Unacademy founders launch Rs 700 crore AI fund as Flipkart eyes premium eco line
Unacademy co-founders Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini are raising a Rs 700 crore AI-focused venture fund, while Flipkart plans to roll out a premium, environmentally-friendly product range called “Flipkart for Earth.”
Less than two months after upGrad’s acquisition of Unacademy, founders Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini announced the creation of Longshot Capital, a Rs 700 crore venture fund dedicated to AI and deep-tech startups. The fund has already attracted roughly Rs 300 crore in commitments and plans its first close in January 2027, after which it will begin investing in 25-28 seed and pre-Series A companies with cheques ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh.
Saini will lead the effort full-time, while Munjal will stay involved part-time alongside his duties at Unacademy. The initiative follows a trend of Indian tech founders, such as Snapdeal’s Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, launching their own investment vehicles. In parallel, e-commerce giant Flipkart is preparing to launch “Flipkart for Earth,” a premium line featuring sustainable, toxin-free products across multiple categories, aiming to capture higher-value quick-commerce shoppers and challenge rivals like Swiggy Instamart’s Switch. Industry observers note that such premium assortments could boost basket sizes and average order values, though long-term success will hinge on repeat purchases.
Why it matters
The fund signals strong capital flow into Indian AI startups, while Flipkart's eco-premium push could reshape quick-commerce buying habits.
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