888VC is a Bengaluru-based early-stage fund launched by founder and CEO Rohit Bafna. It registered its first SEBI-regulated Category I alternative investment fund in February 2025 and floated its maiden ₹175 crore (about $19 million) vehicle in September 2025, targeting AI, deeptech and sustainability startups. Operating across India, the UAE and the US, the firm positions itself as a cross-border accelerator VC — “made in India, built for the world”.
Thesis
888VC backs visionary founders solving local problems with globally scalable technologies in artificial intelligence, deeptech and sustainability. Over the next three years it plans cheques of ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore per startup, favouring India-domiciled companies that can scale into high-growth ecosystems like the UAE and the US. Bafna brings 10+ years of VC experience and a Master’s in Global Finance from Fordham University, New York, with over 100 syndicated investments across AI, deeptech, manufacturing and consumer. Before the formal fund, the firm says it deployed $12 million across 20+ startups through its accelerator and syndicate, with a portfolio it values at over $500 million.
Sectors and stages
Seed to early stage across AI, deeptech, sustainability, cleantech, SaaS, fintech, femtech, EV/mobility and social impact.
Notable portfolio
Named portfolio companies include EcoRatings (cleantech/ESG), Sanfe (women’s hygiene D2C), Finly (SaaS), PickMyWork (gig economy), GetCrest.ai (AI), Datazip (data/AI), UKHI (cleantech), Babai Tiffins, Multipl, HomeCapital, DaanVeda, IGoWise and Drivers4me.
Partners and team
Rohit Bafna (Founder & CEO) leads the firm, supported by Palak Devpura (Investments & Legal Head), Harshita Kushwah (Finance Partner, UAE), Darshan Doshi and Kush Vatsaraj (Venture Partners) and Girish Ahirwar (Technology Advisor, UAE).
Programs and perks
888VC unveiled GRO8, a cross-border investment and mentorship platform aimed at the early-stage ecosystem’s three classic gaps — access to capital, mentorship and market connections. It runs US–UAE global pitch days, a dollar-based offshore syndicate and an invite-only 888vc Club of Leaders. For ecosystem partners it offers curated product credits and services at every growth stage.
Why it matters for founders
If your startup is India-built but needs a runway into the Gulf or the US, 888VC’s cross-border network and GRO8 platform are worth a conversation. Its dual role as accelerator and VC means mentorship and market access come bundled with the cheque — useful for first-time founders building in AI, deeptech or climate. Founders raising a pre-seed round can weigh 888VC alongside the other operator-led micro-funds profiled on this blog.