Hegdinvst Raises $1.3 Million in Series A Round to Back Proposed Category III AIF
Hegdinvst, a Chennai-based alternative investment manager, has raised $1.3 million (₹11.5 crore) in a Series A funding round, exceeding its initial target of $1.1 million (₹10 crore). The round was backed by a select group of domestic and international high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), reflecting growing confidence in the firm's disciplined investment approach and long-term vision.
The fresh capital will primarily be deployed towards the sponsor and manager commitment for Hegdinvst's proposed SEBI Category III Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), a multi-asset hedge fund designed to generate alpha across market cycles. Of the total capital raised, ₹10 crore will be allocated towards the mandatory sponsor commitment, alongside the fund manager's commitment.
The firm believes that investment managers should have meaningful capital invested alongside their investors. In line with this philosophy, the firm's capital commitment complements the substantial personal investment already made by Aditya Bhandari, Founder and Managing Partner, across both Hegdinvst's existing Category II fund and the proposed Category III fund, reinforcing strong alignment between the manager and investors.
Commenting on the fundraise, Aditya Bhandari, Founder and Managing Partner, Hegdinvst, said: "The successful completion of this oversubscribed round reflects a clear shift in investor expectations. Increasingly, investors want to partner with fund managers who have meaningful capital invested alongside them and who demonstrate disciplined underwriting over asset gathering. That principle has been central to Hegdinvst since inception, and this capital further strengthens our commitment to building a platform where investor and manager interests remain fully aligned."
Niyati Sanghvi, Fund Controller, Hegdinvst, added: "This capital strengthens our sponsor and manager commitment to the proposed Category III fund, ensuring that we participate in the strategy on the same terms and with the same long-term perspective as our investors. We believe this alignment is fundamental to building trust and delivering sustainable investment outcomes."
Founded to serve the evolving needs of India's emerging wealth creators, including family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) and HNIs, Hegdinvst offers institutional-grade investment opportunities across both private and public markets. Its existing Category II AIF, Hegd Growth Equity Fund I, invests across private equity, PIPE transactions, and listed micro- and small-cap opportunities.
Nikhil Kaul (Associate Partner, Crawford Bayley & Co.) said "What resonated with me was the alignment between the founder's vision and the way he has chosen to build the business. The emphasis on governance, accountability and patient value creation reflects an institutional mindset that is increasingly rare in early-stage firms."
The successful close of the Series A round marks a significant milestone in Hegdinvst's growth journey, providing the capital foundation for its next phase of expansion. As the firm broadens its alternative investment platform, it remains committed to delivering institutional-quality investment solutions while ensuring meaningful alignment of interests between the manager and its investors.
Muskaan Kapoor
