General
What is the core mission of Chaanakya Capital?
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.
What makes Chaanakya Capital different from other venture firms?
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.
What industries does Chaanakya Capital invest in?
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.
What’s the meaning behind the name ‘Chaanakya Capital’?
‘Chaanakya’ represents wisdom and foresight, which reflects our belief in thoughtful, long-term investing to create durable change.
How can I get in touch with Chaanakya Capital?
You can reach us via the contact form on our website's homepage or email us directly at hi@chaanakya.capital. We’d love to hear from you.
Founders
What industries does Chaanakya Capital invest in?
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.
Do you lead or follow?
We are open. We don't need first checks to start our due diligence or to invest. But if we do the diligence, we are happy to share our diligence report for you to take to other VCs who may have larger checks or are generalists.
Do you invest in devices only?
Yes - Hardware or Software as Medical Device.
We don't invest in pharma/small molecule solutions. We also are not keen on BioTech/TechBio companies.
What geographies does Chaanakya Capital invest in?
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.
We don't yet have a US entity. Do you invest?
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 entering the US.
On the other hand, if you are established elsewhere but have a US entity, the conversation is easier but we'll need to understand your licensing/IP story.
Prospective LPs/Investors
Do you work with individual investors or only institutions?
We partner with both individual investors and institutional LPs who share our commitment to impact and performance.
Where do you find your deals?
University partners, early-stage accelerators, word-of-mouth, inbound, conferences (US and globally)
What are your capital call schedules?
We can close in a rolling manner. This means, that when you are ready to invest, we can send you the LP Agreement and get you started.
Our LPs have been able to complete the formalities and wiring in as quickly as 1 day from when they make the decision to invest. It is a simple process.
I am new to Venture Capital. I am curious.
Education, sharing opportunities in the VC space is a passion of our Managing Director. So 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.
I don't understand Neuro or MedTech. I am not sure if I can invest.
You don't need that expertise. Having that expertise if helpful for us to shore up our allies to support portfolio companies but not a necessity. We have the team that does thorough diligence so that we can convey why we invested or passed on a company.
We have Techies, typically real estate investors as well as Medical Doctors with no prior VC investing experience in our LP pool. You only need to agree that NeuroTech will be the future of how we heal, manage diseases and augment our capabilities. You also should take into account that we often look for companies that are developing tech that can have additional markets or interesting intersections. For example, NeuroEngineering with Industrial Robotics. NeuroTech with Metabolic disorders, etc
Will I get tax documents?
Yes, you should expect Schedule K1 (tax docs) every tax year.
Are there tax benefits I should know of?
This is not tax advise. You should consult your tax advisor. Generally speaking, the companies we invest in (stage, sector), qualify as QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) investments. These have a more favorable tax treatment than other VC investments.
I can't invest but I know others who would be interested. What can I do?
You are able to share our fund information. We are a 506(c) fund.
You can also make an introduction with them and we can take it from there.