New Delhi – Turbostart, a global sector-agnostic venture capital platform, marked its 5th anniversary with the launch of TS Bridge, an innovative investment platform designed to democratize access to high-potential startups. The celebratory event, held at The Leela Palace Hotel in Bengaluru, brought together industry leaders, investors, and startup founders to commemorate this significant milestone.
TS Bridge sets higher standards in the startup investment landscape, offering investors the unique opportunity to invest in high-potential startups along with Turbostart itself. Through two distinct investment categories – Scout, focusing on campus-led innovation, and Rise, catering to ventures up to Series A that have demonstrated traction and are ready to scale. Every startup undergoes a thorough evaluation process, leveraging Turbostart’s expertise and track record in identifying promising ventures.
In startup investment where thorough due diligence is time-consuming, quality deal flow is limited, and expert insights are often inaccessible, TS Bridge is redefining the traditional approach by providing access and co-investment opportunities in institution-backed startups. By solving the crucial challenges of deal validation, portfolio tracking, and investment access, TS Bridge is creating a more transparent and efficient startup investment ecosystem.
The event was honored by the esteemed presence of Shri Priyank Kharge, the Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj of the Government of Karnataka.
The evening also featured an enlightening panel discussion titled “AI: Beyond the Buzz,” bringing together industry luminaries including Ajit Naidu, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at TIAA; Shourya Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Flam; Udit G, COO and Head of Early-Stage Startup Ecosystem at Google Cloud India and Prithvijit Roy, Leader – Global AI Hub, Accenture. Moderated by Madhavi Shankar, Co-founder and CEO of SpaceBasic, the discussion explored AI’s transformative potential and its implications for startup investments.
Ganesh Raju, Founder, and CEO at Turbostart, reflected on Turbostart’s journey, “It is rewarding to see how far we have come since we started in 2019 with a vision beyond building a fund—i.e. centered around creating a true ecosystem. Today, that vision has grown into a vibrant global network with 6 funds, 3 funds in India, and 3 in the Middle East, the US, and Singapore, and we’re just getting started. By 2029, we aim to list Turbostart Global, and by then, we would have supported more than 250 startups with over 700 investors and 600 team members, ready to drive innovation across continents. This journey has been about pushing boundaries, creating meaningful connections, and building something far-reaching and impactful.”
Venkat Raju, CEO and Founding Partner of Turbostart Global, expressed his excitement about the launch: “The vision with TS Bridge is to transform angel investing by providing a unique co-investment platform backed by Turbostart’s expertise and insights. This platform allows angel investors, whether new or seasoned, to invest with confidence, accessing the same opportunities and terms that Turbostart secures. As we look toward an ambitious future, TS Bridge will serve as a gateway for global investments, driving value creation and expanding access to high-growth startups worldwide. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our journey.”
A highlight of the event was a fireside chat featuring Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka. The discussion focused on the future of angel investing and the critical role of platforms like TS Bridge in driving innovation and economic growth.
Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka isn’t just an investment destination; it’s a global skill and knowledge capital. With 1,565 VCs, 17,164 angel investors, and 38% of India’s FDI inflows, we’re positioned for growth like never before. Through the Elevate program, we’ve invested in 983 startups, with 32% from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and 24% led by women, raising close to $10 billion. Initiatives like Nipuna Karnataka, with over 300 crores allocated to skilling in emerging technologies, are helping to empower local talent to work globally. As Turbostart continues to lead in fostering startups, I propose an ‘Elevate Plus’ program, where the VC community, alongside Turbostart, partners directly with the government. Together, we can validate, invest in, and elevate startups to compete globally, leveraging Karnataka’s network across 33 countries. This is an invitation to the VC community to join us in building a sustainable and competitive startup ecosystem.”
As Turbostart embarks on its next chapter, TS Bridge stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its vision for a more accessible, transparent startup investment landscape.
