Investor Profile: Kerala Angel Network (KAN) — Thesis, Cheque Size & How to Apply

Kerala produces strong technical talent, but for years its founders had to travel to Bengaluru or Mumbai to find early capital. Kerala Angel Network (KAN), the funding arm of TiE Kerala, was created to close that gap at home: a community of investors, industry leaders and entrepreneurs committed to fostering innovation and supporting early-stage startups in Kerala,.

Investment thesis

The thesis is regional and founder-friendly. Kerala Angel Network (KAN) believes that capital plus mentoring plus market access, delivered by seasoned investors and successful entrepreneurs, can build a thriving startup ecosystem in Kerala and beyond. Its mission is to bridge the gap between visionary founders and strategic investors.

Sectors and stages

It is sector-agnostic but size-specific, in its own words, backing high-potential early-stage startups led by visionary founders building scalable businesses. It backs growth-stage startups looking to scale before Series A, with proven traction and initial revenue.

Fund size and cheque size

Cheque size is published clearly on the network's own site. Kerala Angel Network (KAN) invests in the range of ₹50 lakh to ₹3.5 crore per startup, with the site noting that numbers can go up based on member interest, and that it will associate with other investor groups if the ask is beyond its reach. Its average proposed investment horizon is 2 to 5 years, and it invests as a single entry on the cap table using special-purpose-vehicle services. As a member network rather than a closed fund, it does not publish a total fund size. Scale is better judged by activity: the network has reported around 70 members, nearly 25 investment rounds across approximately 15 to 16 companies over five years, member investments of around ₹20 crore to ₹22 crore, and nearly ₹90 crore in co-invested capital, plus ₹6 crore invested in the 2024-25 financial year.

Notable portfolio

Its portfolio, as listed on its own site, includes Zappyhire, Cookd, RoshAI, LogiXair, Quickshift, Nutrizoe, Goofy Tails, Femisafe, Bumberry, Premagic, Nitty Gritti, Pillsbee, NymbleUp, CargoFL, Avishkaar and Eight Times Eight. Cookd raised ₹4.40 crore from the network, Konglo Ventures and existing investors, while Zappyhire raised ₹3.71 crore from the network, Hedge Finance and other angels,.

Programs and support

Support follows a defined process rather than a formal accelerator. Applications pass through screening, a deal-committee review, an investor pitch, deep-dive calls and due diligence, followed by quarterly reporting. Note one published term: the company pays the network 3% of its total investment amount, plus applicable taxes, for facilitating the investment, with stamp duty and due-diligence costs also borne by the company.

How to apply for funding

Applying is straightforward and published on the network's site. Founders can submit a startup application through the Apply for Funding tab on keralaangelnetwork.com, and the TiE Kerala page also lists [email protected] for applications. After submission, the investment committee reviews the application, selected startups are invited to pitch, and the full process from start to finish can take 1 to 2 months depending on complexity. For founders researching how to get funding from Kerala Angel Network (KAN), the strongest applications show traction, initial revenue, a proper business plan and a credible exit strategy, as the network's own policy requires. Kerala Angel Network (KAN) funding is best suited to Kerala-connected, pre-Series A companies ready for member scrutiny and mentoring.