Baanhem Ventures, the creator of the innovative business reality show Startup Thamizha, has raised ₹3.3 crores in fresh funding from Mudhal Partners, a newly established investment firm by GoFrugal Technologies founder Kumar Vembu.
The funds will be used to nurture first-generation entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu and empower them to become next-gen innovators and job creators.
In addition to the current investment, Baanhem Ventures is actively raising additional funds from leading venture capitalists to establish a Startup-Investment Bridge Platform to connect emerging startups with top-tier investors across India.
The founders of Baanhem Ventures, Hemachandran L. and Balachandar R., said, “Financial support is crucial for the growth of first-generation entrepreneurs. At Baanhem, we aim to be a reliable resource, helping entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful businesses. With Vembu’s involvement, our mission becomes stronger. Through Startup Thamizha, we are committed to helping entrepreneurs contribute to Tamil Nadu’s economic development and build a lasting entrepreneurial culture.”
Kumar Vembu, commenting on his investment and the launch of Mudhal Partners (meaning “First Partners” in Tamil), said, “I was impressed by Baanhem’s vision to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem for first-generation entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu. Their scientific approach to startup development aligns perfectly with my belief in empowering local talent. It was this conviction that led to the establishment of Mudhal Partners and my decision to invest in this exciting initiative.”
“The first wave of liberalization empowered Indian graduates to gain global expertise through foreign multinationals, sparking a movement that inspired countless entrepreneurs and fueled a thriving Startup ecosystem worldwide. Today, initiatives like Startup India, Startup Tamil Nadu, entrepreneurship cells, and incubation centers are fueling dreams for today’s youth—from colleges to corporate jobs—to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys. When I learned about Startup Thamizha’s vision to simplify fundraising and amplify success stories, its potential to transform Tamil Nadu’s Startup landscape was clear. By connecting founders with investors, Startup Thamizha will accelerate growth and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, driving Tamil Nadu toward becoming an entrepreneurial powerhouse,” he added.
“I’m excited for Mudhal Partners to support Startup Thamizha, an IP by Baanhem Ventures Pvt Ltd and the visionary leadership of Balachandar and Hemachandran. Together, we are building a brighter future for Tamil Nadu’s Startups,” he said.
Founded earlier this year by Hemachandran L. and Balachandar R., Baanhem Ventures focuses on fostering local entrepreneurial talent and creating a supportive ecosystem for seed-stage and growth-stage startups. Startup Thamizha, Baanhem’s flagship IP, has already secured commitments of over ₹200+ crores from various industry leaders for startup investments across three seasons.
The show aims to spotlight emerging first-generation entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu and promote a shift in mindset among high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), encouraging them to invest in innovative startups.
Startup Thamizha will air on a leading General Entertainment Channel (GEC) and is designed to identify promising entrepreneurs, providing them with the financial backing and mentorship needed to succeed.
