Expert Dojo to invest $15M in Indian startups FY26

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In a strong signal of confidence in India’s flourishing startup ecosystem, Expert Dojo to invest $15M in Indian startups FY26, marking a major milestone in the early-stage funding landscape. This initiative comes as part of their newly launched $100 million third global fund. The California-based venture capital accelerator made the announcement during the Expert Dojo Investors Conclave 2025 held in Bengaluru. The goal is clear—support Indian entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and international network access.

Founded in 2018, Expert Dojo has built a global footprint, investing in over 300 startups across the United States and over 30 startups in India, including Bhive, Cloudworx, and Doqfy. With their India-focused allocation, Expert Dojo plans to invest in 20 to 25 early-stage startups, especially in high-growth sectors like SaaS, fintech, B2B, and artificial intelligence.

This new fund is not just about money. Indian founders will benefit from a global go-to-market strategy, cross-border mentorship, and ticket sizes ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. The company has also opened a new office in Bengaluru to build stronger local relationships and support systems.

This article explores how Expert Dojo works, its founder’s vision, its past funding activities, and what this $15M India push means for entrepreneurs, startups, and the future of early-stage investing in India.

1. The Business Model and Services of Expert Dojo

1.1 How Expert Dojo Works

Expert Dojo operates as a global startup accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm. It follows a unique model: invest in early-stage founders, provide intensive mentorship, and help them scale globally. Their approach combines capital, coaching, and community to build startup strength from the ground up.

1.2 Revenue and Funding Model

Expert Dojo generates returns from equity investments in early-stage companies. They write cheques between $50,000 and $1 million and take equity in exchange. They exit through acquisitions or IPOs once startups mature. This model has enabled them to back 300+ startups in the US and over 30 in India.

Their $100 million third global fund is designed to back globally scalable ventures, including this new $15 million India-specific initiative.

1.3 Founders and Background

Founded in Santa Monica, California in 2018, Brian Mac Mahon, a serial entrepreneur and investor, started Expert Dojo. His mission was to bridge the mentorship and funding gaps in the startup world. With years of experience supporting global founders, Brian has turned Expert Dojo into a renowned accelerator with cross-border strength.

2. Expert Dojo Invest Indian Startups: FY26 Strategy Unpacked

2.1 Launch of the $15M India Allocation

During the 2025 Expert Dojo Investors Conclave in Bengaluru, the firm announced its intent to invest $15 million in Indian startups in FY26. This marks the first India-centric strategy for the company, highlighting India as a top priority for global VCs.

2.2 Sectoral Focus and Investment Scope

Although Expert Dojo is sector-agnostic, they will primarily back companies in:

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
• Financial Technology (Fintech)
• Business-to-Business (B2B)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The firm will prioritize startups with high potential for international scalability and disruptive tech models.

3. Track Record in Indian Startup Investments

3.1 Previous Investments and Indian Portfolio

Expert Dojo has already backed several promising Indian startups like:

• Bhive: A coworking space startup revolutionizing real estate access for professionals.
• Cloudworx: A no-code platform for enterprise digital twins and virtual spaces.
• Doqfy: A digital documentation and compliance solution for legal contracts.

Their strong success rate has positioned them as a reliable partner for emerging Indian founders.

4. Global Fund Structure and Expansion Plans

4.1 Cheque Sizes and Funding Structure

The India-focused program will offer funding between $50,000 and $1 million per startup. Over two to three years, the firm plans to inject an additional $30 million, bringing the total commitment to Indian startups to $45 million.

This strategy ensures long-term capital support for scalable ventures while creating deeper engagement across growth stages.

5. Local Presence in Bengaluru to Bridge Gaps

5.1 Opening a New Office and Strengthening the Network

Expert Dojo has opened its Indian office in Bengaluru, India’s startup capital. This move allows them to:

• Scout high-potential founders
• Provide direct mentoring
• Build stronger strategic partnerships

Ashutosh Kumar Jha, General Partner for India, will lead this expansion. He emphasized the need for India-specific support in global strategy, cross-border capital, and mentorship.

6. Expert Dojo’s Vision: Building the India-US Innovation Corridor

6.1 Thinking Global, Acting Local

Brian Mac Mahon aims to build a “borderless innovation ecosystem”. He believes that Indian entrepreneurs possess world-class capabilities. However, they need structured access to global mentorship, international investors, and strategic scaling plans. This fund will provide all three.

Jha added that from “Bangalore to Boston, Delhi to Dubai,” Expert Dojo wants Indian startups to think globally from Day One.

7. Industry Insights and Market Impact

7.1 Venture Capital Trends and India’s Position

India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. According to Inc42, Indian startups raised over $10 billion in funding in 2024, despite a tough macroeconomic environment.

Global VCs like Expert Dojo are increasingly turning their attention toward India because of:

• Rising founder talent
• Improved digital infrastructure
• A large domestic market
• Government’s pro-startup policies like Startup India

Expert Dojo’s $15M push is a clear endorsement of this momentum.

8. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

8.1 What Founders Can Learn from This Initiative

1. Global Thinking: Founders should craft solutions with international potential from Day One.
2. Mentorship Matters: Capital alone isn’t enough. Seek VCs that provide strategic mentorship.
3. Be Fund Ready: With ticket sizes between $50K-$1M, ensure your pitch shows scalability, traction, and vision.
4. Networking is Key: Leverage accelerator programs to open global doors.
5. Cross-Border Mindset: Expert Dojo’s model supports borderless innovation—founders should align with this vision.

9. Why This Matters: Expert Dojo Invest Indian Startups

Expert Dojo’s bold step to invest $15 million in Indian startups FY26 is not just a funding milestone—it represents a strategic pivot in global venture capital. With their India-focused approach, the accelerator is unlocking massive growth potential for Indian founders.

For young startups in sectors like SaaS, fintech, B2B, and AI, this initiative is a golden opportunity to access global resources and scale with confidence.

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