D2C Insider launches ConsumerX Ventures with Rs 150 Cr AIF focus on early-stage D2C startups

D2C founders community D2C Insider is preparing to roll out ConsumerX Ventures, a Category II alternative investment fund (AIF), as it looks to deepen its presence in India’s early-stage consumer startup ecosystem.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the upcoming fund is targeting a corpus of Rs 150 crore and plans to invest in nearly 25 consumer-focused startups and D2C enablers at the pre-seed and seed stages. The platform is also said to be in advanced discussions with a large consumer-focused conglomerate to join as an anchor investor.

ConsumerX Ventures intends to acquire roughly 10–15% ownership in portfolio companies, while reserving nearly 40% of the fund size for follow-on investments into high-performing startups from its portfolio.

The fund has recently secured Category II AIF approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and is expected to begin fundraising roadshows with prospective investors shortly.

The investment platform plans to deploy average cheque sizes of around Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore. Its strategy will focus on helping portfolio startups scale toward Rs 100 crore in revenue, move closer to profitability, and become ready for Series A fundraising within an 18-month timeline.

Abhishek Shah has been appointed as the Managing Partner of ConsumerX Ventures. Joining him in the leadership team is Chhavi Bhardwaj Kargaonkar, who will take on the role of Partner at the firm.

Meanwhile, D2C Insider continues to invest through its Category I Super Angels Fund, a Rs 25 crore vehicle supported by a network of over 70 operator-led LPs.

The fund has already backed a diverse portfolio of emerging startups such as Basil, Pikndel, Samosa Party, Crest, Assembly, Futwork, The Solved Skin, BusinessOnBot, Snackible, Divine Hindu, Goat Life, Steam Pro, Dobra, Gubbachhi, Zoomies, and Filli & Me.