Vignesh Shankar
Founder and Managing Partner at a99 VC
· Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Check size
Undisclosed
Lead stage
Pre-Series A
Deals tracked
5
Sectors
Manufacturing, Infrastructure
Manufacturing
Infrastructure
Industrial technologies
Advanced manufacturing
Deep-tech
Industrial automation
Pre-Series A
Series A
Series B
India
About Vignesh
Vignesh Shankar is a Chartered Accountant and venture capital investor with 20+ years of experience across investments, strategy, and M&A in industrial and engineering sectors. He founded and manages a99, a pre-Series A to Series A venture capital fund focused on manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial technologies in India. Previously, he held leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker Asia, Kreston International, and DC Capital Advisors, where he drove growth strategy and transformation initiatives across industrial verticals
Investment thesis
Builds India-focused capital for manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial technologies.
a99 is an India-focused venture capital firm centered on the manufacturing and infrastructure opportunity, with conviction in industrial technologies that strengthen the country's next phase of growth. The firm emphasizes durable, defensible businesses and supports founders with strategic capital and long-term partnership
Investment philosophy
Vignesh Shankar backs founders building the industrial backbone of India with a long-term, operator-informed lens. His focus is on pre-Series A to Series B opportunities where manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial technology can create durable, globally relevant businesses.
Investment focus
a99 invests in India-focused manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial technology companies at pre-Series A to Series A stages. The fund targets scalable industrial opportunities including advanced manufacturing, deep-tech, industrial automation, and infrastructure enablement that support India's multi-decadal growth transformation
Areas of expertise
Notable portfolio
Avartan Technologies
Innocule
EzeRx
Intangles
Atomgrid
Notable deals
TierX – Investment No. 14 in a99 portfolio (2026, manufacturing/industrial focus)
Frequently asked
Does Vignesh Shankar invest at Pre-Series A stage?
Yes. They invest at Pre-Series A, Series A, Series B stage.
Their geographic focus includes India.
What is their typical check size?
Check size is not publicly disclosed. They currently invest through a99 VC.
What sectors does Vignesh Shankar focus on?
Vignesh Shankar primarily invests in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Industrial technologies, Advanced manufacturing.
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