What Sets Mokobara Backer Sauce.vc Apart in the World of VC Funds?

Sauce.vc, renowned for backing successful ventures like Mokobara, Whole Truth Foods, Supertails, and Bare Anatomy, has initiated its third venture capital fund, aiming to raise INR 250 Cr ($30Mn).

Reported by ET, Sauce.vc aims to deploy funds into 15-16 nascent consumer brands. The focus primarily revolves around sourcing capital from local limited partners, including family offices and corporate entities with a consumer-centric focus.

The New Delhi-based firm embarked on its fundraising journey with a debut fund in 2019, targeting INR 60 Cr. Subsequently, it launched its second vehicle in 2021, amassing INR 158 Cr. The recent Sauce Continuity Fund concluded with a corpus of INR 263 Cr.

Manu Chandra, founder and managing partner at Sauce.vc, disclosed to ET their strategic shift from raising continuity funds to opting for larger investments directly from the primary fund.

The report indicates that through its third fund, the company will be increasing its investment size to INR 3.5-4 Cr, compared to INR 2-2.5 Cr in previous deals.

Established in 2019, Sauce.vc has already invested in 30 companies over the past five years, backing emerging brands such as Mokobara, XYXX Innerwear, Innovist, Hocco ice cream, Kreo, Rockit, and Perfora.

This development coincides with a trend of VC firms launching funds to support innovative startups. For instance, Mumbai-based VC firm IvyCap Ventures recently closed its third fund at INR 2,100 Cr, intending to invest in 25 early-stage startups. Additionally, in January, Equirus unveiled a $25 Mn early-stage fund to support technology startups.