DeVC

DeVC (Decentralised VC) is a pre-seed venture capital firm based in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2022. It operates as a collective of founders, operators, and early investors who invest in and support startups from concept to early traction, typically with cheque sizes ranging from $50K to $500K. DeVC’s mission is to back the next generation of ventures by partnering closely with entrepreneurs during their critical 0 to 1 journey. The firm is sector-agnostic but has notable investments in AI, machine learning, adtech, agritech, and SaaS, reflecting a broad interest in technology-driven startups. DeVC emphasizes community and operational support, leveraging a network of over 100 founders and operators to help startups with go-to-market strategies, product development, and organizational growth, thus significantly impacting the early-stage startup ecosystem in South Asia and beyond[1][2][4].

Founded by a group of experienced entrepreneurs and investors including Shashank Kumar (Razorpay), Asish Mohpatra (OfBusiness), Jitendra Gupta (Jupiter Bank), and Ramakant (LivSpace), DeVC has evolved into a global founder and operator collective. The firm’s origin story is rooted in the desire to create a decentralized, founder-led investment model that goes beyond capital to provide mentorship and community support. Early traction came from building a strong network of angel investors and co-investors, enabling DeVC to back over 48 startups by mid-2025, including recent seed rounds in companies like Cleevo and CodeAnt AI[1][2].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: DeVC operates as a decentralized collective of founders and operators, blending capital with hands-on mentorship and community-driven support.
• Network Strength: The firm leverages a robust network of 100+ founders, operators, and early investors, providing startups with access to experienced mentors and co-investors.
• Track Record: Since its inception in 2022, DeVC has made 48 investments across diverse sectors, demonstrating a strong early-stage portfolio.
• Operating Support: Beyond funding, DeVC offers strategic guidance in product development, go-to-market execution, and organizational scaling through its engaged community and platform team[1][2][4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

DeVC rides the wave of increasing founder-led venture capital models that emphasize community and operational involvement alongside funding. The timing is significant as early-stage startups face growing challenges in accessing not just capital but also strategic support to scale effectively. Market forces such as the rise of AI, SaaS, and digital transformation across sectors create fertile ground for DeVC’s investments. By fostering a decentralized, founder-centric ecosystem, DeVC influences the broader startup landscape by democratizing access to venture capital and operational expertise, particularly in the South Asian region, helping startups compete on a global scale[1][2].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, DeVC is poised to deepen its influence by expanding its portfolio and enhancing its community-driven support model. Trends such as AI innovation, hybrid work technologies, and digital-first business models will likely shape its investment focus. As DeVC continues to scale, it may evolve into a leading platform that not only funds but also systematically accelerates early-stage ventures through its collective expertise. This evolution will reinforce its founding mission of empowering ambitious founders to build transformative companies from the ground up[1][2][4].