Empowering Tomorrow: Fostering Entrepreneurs in
Emerging Sectors
Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund (TNESSF) is a SEBI registered AIF (Venture Capital Fund) catalysing the growth of the startups and MSME ecosystem, with a melliferous team of seasoned professionals. TNESSF seeks to be long term partner with novel, disruptive yet differentiated companies providing insights, knowledge and funding.
TNESSF is the most active investor for CY 2023 in Tamil Nadu, as per Venture Intelligence database.
- Category of AIF(s) :
Category I -Venture Capital Fund - SEBI Registration Number(s) :
IN/AIF1/21-22/1008 - Name of the Fund Manager :
Mr. K. Janardhan
Investment Focus
TNESSF maintains an open approach to diverse sectors, particularly those in the growth stage. The fund currently concentrates its efforts on supporting companies in Tamil Nadu. Typically, investments made by the fund fall within the range of INR 3 to 10 crore, either through equity participation or convertible instruments.
Key Differentiators
Institutional Credibility
Visibility and Trust gained through partnering with a Government supported fund.
Follow-On Funding Based on Achieved Milestones
Leverage relationships in the VC/PE ecosystem and potentially participate in additional fund rounds based on milestones achieved.
Access to Supportive Business Networks
Mentoring and connecting with potential investors, partners and customers.
Sustainable Growth
Ensuring a balanced approach that focuses on both financial returns and social impact.
Evaluation Criteria
Promoters'
track record
Commitment to UN SDGs and ESG impact
Innovation and Growth Prospects
Potential Impact on the Economy of Tamil Nadu
Efficient Capital Utilization
Exit Opportunities, such as Acquistion or Public Listing
Scalable Business Model
Portfolio Impact
The fund activities are closely aligned with the following SDG’s.
KEY IMPACT
Our Portfolio
Our Investors
Investment Committee
DR. M. ARUMUGAM
MD & CEO
He also serves as the Director of the American Tamil Entrepreneurs Association (ATEA), actively promoting entrepreneurship within the Tamil community in both the USA and Tamil Nadu.
In the academic sphere, Dr. Arumugam holds prestigious positions as a Visiting Professor. He imparts knowledge in the fields of Neural Systems and Robotics at the Centre for Robotics and Neural Science (CRNS), Plymouth University, UK, and in Technologies at Highland University, UK. Additionally, he serves as a Visiting Professor at IIM Lucknow, India, and was formerly an Adjunct Professor specializing in supply chain at MIT-Zaragoza Logistics Centre, Spain.
Notably, Dr. Arumugam was honoured with the prestigious Prime Minister’s E-Governance Award in the year 2000 for his remarkable and innovative contributions.
VIJAY KARUNAKARAN
FOUNDER & CEO
During his tenure, he played a crucial role in Intel Capital (VC) for 4 years, where he assisted in identifying, closing, and executing approximately 25 investments in emerging technologies, such as Healthtech, blockchain, gaming, mobility, AI, cloud, and AR/VR, with a collective value of $15 billion.
His academic credentials include an MBA with a specialization in Strategy and Finance from Duke University, USA, as well as a master’s in computer engineering from Tennessee Tech University, USA.
AKHILA RAJESHWAR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In her capacity, she engages with business leaders, start-ups, MSMEs, and aspiring student entrepreneurs, aiming to cultivate an environment of shared growth and advantage. Leveraging her prior experiences in consulting, healthcare, and the BPO sectors, she brings a wealth of expertise and cross-industry insights to the table.
Furthermore, Mrs. Akhila Rajeshwar actively contributes to various committees and advisory boards. She is a member of the Incubator Seed Fund Management Committee at Vellore Institute of Technology TBI and the Project Management Committee at Crescent Innovation and Incubation Council. Additionally, she holds a position on the Advisory Board at SRM NewGen IEDC.