Former X India Head’s VC Firm Just Launched A $100 Million AI Powerhouse: The former X (formerly Twitter) India Head, Manish Maheshwari, has officially co-founded a venture capital firm that’s making waves in both the Indian and global startup ecosystem. His newly launched firm, BAT VC, has announced a $100 million fund focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), fintech, and enterprise SaaS startups across India and the United States. This development is more than just another funding round – it marks a strategic shift in how early-stage AI ventures are built and scaled across continents.
This article takes a deep dive into why this matters for budding entrepreneurs, the broader tech industry, and investors alike. We’ll also unpack the context of the global AI boom, provide actionable guidance for startups eyeing venture capital, and explore how cross-border collaboration is becoming essential in the new world of innovation.
Former X India Head’s VC Firm Just Launched A $100 Million AI Powerhouse
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fund Name | BAT VC Fund II |
| Amount Raised | $100 million |
| Focus Areas | Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fintech, Enterprise SaaS |
| Investment Range | $3 million to $5 million per startup |
| Target Geography | India and United States |
| Founders | Manish Maheshwari, Aditya Mishra, Ravi Metta |
| India Operations Lead | Manish Maheshwari (relocating to Bengaluru) |
| Website | BAT VC Official Site |
| Strategic Vision | Supporting AI-native startups before product-market fit and accelerating global growth |
The launch of BAT VC’s $100 million AI-focused fund is more than just a financial milestone – it’s a sign of the maturing global tech ecosystem. As startups in India and the U.S. grow increasingly interconnected, firms like BAT VC provide the capital, mentorship, and bridges needed to thrive.
If you’re an ambitious founder building in AI, fintech, or SaaS, BAT VC might be the ideal partner to turn your vision into a global reality.
Why This $100 Million AI Fund Matters
Backing Early-Stage Startups With Global Ambitions
While many venture firms invest at later stages when companies are already scaling, BAT VC is placing its bets earlier. Their aim is to back AI-first startups before they’ve even achieved product-market fit. This approach shows immense confidence in the founders and technologies they support, allowing them to co-create value and influence direction from day one.
This early engagement allows for shaping not only the technology stack but also product-market alignment and go-to-market strategy. For first-time founders, this kind of hands-on involvement can mean the difference between struggling alone and building with expert support.
The India-US Innovation Pipeline
India is globally recognized for its deep talent pool in AI and engineering. With over 450,000 AI/ML professionals, as reported by NASSCOM, the country is poised to lead in building intelligent solutions. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to be a powerhouse for funding, commercial infrastructure, and enterprise adoption.
BAT VC aims to capitalize on this complementary dynamic. They plan to connect Indian innovation with U.S. capital and customers, enabling companies to scale faster and smarter. For Indian startups, access to a mature U.S. market means higher revenue potential and global validation. For U.S. investors, it means tapping into leaner, highly skilled development ecosystems.
Meet the Founders of BAT VC
Manish Maheshwari
A well-known name in India’s tech circles, Manish Maheshwari was the former head of X India (Twitter) and has also served as CEO of Network18 Digital. With previous leadership roles at Flipkart and P&G, he brings a rare blend of media, consumer, and digital expertise.
Now returning to India and relocating to Bengaluru, Maheshwari is focused on helping local founders unlock global opportunities with the strategic insight he’s gained over two decades in the industry.
Aditya Mishra
Aditya Mishra, a former executive at Yahoo!, has an extensive background in building and scaling digital products. He brings a product-first mindset to BAT VC, with years of experience mentoring startups through accelerators and ecosystem programs.
Ravi Metta
Ravi Metta rounds out the trio with technical excellence, having served as the CTO of Finastra and leading engineering teams at Intuit. His experience in enterprise SaaS is particularly valuable in understanding how to build secure, scalable, and reliable platforms.
Together, these founders have a strong understanding of both startup dynamics and enterprise rigor.
AI, SaaS, and Fintech: Why These Sectors?
The Rise of AI-First Startups
Artificial Intelligence is no longer experimental – it’s foundational. From language models like ChatGPT to predictive analytics, AI is transforming how businesses operate. According to PwC, AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
BAT VC is betting on AI-native startups that don’t just use AI as a feature but embed it deeply into their value proposition. These are startups that rethink industries – whether in healthcare, logistics, finance, or education – using algorithms that learn, adapt, and improve.
Fintech and Enterprise SaaS: Resilient and Scalable
India has become a fintech hub, with unicorns like Razorpay and PhonePe redefining payments and lending. The 35% CAGR in enterprise SaaS, as per Bain & Company, shows massive B2B appetite for cloud solutions.
These sectors are ideal for VC investment due to:
- High retention and recurring revenue models
- Strong regulatory tailwinds
- Rapid digital adoption post-COVID
How Can Founders Benefit?
Hands-On Help
What sets BAT VC apart is their operator-first approach. They offer:
- Go-to-market planning, including pricing and packaging strategies
- Access to a founder network with regular knowledge-sharing sessions
- Help with senior hiring and creating scalable org structures
- Strategic input on product roadmaps and pivots
Cross-Border Expansion
Indian startups looking to enter the U.S. get:
- Legal and compliance support for setting up entities
- Office space and soft-landing support
- Warm intros to enterprise buyers and follow-on investors
U.S. startups entering India get help with:
- Team building via access to engineering talent
- Navigating local B2B customer acquisition
- Cultural training and operational advisory
How to Guide for AI Startup Founders
1. Focus on Core AI Differentiation
Ensure your startup offers a technological edge. This means custom models, proprietary data, or optimization techniques others can’t replicate.
2. Build a Diverse and Balanced Team
Founding teams need both technical depth and business acumen. Co-founders should ideally complement each other with engineering, product, and sales strengths.
3. Validate with Real Users
Build MVPs and gather feedback from initial users. Prioritize iterative development and use feedback to hone your offering.
4. Track the Right Metrics
Early-stage startups should focus on:
- Customer acquisition cost (CAC)
- Churn and retention rates
- Engagement metrics like DAUs and feature usage
5. Prepare for Fundraising
Your pitch should clearly explain:
- Why this problem matters
- How your solution stands out
- What traction you’ve achieved so far
- Why now is the right time
Tailor the deck to reflect your global vision and potential.
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FAQs About Former X India Head’s VC Firm Just Launched A $100 Million AI Powerhouse
Who can apply for funding from BAT VC?
Founders working in AI, fintech, or enterprise SaaS, especially in the pre-Series A stage, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a tech-enabled product and show potential for cross-border scale.
What kind of support does BAT VC provide beyond capital?
Support includes:
- Mentorship from serial entrepreneurs
- Access to hiring and legal partners
- Business development and fundraising assistance
- Help with product-market fit and customer discovery
Where can I learn more or apply?
Visit the official website: https://bat.vc
