Accel, Prosus pick six ‘off-the-map’ startups for inaugural India cohort

Accel and Prosus selected six startups for their first India cohort, focusing on ‘off-the-map’ ideas in sectors like healthcare, climate, space, and longevity. These startups were chosen from over 2,000 applications for their innovative approaches to undefined markets. The program aims to support meaningful breakthroughs requiring longer development timelines.

Key Points

• Accel and Prosus launched a program supporting unconventional startups.
• Selected startups include Praan (air quality), QOSMIC (satellite data transfer), EtherealX (launch vehicles), Dognosis (cancer detection), Ferra (strength training system), and a stealth startup (brain-computer interfaces).
• The program attracted over 2,000 applications, showcasing a focus on science-led themes with uncertain commercial pathways.
• Investment per startup ranges from $500,000 to $2 million, co-invested by both firms to reduce early dilution for founders.
• The initiative emphasizes that these startups require significant time to achieve breakthroughs, rather than steady growth.

Relevance

• The trend towards investing in unconventional startups aligns with an increasing interest in tackling complex global challenges, reflecting broader economic needs.
• This initiative supports ongoing 2025 IT trends such as the rise of AI in healthcare, advances in space technology, and sustainable innovations.
• Historically, venture capital has often focused on more traditional, easily quantifiable investments, making this cohort a notable shift.

Accel and Prosus’s program highlights a transformative approach to venture funding, prioritizing innovative startups tackling significant challenges with long-term horizons in sectors critical for future advancements.