At eChai Ventures, we are collaborating with the Accel on the Accel Atoms program, along with many other good folks from the ecosystem.

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Accel is back with the fourth cohort of their pre seed accelerator - Accel Atoms.
Over the last 3 cohorts, they’ve funded 30+ startups who’ve collectively raised more than $200 Million. With their fourth cohort they’re looking to invest in founders building in two thriving sectors - AI & Bharat.

What is the AI opportunity? 🤖

Microprocessors led the first tech revolution, which was followed by the internet. The third tech revolution is led by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is a global opportunity for any Indian-origin founder to build AI applications for business cases or to building development/ foundational tools in the AI ecosystem.

What is the Bharat opportunity? 🇮🇳

The top 20 per cent of the rural population has a higher monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) than about 50 per cent of the urban population. This highlights the substantial purchasing power & opportunity that is often overlooked in Bharat.

Who should apply for Accel Atoms? 🫵🏻

Accel Atoms is looking ambitious founders with an ambitious idea in AI or Bharat. This includes startups at the pre-seed stage to startups in the idea-stage/ pre-product stage.

Why should you apply for Accel Atoms? 🤔

When selected, you’ll receive up to $1 Million in funding, perks worth $5 Million & access to a community of 300+ founders. You will also get access to a dedicated learning track to set up your startup for long term success.

Applications are open till the 17th Nov.

You can learn more and apply for this program here:
https://atoms.accel.com/apply

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

“You don’t plan to build a company via eChai. You just keep showing up … and one day, you realize you did.” I’ve known Jatin since 2012, when I was still deciding what kind of second innings I wanted to play as an entrepreneur. Over the years, through events, chai breaks, intros, and seemingly small conversations, eChai helped shape not just Upsquare but also refined the lens through which we see collaboration. At Upsquare, we’ve hired talent, met partners, discovered co-investors, and built lifelong friendships. One of our joint ventures exists today only because a casual eChai memory sparked a deeper trust. Now, as we build House of Starts — our venture builder — eChai continues to fuel our mission: co-creating a shared future. eChai isn’t just a startup network. It’s a trust network. And for business builders like me, that makes all the difference."
Utpal Vaishnav - Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
Utpal Vaishnav
Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
“I have no hesitation in saying that my association with eChai has been a gateway into the startup ecosystem. Through this platform, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many young and dynamic entrepreneurs. These interactions have been immensely enriching - I’ve learned a great deal and have always tried to offer guidance whenever approached. It’s a truly symbiotic relationship that I deeply value, and it wouldn’t have been possible without eChai.”
Syed Nadeem Jafri - Founder, Hearty Mart
Syed Nadeem Jafri
Founder, Hearty Mart
“eChai has been that turning point in my journey. It gave me a platform when I wasn’t looking for visibility but needed direction. Over the years, it became more than just a network. It became my tribe; a place where conversations sparked collaborations, and strangers became trusted sounding boards. What I value most is how effortlessly eChai brings people together - no airs, no filters, just genuine people with shared dreams. I owe a lot to this community and to Jatin, whose consistency and belief in people have shaped journeys like mine. Forever grateful to be part of something so real.”
Rushabh Shah - Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors

eChai Partner Brands

eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner - working together to explore new ideas, open doors, and build momentum across the startup ecosystem.