Deeptech-focused venture capital firm Unicorn India Ventures (UIV) has launched operations in the United States, appointing former Google executive Kishore Kanakamedala as Venture Partner to lead its US expansion and help Indian technology startups access global markets.
Kanakamedala will work on building US investor relationships, developing local industry connections and helping the firm’s portfolio companies expand internationally. He will also help bring global technology insights to UIV’s India-based investment team.
Former Google and Meta Executive to Lead US Expansion
Kanakamedala brings more than three decades of experience across technology, product development and business leadership. His career includes senior roles at Google, Meta and Stripe. He also co-founded Neeva, a search technology startup backed by Sequoia Capital that was later acquired by Snowflake.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he will focus on building a team of mid- to senior-level professionals and developing partnerships that can support Indian deeptech companies entering the US market. His mandate also includes strengthening co-investment opportunities and expanding UIV’s investor base in the country.
Rs 1,200 Crore Fund Supports the Expansion Strategy
The US launch follows UIV’s closure of its third fund at Rs 1,200 crore in February 2026, exceeding its initial target of Rs 1,000 crore. The fund focuses on deeptech sectors including semiconductors, space technology and AI infrastructure.
UIV is also managing the IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I in partnership with IIT Madras and its Research Park. The fund has a Rs 600 crore corpus with a Rs 400 crore greenshoe option, taking its potential size to Rs 1,000 crore. It announced a first close of Rs 450 crore in September 2026, with investments aimed at supporting IP-led deeptech startups.
UIV Founder and Managing Partner Bhaskar Majumdar said interest from US investors during the latest fundraise helped make the launch a logical next step. He said Kanakamedala’s experience and familiarity with the firm would strengthen its ability to support portfolio companies as they grow.
Building a Bridge Between Indian Deeptech and Global Markets
For deeptech startups, entering the US can open access to customers, strategic partners, specialised talent and investors. However, these businesses often face longer development cycles, complex technical validation and substantial capital requirements before reaching commercial scale.
UIV’s US presence is intended to help founders navigate those challenges while connecting them with global technology developments and potential co-investors. Kanakamedala said his focus would be on backing founders solving significant technology problems, helping portfolio companies enter the US and sharing international market knowledge with the India team.
The move reflects a broader ambition to help Indian deeptech companies build globally competitive products rather than remain limited to domestic markets. Its impact will depend on how effectively UIV converts its US relationships into customer access, follow-on investment and commercial opportunities for its portfolio.
