News on Medial

Related News

Expert Dojo launches India-dedicated cohort to back over 10 startups

EntrackrEntrackr · 1m ago
Expert Dojo launches India-dedicated cohort to back over 10 startups
Medial

US-based early-stage venture capital firm Expert DOJO has launched an India-dedicated startup cohort. As part of this accelerator program, the firm will invest $100,000 each in over 10 startups across sectors such as technology, AI, EV, B2B and more. According to Expert DOJO, the startups will not only receive capital but also get mentorship, growth support, and access to its global investor network. Applications for the cohort are now open for startups. This cohort is designed to help early-stage startups strengthen their business models, enter new markets, and move quickly toward raising their next funding round. The aim of this cohort is to support Indian founders facing challenges like limited access to global capital, lack of international mentorship, and restricted market reach. This launch follows Expert Dojo’s earlier announcement of a $15 million India-focused fund, with plans to deploy in 20–25 early-stage startups by FY26. While the fund is sector-agnostic, it will focus on high-potential areas like fintech, SaaS, B2B, and AI, helping founders scale beyond borders. With its latest upcoming cohort, Expert DOJO remains committed to helping startups with not just capital, but a structured path to global growth. By combining deep founder support with an active investor network and global market access, they continue to serve as a launchpad for the next generation of impactful, venture-backable companies.

Expert Dojo launches $100 Mn fund, to invest $15 Mn in India by FY26

EntrackrEntrackr · 3m ago
Expert Dojo launches $100 Mn fund, to invest $15 Mn in India by FY26
Medial

Expert Dojo, a Southern California-based early-stage venture capital and growth accelerator firm, has announced an initial investment of $15 million in Indian startups as part of its newly launched $100 million third global fund. The firm made the announcement during the Expert Dojo Investors Conclave 2025 held in Bangalore, reinforcing its commitment to supporting early-stage Indian founders through capital and cross-border growth support. According to Expert Dojo, it will deploy the $15 million in the first year to fund 20 to 25 early-stage startups across sectors such as fintech, B2B, SaaS, and AI. While sector-agnostic, the fund will focus on startups with global scalability. Founders can expect investment cheques ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, alongside access to its international mentorship and go-to-market network. Over the next 2 to 3 years, Expert Dojo plans to invest an additional $30 million in Indian startups, deepening its engagement with the country’s innovation ecosystem. Since its inception in India, Expert Dojo has invested in over 30 Indian startups through its global fund. The India portfolio includes startups such as Bhive, Cloudworx, Consuma, Mugafi, The Rollnumber, Fudr, and Doqfy, among others. Additionally, Expert Dojo has invested in over 300 startups in the US and has provided invaluable resources and guidance to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses in a competitive global market. Founded in 2018, Expert Dojo is a global early-stage startup accelerator that focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage companies with high growth potential, especially in the tech industry. It has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with 41% of its investments going to female-founded companies—surpassing the average of other top US accelerators.

How Afthonia is empowering startups with strategic support, market access

EntrackrEntrackr · 1y ago
How Afthonia is empowering startups with strategic support, market access
Medial

Even as India has now a flourishing startup ecosystem, a lot of new founders and entrepreneurs need counsel on a variety of issues, ranging from achieving business readiness to access to critical investment avenues. While there are quite a few early-stage startup incubators, there is still a large scope for several more players. Bengaluru-based Afthonia is also doing its bit by providing what the firm describes as a holistic ecosystem that includes expert mentorship, access to a network of investors and industry experts, and targeted incubation and acceleration programs. These programs are designed to nurture startups from their inception. We spoke to founder Tanul Mishra to learn more about Afthonia, what distinguishes it from the rest and the roadmap ahead. Here are the edited excerpts: What are the key problem points that you are trying to solve, and how? Afthonia tackles the critical challenges faced by Indian startups, aiding their transition from innovative ideas to successful businesses. Startups often struggle with organizational skills, building networks, entering markets, securing funding, acquiring industry knowledge, establishing fintech credibility, and focusing beyond fundraising. Afthonia bridges these gaps by providing mindset programming, extensive network access, market insights, funding preparation, expert mentorship, strategic credibility building for fintechs, and practical business growth support. By equipping founders with entrepreneurial skills, strategic thinking, and valuable connections, Afthonia ensures startups are prepared to manage and grow their businesses effectively. Their comprehensive support includes mindset programming to develop leadership skills, access to a robust network of partners and investors, market entry strategies, preparation for funding, expert mentorship, credibility building in fintech, and a focus on tangible business growth. This holistic approach ensures startups not only secure investment but also achieve sustainable and scalable success. There are a bunch of early-stage focused funds, alternative funding platforms, as well as accelerators. What makes your platform unique? We are an independent, for-profit incubator focused on fintech startups in India. We offer tailored support through global market access, a robust network of industry connections, extensive knowledge resources, and customized programs. Afthonia connects startups with international investors and partners, facilitating market entry and growth beyond India. Its network of industry experts, investors, and strategic partners provides essential guidance and early business opportunities. The incubator’s expertise is specifically tailored to fintech, offering insights on regulatory compliance, technological innovation, and business development. Customized programs address each startup’s unique challenges, supporting strategic planning, market entry, and operational efficiency. As the only independent fintech incubator in India, Afthonia helps build credibility and compliance for fintech startups, enabling them to partner with banks and NBFCs. Prioritizing tangible business growth over fundraising, Afthonia ensures startups achieve sustainable, long-term success in transforming the financial landscape. Fintech startups in India are mostly struggling, especially late-stage companies. What are your key takeaways? The fintech landscape is diverse, with various sectors experiencing different levels of success. While some areas face difficulties, others, like API banking solutions and digital lending, are thriving. The fintech industry is capital-intensive and heavily regulated, which can be challenging for companies. Historically, innovation has been dominated by the payments sector, with the digital payments market in India projected to grow significantly. Afthonia Pvt. Ltd. identifies opportunities for growth and innovation in areas such as blockchain, regtech, insurtech, and financial inclusion. By providing tailored support, including global market access, robust networks, expert guidance, and customized programs, Afthonia helps fintech startups navigate the market complexities and achieve sustainable growth. The company stays up to date with regulatory changes, offering proactive support to ensure startups remain compliant and resilient. By developing backup plans, diversifying strategies, and innovating within regulations, Afthonia prepares startups to thrive despite regulatory challenges, driving the next wave of innovation in India’s financial landscape.

Download the medial app to read full posts, comements and news.