Mumbai: In a remarkable display of support for India’s entrepreneurial spirit, some of the country’s most influential figures, including Jeet Adani, Ananya Birla, Nithin Kamath, Jay Kotak, Shashwat Goenka, and Kishore Biyani, among many others, gathered in Mumbai to celebrate the launch of WTFund, India’s first non-equity grant fund. This exclusive summit, held on the 4 September, marked a significant moment in India’s startup ecosystem, spotlighting the next generation of innovators poised to drive the country’s future.
Nikhil Kamath unveils the first cohort of WTFund grantees
During the summit, Nikhil Kamath announced the inaugural cohort of WTFund grantees. The fund, designed to empower entrepreneurs under 25, has selected fifteen exceptional individuals whose groundbreaking ideas are set to transform industries ranging from healthcare to AI, and sustainable consumer goods.
Empowering the next generation
Addressing the gathering, Nikhil Kamath stated, “Entrepreneurs are ageless; you can build the next big thing whether you are 25 or 80. But, let's face it—the energy, drive, and sheer audacity often come easier when you're young. We’re deeply passionate about fostering this spirit in India's youth under 25. We went looking for the smartest, coolest kids who are daring to start something big, and we found our 15. But this is just the beginning. From our dream of funding 9 companies today to aiding 9,000 young companies one day, we’re committed to building an India that isn’t afraid to take risks and step outside our comfort zones. The next decade belongs to India, and it will be driven by those who choose to build their own dreams rather than helping someone else realize theirs. Feel like you aren’t doing enough? Screw the regular job. Start something. All the resources you need are within your reach.”
The first fifteen innovators
The inaugural WTFund grantees represent a diverse array of industries, from early detection of gastrointestinal cancer to sustainable pet food. The selected startups include:
1 Pamawel: Plant-based, non-steroidal, FDA-approved pain relief formulations targeting menstrual pain.
2 Mars: Virtual Workstations that eliminate hardware limitations, providing affordable solutions for creators and builders in AI and no-code spaces.
3 Oh! Nuts: Premium, healthy nut-based snacks tailored for the growing Indian consumer market.
4 Pawsible Foods: Sustainable, plant-based pet food utilizing Kavaka™ mycoprotein.
5 RNT Health Insights: AI-assisted diagnostic software for gastrointestinal cancer detection.
6 Biocompute: Affordable DNA data storage chips, revolutionizing data centre efficiency.
7 CallPrep: AI-based B2B SaaS for sales preparation, integrating LinkedIn, CRM, and buyer intent data.
8 Urban Animal: India’s first dog DNA testing service, redefining pet care.
9 Pixa AI: AI-enhanced plush companions, merging the toy and AI companionship markets.
Support beyond funding
WTFund offers up to Rs 20 Lakh in non-equity grants, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their ventures. In addition to financial support, grantees gain access to mentorship from industry leaders, legal and accounting assistance, and strategic partnerships with top companies. These resources are designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools and connections they need to scale their businesses and make a lasting impact on their respective industries.
