Question 1

Do you lead or follow?

Accepted Answer

Both. We're open to leading rounds and to taking a board seat or a board observer role. We don't need a first check to start diligence, and we're happy to share our diligence report with other VCs, including generalists with larger checks. When a round needs more capital, we can also put together co-investment opportunities for our investor network.

Question 2

Do you work with individual investors or only institutions?

Accepted Answer

We partner with both individual investors and institutional LPs who share our commitment to impact and performance.

Question 3

What is the core mission of Chaanakya Capital?

Accepted Answer

Our mission is to generate market-aligned returns by investing in mission-aligned startups. We aim to be true partners to the companies we back — providing capital, strategic support, and a global network to help them build breakthrough solutions in health and neuroscience.

Question 4

What makes Chaanakya Capital different from other venture firms?

Accepted Answer

We're an impact-driven firm that backs transformative NeuroTech and MedTech startups. What sets us apart is our commitment to both meaningful innovation and strong financial performance — investing with strategic rigor, human-centered values, and global perspective.

Question 5

Where do you find your deals?

Accepted Answer

University partners, early-stage accelerators, word-of-mouth, inbound, and conferences in the US and globally.

Question 6

Do you invest in devices only?

Accepted Answer

Yes — hardware or software as a medical device. We don't invest in pharma/small molecule solutions, and we are not keen on BioTech/TechBio companies.

Question 7

What industries does Chaanakya Capital invest in?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in health-focused deep tech, particularly in NeuroTech and MedTech. We look for startups at the intersection of science, healthcare, and engineering with the potential to drive systemic, scalable change.

Question 8

What geographies does Chaanakya Capital invest in?

Accepted Answer

We invest in companies incorporated in the U.S., but we actively support teams with a global presence — including across India, Africa, and Latin America. We're especially excited by globally connected founders solving region-specific problems.

Question 9

What are your capital call schedules?

Accepted Answer

We can close in a rolling manner. When you are ready to invest, we can send you the LP Agreement and get you started. Our LPs have completed the formalities and wiring in as little as one day from when they decide to invest.

Question 10

I am new to Venture Capital. I am curious.

Accepted Answer

Education and sharing opportunities in the VC space is a passion of our Managing Director. Whether you are a savvy investor or a beginner, we welcome you with a promise to uplevel each other. You should hear from our current LPs about the newsletters we send.

Question 11

We don't yet have a US entity. Do you invest?

Accepted Answer

We prioritize science and tech and the depth of those. As an early stage startup, it is understandable that you may have started in other parts of the world. We won't exclude your company, but make it clear what your plan is with respect to entering the US. If you are established elsewhere but have a US entity, the conversation is easier, but we'll need to understand your licensing/IP story.

Question 12

What's the meaning behind the name 'Chaanakya Capital'?

Accepted Answer

'Chaanakya' represents wisdom and foresight, which reflects our belief in thoughtful, long-term investing to create durable change.

Question 13

What should I send?

Accepted Answer

Email submissions@chaanakya.capital with your deck, a one-pager, your website and any non-confidential publications. Please don't send confidential material.

Question 14

I don't understand Neuro or MedTech. I am not sure if I can invest.

Accepted Answer

You don't need that expertise. Having it is helpful for us to shore up allies to support portfolio companies, but it's not a necessity. Our team does thorough diligence so that we can convey why we invested in or passed on a company. Our LPs include technologists, real estate investors and medical doctors with no prior VC investing experience. You only need to agree that NeuroTech will be the future of how we heal, manage diseases and augment our capabilities. We also look for companies whose technology opens additional markets or interesting intersections — for example, neuroengineering with industrial robotics, or neurotech with metabolic disorders.

Question 15

How can I get in touch with Chaanakya Capital?

Accepted Answer

Email us at hi@chaanakya.capital. Founders can send submissions to submissions@chaanakya.capital. We'd love to hear from you.

Question 16

Will I get tax documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should expect a Schedule K-1 every tax year.

Question 17

Are there tax benefits I should know of?

Accepted Answer

This is not tax advice; consult your tax advisor. Generally speaking, the companies we invest in (by stage and sector) may qualify as QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) investments, which have more favorable tax treatment than other VC investments.

Question 18

I can't invest but I know others who would be interested. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

You are able to share our fund information — we are a 506(c) fund. You can also make an introduction and we can take it from there.

Questions we hear often.

Founders

Prospective LPs/Investors

General