Demo Day in Asia in July.

Related Topics