Capital-A, SanchiConnect launch accelerator for manufacturing startups

The selected startups will benefit from corporate partnerships, pilot opportunities, and an international demo day.

Apr 15, 2025 - 10:45

Capital-A, SanchiConnect launch accelerator for manufacturing startups

Capital-A, a B2B-focused early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2021 by Ankit Kedia, has collaborated with deeptech ecosystem platform SanchiConnect to launch MaXcel—a new accelerator programme designed to empower startups and MSMEs in India’s manufacturing and allied sectors.

MaXcel is a 24-week programme with a structured 12-week go-to-market module aimed at early-stage ventures with a minimum viable product (MVP), early revenue, or pilot-stage traction. It targets startups working in precision manufacturing, industrial IoT, advanced materials, frugal industrial automation, semiconductors, robotics, smart factory technologies, and hardware-software integration.

Ankit Kedia, Founder and Lead Investor at Capital-A, highlighted MaXcel's potential to drive India's next wave of innovation in shop floors, factories, and industrial corridors. "Capital-A’s deep manufacturing experience, along with SanchiConnect's widespread access to the ecosystem, MaXcel will serve as a launchpad for founders building in the sunrise manufacturing sector,” he added.

The selected startups will benefit from corporate partnerships, pilot opportunities, and an international demo day.

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The programme offers personalised mentorship to startups, pairing them with industry professionals and entrepreneurs. Shortlisted ventures are eligible for fast-track funding of Rs 3-4 crore, with term sheets promised within 30 days of selection.

MaXcel will host a multi-city roadshow covering major manufacturing and innovation hubs, including Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore, Guwahati, Coimbatore, Kochi, and Noida. These regional meetups aim to connect with local MSMEs, ecosystem enablers, and government stakeholders to foster collaboration and awareness.

Applications for the MaXcel accelerator are open until May 10, 2025.

Capital-A is currently managing its second fund with a targeted corpus of Rs 400 crore and a portfolio of over 25 startups.

Edited by Kanishk Singh