Rockstud Capital

Rockstud Capital, based in India, is an alternative asset manager focusing on the Indian market, combining early-stage venture capital with listed equity investments in a single platform. Founded in 2017–18 by Abhishek Agarwal, the firm is registered with SEBI and manages AIFs along with PMS strategies.

Identity and Thesis

Rockstud's primary philosophy is to support "Yuva Bharat" – founders and businesses catering to a young, aspirational, and self-reliant India. It emphasizes five key themes: Rising Aspirations, Healthy Lifestyle, Green Planet, Industry 4.0, and National Security. The firm invests in Pre-Series A startups and small- and mid-cap listed equities, seeking superior risk-adjusted returns through a multi-asset strategy.

Funds and Strategy

Rockstud Capital Investment Fund – Series I: a Category II hybrid AIF with a target of ~INR 175 Cr, allocating 51% to early-stage startups and 49% to listed equities, following its FACT(H) theme – Financials, Agriculture, Consumption, Technology & Healthcare.

Investment Fund II: a second AIF aiming for INR 300 Cr, with a first close at INR 68 Cr, providing USD 0.5–1M investments to support Pre-Series A and Series A bridge and scale rounds.

Rockstud also manages a Category I Angel Fund and PMS, offering investors curated startup exposure alongside long-term growth in listed equities.

Startup Focus

Rockstud typically invests in startups at Pre-Series A, beyond the proof of concept stage, with at least ~2 years of operations, significant revenue, and positive gross margins.

The firm focuses on sectors such as consumer products, mobility, healthtech, enterprise apps, agritech, and fintech, often providing bridge capital before larger institutional rounds. The team evaluates over 400 deals per fund, with less than 5% deemed investible, and aims for exits around Series B through strategic sales and follow-on rounds.

Portfolio and Impact:

Rockstud has invested in over 10 startups, including Everest Fleet Pvt. Ltd., BigHaat India, Instoried, SmartVizX, Fabheads Automation, and Cubical Laboratories. A significant success was a partial exit from Everest Fleet, valued at about INR 1,600 Cr, affirming its bridge-round strategy.

By combining disciplined public-market insights with high-conviction early-stage investments, Rockstud Capital is establishing a unique position in India's VC and alternative investing landscape.