Nexus Venture Partners Launches $700M Fund VIII to Invest in AI and Early-Stage Innovators Across India and US Markets

Nexus Venture Partners Launches $700M Fund to Fuel AI and Fintech Innovation

Silicon valley/Mumbai – December 5, 2025 – Nexus Venture Partners today announced the closing of its eighth fund, Nexus Ventures VIII, totaling $700 million. The fund will focus on seed and Series A investments in high-potential startups across the United States and India, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), enterprise software, consumer technology, and fintech.

This new fund arrives at a pivotal moment for the tech industry, marked by rapid advancements in generative AI and its increasing integration into both consumer and business applications. Nexus plans to capitalize on this momentum, targeting companies building the next generation of AI infrastructure, agentic AI solutions, and transformative applications.

“The last few years have been surreal for the technology world with trailblazing breakthroughs in generative AI and an unprecedented pace of AI adoption across consumers and businesses alike,” stated Nexus partners. “From infrastructure to applications, every layer of the tech stack is getting rewritten by AI.Agentic AI is transforming how work gets done, bringing a whole new wave of augmentation and automation across industries.”

Nexus Venture Partners boasts a proven track record, having invested in over 130 companies and achieved more than 30 successful exits, including several initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Notable portfolio companies include Avoca, Giga, tensorwave, Firecrawl, Gumloop, Postman, Apollo, Fingerprint, MinIO, Zepto, Turtlemint, Delhivery, India Shelter, and Rapido.

The firm’s unique strength lies in its bi-coastal, bi-continental approach, leveraging deep expertise and relationships in both the Bay Area and India – two of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems. Nexus is particularly focused on India’s rapidly growing digital economy, fueled by advanced payment systems, mobile adoption, and widespread broadband access.

“Over the years, we have had the pleasure of backing several founders from the early days of their journeys, who have gone on to take their companies public or are poised to do so soon. With Fund VIII, we’re doubling down on visionary entrepreneurs solving the hardest problems and shaping the next wave of global innovation,” the partners added.

About nexus Venture Partners:

Nexus is an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to partnering with ambitious founders. The firm provides hands-on support to help companies scale from inception to IPO,with a focus on AI,enterprise software,consumer,and fintech sectors in the US and India.

What specific criteria will Nexus Venture Partners use to evaluate AI startups applying for seed funding from Fund VIII?

Nexus Venture Partners, a prominent venture capital firm, has announced the launch of its eighth fund, Fund VIII, totaling $700 million. This substantial investment vehicle is strategically focused on fueling the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) startups and supporting early-stage innovators operating within both the dynamic Indian and US markets. The fund’s deployment signals a strong vote of confidence in the continued potential of these regions as hotbeds for technological advancement and disruptive innovation.

Fund VIII: Investment Focus and Strategy

Nexus Venture Partners’ Fund VIII will concentrate on seed to Series B funding rounds, providing crucial capital to companies navigating their initial growth phases. The firm’s investment thesis centers around identifying and backing founders building transformative businesses. Key areas of interest include:

* Artificial Intelligence & machine Learning: Companies leveraging AI for applications across various sectors,including healthcare,finance,and enterprise software.

* DeepTech: Innovations rooted in notable scientific or engineering challenges, often requiring substantial R&D.

* Fintech: Disruptive financial technologies reshaping conventional banking and investment landscapes.

* Consumer Internet & Mobile: Innovative platforms and applications catering to evolving consumer needs.

* Healthcare Tech: Utilizing technology to improve healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and patient outcomes.

The fund’s dual-market approach – targeting both India and the US – allows Nexus to tap into diverse talent pools and access a wider range of promising opportunities. This geographic diversification is a key element of their venture capital strategy.

Why India and the US? A Synergistic Approach

Nexus Venture Partners recognizes the unique strengths of both the Indian and US startup ecosystems.

* India’s Advantages: A rapidly growing digital economy, a large and skilled engineering workforce, and increasing domestic consumption make India an attractive destination for early-stage investment. The country is witnessing a surge in AI-powered solutions tailored to local needs.

* US Market Strengths: The US remains a global leader in technological innovation, boasting a mature venture capital ecosystem, access to top-tier talent, and a robust infrastructure for scaling businesses. The US is notably strong in deep learning and advanced AI research.

By investing in companies across both regions, Nexus aims to foster cross-pollination of ideas and technologies, creating a synergistic effect that benefits its portfolio companies. This strategy also mitigates risk through geographic diversification.

Nexus Venture Partners: A Track Record of Success

Nexus Venture Partners has a proven track record of identifying and supporting high-growth companies. Their previous investments include:

* Delhivery: A leading logistics provider in India, demonstrating the potential of supply chain technology.

* Druva: A data protection and management company, showcasing innovation in cloud computing.

* LogiNext: A platform optimizing logistics operations,highlighting the impact of route optimization and real-time tracking.

These successful exits demonstrate Nexus’s ability to select promising startups and guide them through the challenges of scaling and achieving market leadership. Their experience is a significant asset for Fund VIII.

Benefits for Portfolio Companies

Startups selected for investment from Fund VIII can expect more than just capital.Nexus Venture Partners offers a extensive suite of support services, including:

* Strategic guidance: Experienced partners provide mentorship and advice on business strategy, market positioning, and growth planning.

* Network Access: Portfolio companies gain access to Nexus’s extensive network of industry experts, potential customers, and strategic partners.

* Talent acquisition: Assistance wiht recruiting top talent to build high-performing teams.

* Fundraising Support: Guidance and support in securing subsequent funding rounds.

* Operational Expertise: Help with key operational areas such as finance, marketing, and sales.

The Growing Landscape of AI Venture Capital

The launch of Fund VIII comes at a time of increasing investment in AI startups. Globally,venture capital funding for AI companies has surged in recent years,driven by the growing recognition of AI’s transformative potential.

* AI Investment Trends: According to recent reports, AI-focused venture funding reached record levels in 2024, with a significant portion directed towards generative AI and machine learning applications.

* Competitive Landscape: The venture capital market for AI is highly competitive, with numerous firms vying for access to promising startups. Nexus Venture Partners differentiates itself through its deep understanding of both the Indian and US markets and its hands-on approach to supporting portfolio companies.

* LSI Keywords: Related search terms gaining traction include “AI-driven innovation,” “machine learning investments,” “deep tech funding,” and “India tech ecosystem.”

Practical Tips for Startups Seeking Funding

For early-stage companies seeking funding from venture capital firms like Nexus Venture Partners, here are some key considerations:

1. Develop a Compelling Pitch Deck: Clearly articulate your value proposition, target market, and competitive advantages.
2. Demonstrate Traction: Showcase early signs of customer adoption, revenue growth, or key milestones achieved.
3. Build a Strong Team: Investors prioritize teams with the skills and experience to execute their vision.
4. Understand Your Unit economics: Demonstrate a clear path to profitability and sustainable growth.
5. Network Strategically: Attend industry events and connect with potential investors.