SIDBI Antariksh Venture Capital Fund: Spacetech Funding
Why in the news
SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd (SVCL) created the Antariksh Venture Capital Fund to back Indian spacetech firms at early and growth stages.
Key facts
- Sectors: launch systems, satellites, payloads, earth observation, communications, downstream uses.
- Aims: build national space capability, speed up commercialisation, and support a $44 billion space economy by 2033.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| First close | ₹1,005 crore |
| Lead backer | IN-SPACe with ₹1,000 crore |
| Category | Category II AIF |
| Tenure | 10 years |
| Rank | Largest spacetech VC fund in India; among largest globally |
About AIFs
- Privately pooled vehicles investing beyond ordinary stocks, bonds and deposits, regulated under the SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012.
- Investors: mainly HNIs, institutions, foreign investors; minimum ₹1 crore.
- Category I: socially or economically desirable sectors such as venture, angel, SME, social venture and infrastructure funds.
- Category II: no special incentives, no leverage beyond daily operations; private equity, debt funds, some VCFs.
- Category III: derivatives, leverage and long-short strategies; hedge and PIPE funds.
Venture capital funds
- Pool money for seed, early and Series A/B startups in risky sectors, adding mentorship and networks.
- Returns depend on exits through IPO, acquisition or buyback; horizon about 8-10 years.
Exam angle
- Manager: SVCL, a SIDBI subsidiary; anchor: IN-SPACe.