Silicon Road Ventures Partners Ajay Mahajan to Float Rs 150 Cr AI Fund

Why It Matters

The $18 million AI fund expands capital for B2B commerce innovators, a segment poised for rapid growth as enterprises adopt autonomous solutions. Its SEBI Category‑II status broadens investor access, potentially accelerating AI adoption in supply‑chain and fintech ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

• SRV launches Rs 150 Cr ($18 M) AI-focused AIF with Ajay Mahalan
• Fund targets B2B commerce AI in multi‑channel, supply‑chain, fintech, retail
• SEBI grants Category‑II registration, enabling broader investor participation
• Founder Sid Mukherjee previously sold SPI to Cognizant, boosting credibility

Pulse Analysis

Artificial intelligence is reshaping B2B commerce, where enterprises demand real‑time decision‑making across inventory, pricing and customer engagement. Agentic AI—systems that can act autonomously—offers a competitive edge, especially in multi‑channel retail and logistics. Yet early‑stage startups in this niche often struggle to secure sizable capital, making SRV’s new fund a timely catalyst for scaling innovative solutions that can streamline supply‑chain networks and enhance fintech services.

Silicon Road Ventures, led by serial entrepreneur Sid Mukherjee, has built a reputation for spotting high‑growth commerce technology ventures. With more than 46 investments and a successful exit when Cognizant acquired Mukherjee’s former firm SPI, SRV brings deep sector expertise and a robust network of mentors. Partnering with Ajay Mahajan adds strategic insight into AI‑driven commerce, positioning the fund to attract founders who need both capital and industry guidance. The fund’s Rs 150 crore corpus, roughly $18 million, reflects confidence in the market’s appetite for autonomous solutions that can drive efficiency and revenue.

The SEBI Category‑II registration grants the fund flexibility to draw from a wider pool of qualified investors, enhancing liquidity and credibility. Coupled with Mukherjee’s academic initiatives with BITS Pilani and Kennesaw State, the fund can offer non‑dilutive resources, creating a pipeline of talent from university incubators. As AI adoption accelerates across supply‑chain, fintech and retail, this fund could become a cornerstone for the next generation of B2B commerce platforms, delivering both financial returns and strategic industry impact.