However, there are some encouraging signs, particularly with the emergence of new-age investors who continue to actively fund startups in various sectors, driving momentum within the ecosystem.
Interestingly, we have also noticed that many of the larger, traditional investors—who have been part of the startup ecosystem for the past decade—are adjusting their strategies. Some are stepping away from venture capital investments as limited partners (LPs) and instead are choosing to invest directly. This is often through their own family offices, micro-VCs, or as strategic investments aimed at building and scaling startups in India. This shift in investment behavior is an intriguing development that we are closely monitoring at Hyderabad Angels.
In light of these changes, Hyderabad Angels (HA) is keen to foster collaboration between new-age investors who are eager to learn and seasoned investors who have been part of the startup ecosystem for over a decade. This unique combination of fresh perspectives and experienced insights will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of startup investments.

Looking ahead to 2025, HA is closely monitoring several key trends in the startup investment space:

1. IPO Aspirations for Series B and Beyond: Many startups in the Series B and later stages are exploring the IPO route. In 2024, we saw notable transactions in this area, particularly among new-age tech companies, and we anticipate this trend to continue into 2025.
2. Emerging Sectors: We foresee significant interest in several emerging sectors that are expected to attract investor attention. These include Gen AI (Vertical SaaS), Cleantech, Healthcare and Wellness, and SpaceTech, among others.

Once again, I extend my warm wishes for a Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings, and a prosperous New Year 2025 to all of you.

Thank you.

Since our inception in 2010, HA has been a pioneering force in the Indian startup ecosystem, particularly in nurturing and promoting entrepreneurship in Hyderabad. Over the years, we have made significant contributions to the growth of Hyderabad’s innovation landscape. Our association with prominent ecosystem enablers such as T-Hub, ISB, IIIT Hyderabad, A-IDEA at NAARM, IIT Hyderabad, AgHub, and IIMR has been instrumental in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment.

Hyderabad Angels has also played a critical role in shaping the venture capital ecosystem of Hyderabad. Many of our members have gone on to establish prominent VC firms, including Endiya Partners, Anthill Ventures, Succeed Ventures, 50K Ventures, Lead Angels, and 108 Alpha Fund. This reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening the funding landscape for startups.

To date, Hyderabad Angels has invested in over 80 startups, with 16 successful exits and a robust portfolio of 50 active companies. Of these, more than 20 Portfolio Startups have raised multiple rounds of funding, underscoring the quality and potential of our portfolio. In 2024 alone, we invested in over seven startups, committing approximately $2 million—a testament to our active participation and belief in the entrepreneurial spirit.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Category 1 AIF Regular Fund in January 2025. This initiative marks a new chapter for Hyderabad Angels, enabling us to provide structured support to promising startups while inviting more investors to contribute to Hyderabad’s growth story.

We are also encouraged by the increasing number of members joining HA, driven by a shared vision of building “Brand Hyderabad.” Whether based in India or overseas, these members bring diverse perspectives and resources, further enriching our ecosystem.

As we embark on this exciting journey into 2025, our focus remains steadfast on empowering startups, expanding our network, and solidifying Hyderabad’s position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and commitment, and we look forward to creating greater impact together.

Let us continue to build, grow, and innovate. Here’s to a year filled with new milestones and shared success.

Thank you, and wishing you all a prosperous New Year 2025

HAF Fund Launch: Building the Future of Startups

As you are all aware, Hyderabad Angels is working on Category 1 AIF Fund (Regular Fund) with a Target Corpus of Rs. 100 crs plus additional green shoe option of Rs. 50 crs . Currently AIF has done its first close and working on deal flow . This will be working along with HA to build good portfolio Startup’s in the area of Pre-Series A , Series A to Series B.  As a part of this Fund, we will use 60% of the Funds to investment in New Startups and Existing Portfolio of HA who is moving to next level.  Balance 40% of the Fund will be used for follow-on for Existing portfolio.  We will update further updates as this Fund will further strengthen the group and see that it meets desired objective of building Entrepreneurship in Hyderabad and India very strong and bring potential benefits to Stakeholders like Investors, Startup founders, Government, Ecosystem partners, Employees of this Startups, Vendors and there Customers.

We look forward to more participation of the members in this fund to build “Brand Hyderabad and India”