
Empowering Tomorrow: Fostering Entrepreneurs in
Emerging Sectors

Emerging Sector Seed Fund
Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund (TNESSF) is a SEBI registered AIF (Venture Capital Fund) supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The fund’s core objective is to identify and invest in innovative, high-growth enterprises operating within emerging sectors.
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
Government Connect
Engaging with government agencies to seek regulatory support and explore market entry opportunities, leveraging established networks.
Milestone-driven Follow-On Funding
Offering the potential for additional funding based on the achievement of predetermined milestones.
Access to Validation and Supportive Business Networks
Providing institutional validation, mentorship, and facilitating connections between startups, potential investors, partners, and customers to enhance operational capabilities.
Sustainable Growth Emphasis
Ensuring a well-rounded approach that prioritizes both financial returns and a positive social impact.

Evaluation Factors

Promoters'
track record

Commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Responsibility

Efficient Capital Utilization and Innovative Growth Approaches

Potential Impact on the Economy of Tamil Nadu

Company’s Growth Potential

Exit Opportunities, such as Acquisition or Public Listing
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.
Reach Out to Us
Interested applicants may send their pitch deck or filled in application form to tnessf@tnifmc.com