Lok Sabha question: Antariksh Venture Capital Fund operational after SEBI approval; IN-SPACe contributions and first investments

What happened: AVCF operational status, IN-SPACe contributions, and startup selections

The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF) became operational after SEBI approval on 31-10-2025, according to a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Atomic Energy, Space, Jitendra Singh. The reply stated that IN-SPACe contributions to AVCF, as per the Contribution Agreement, stand at ₹188.93 crore as on 24-07-2026 (inclusive of ₹182.87 crore of the current financial year 2026-27). The AVCF Investment Committee selected three startups for investment.

Background and earlier position: What AVCF is meant to do and under what rules

AVCF was established as a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). The fund’s primary objective is to provide equity capital to emerging space-tech startups to support technology development, commercialization, and scaling of operations. The reply states that investments are made according to AVCF’s Investment Objective and Investment Strategy (Clauses 2.7.2 and 2.7.3) and are subject to applicable SEBI AIF regulations, the Private Placement Memorandum, and other fund documents.

What changed now: Confirmed operational start after SEBI approval and reported contribution totals

Two operationally important updates were provided in the reply: (1) AVCF became operational after SEBI approval dated 31-10-2025, and (2) IN-SPACe’s total contributions to AVCF reached ₹188.93 crore as on 24-07-2026. The reply also indicated fund-level progress: the AVCF Investment Committee has selected three startups for investment. The reply further stated that the contribution by IN-SPACe based on investment requirements communicated by the Fund Manager is ₹182.87 crore during the current financial year 2026-27.