Ashlee Vance Criticizes Indian VCs Over Deeptech Risk Appetite

31 Oct 2026, 5:38 pm · 3h ago · 1 min read · Inc42

American author Ashlee Vance has sparked an intense debate on India's venture capital ecosystem after questioning domestic investors' willingness to fund ambitious hardware and deeptech startups. Following visits with 15 Indian tech firms after Skyroot Aerospace's successful Vikram-1 orbital rocket launch, Vance criticized Indian VCs for risk aversion and demanding early commercial traction. Founders echoed concerns over prolonged diligence and pedigree bias, while venture capitalists defended their record, citing growing specialist funds and expanding deeptech portfolios. The friction underscores persistent challenges faced by Indian founders seeking patient, long-term capital for advanced engineering innovations.