Peak XV Partners, the venture capital firm formerly known as Sequoia Capital India & Southeast Asia, has once again made headlines. The firm announced the launch of Surge 11, its accelerator programme’s newest cohort. The programme features 23 high-potential startups that operate across artificial intelligence, fintech, consumer products, software tools, and emerging markets. With this announcement, Peak XV continues to strengthen its position as one of the most influential players shaping the startup ecosystem in India and Southeast Asia.
The Surge programme has already nurtured more than 150 startups since its inception in 2019. Many alumni companies such as Khatabook, Plum, and Apna have grown into market leaders. Surge 11 builds on this momentum, with Peak XV expressing strong confidence in the founders it chose for this round.
Surge 11: What Makes It Different
Surge 11 stands out because of its sectoral diversity and its sharp focus on artificial intelligence-driven solutions. Peak XV has clearly signaled that AI will shape the next decade of entrepreneurship. Out of the 23 startups, nearly half are developing AI-first products, including generative AI tools, machine learning applications for businesses, and AI-powered developer solutions.
Apart from AI, fintech continues to dominate the startup landscape. Several of the selected companies offer innovations in payments, credit, and compliance solutions. Consumer-facing startups also feature strongly in the mix, ranging from wellness brands to sustainable products. This diversity reflects Peak XV’s belief that large opportunities exist in solving both digital and everyday problems across the region.
Surge 11 Startups & Short Profiles
| Startup | Founders / Key People | What They Do / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Ambak | Ashish Lohia, Pranav Khattar, Raghuveer Malik, Rameshwar Gupta, Rashi Garg | Disrupts the home loan industry in India by making processes more transparent, efficient, and secure. |
| Auquan | Chandini Jain, Shub Jain | Builds AI solutions to automate complex tasks in financial services. |
| The Health Factory | Jos Vast, Mohit Sankhala, Vinay Maheshwari | Health-focused packaged food brand offering high-protein and vegan breads. |
| SalarySe | Mohit Gorisariya, Piyush Bagaria, Saumeet Nanda | Helps salaried employees in India manage finances like budgeting and credit. |
| Dubbing AI | Kevin (Tiange) Ling | Develops real-time AI voice transformation and immersive audio engagement tools. |
| OrbitShift | Saurabh Mishra, Swapnil Saykar | AI-native sales operations platform with insights, recommendations, and content generation. |
| Wobot | Adit Chhabra, Tanay Dixit, Tapan Dixit | Uses AI video analytics to convert camera feeds into actionable insights. |
| Amaani | Shubham Poddar | Builds beauty and wellness brands inspired by Middle Eastern rituals and ingredients. |
| Brainfish | Ajain Vivek Thankaswamy, Daniel Kimber | AI-powered customer adoption and engagement platform for online businesses. |
| Dezy | Hitesh Kakrani, Dr. Jatin Kakrani | Tech-enabled dental care platform improving diagnosis and patient experience. |
| Tailcall | Tushar Mathur | Developer tools and APIs that reduce infrastructure complexity and boost productivity. |
| Luma (Luma Fertility) | Neha Motwani | Tech-enabled fertility clinics with modern protocols and a customer-first approach. |
Why Founders Aspire to Join Surge
Founders across India and Southeast Asia view Surge as a dream launchpad for their companies. The programme combines capital, mentorship, and community support. Every startup in Surge receives an initial investment of $1–2 million. Beyond money, founders gain direct access to Peak XV’s network of entrepreneurs, global advisors, and experienced operators.
Surge also emphasizes hands-on learning. Startups participate in structured sessions on topics like product-market fit, growth strategies, legal compliance, and fundraising. Founders also receive guidance on building strong teams and creating sustainable cultures. The community aspect makes Surge unique because every batch builds lifelong bonds. Founders often collaborate, share customers, or exchange talent across companies.
For many, Surge feels like an elite school for entrepreneurship, but one that focuses on real-world execution instead of theory.
Spotlight on AI Startups
This cohort highlights how AI has moved from a buzzword to a business-defining force. Surge 11 includes startups building:
- AI copilots for developers that streamline coding, debugging, and testing.
- AI-powered tools for financial services that detect fraud in real-time.
- Consumer apps that leverage generative AI to create personalized experiences.
- Enterprise solutions that integrate AI into workflows like sales, support, and HR.
These companies reflect a global shift in venture capital priorities. Investors no longer view AI as an optional add-on; they treat it as a core capability that can create defensible moats. By selecting so many AI-first startups, Peak XV has positioned Surge 11 as one of the most AI-heavy accelerators to date.
Fintech’s Enduring Appeal
Even though AI dominates headlines, fintech still attracts strong interest. Surge 11 includes companies building innovative solutions in digital lending, compliance automation, and micro-insurance. In India and Southeast Asia, millions of people still lack access to formal banking. Startups that solve credit scoring, fraud detection, and cross-border payments stand to create massive impact.
Fintech founders in this cohort want to disrupt traditional systems by offering cheaper, faster, and more reliable solutions. For instance, some startups in Surge 11 focus on digitizing compliance processes that normally take weeks. Others want to help small businesses access working capital with fewer hurdles.
Consumer and Sustainability Trends
Consumer-focused startups also earned spots in Surge 11. Founders in this segment want to solve problems around health, lifestyle, and sustainability. From clean beauty brands to eco-friendly packaging, these companies tap into the rising demand for conscious consumption.
In Southeast Asia, younger consumers increasingly prioritize brands that align with their values. Startups in Surge 11 plan to capture this demographic with products that blend affordability, authenticity, and social responsibility.
Sustainability-focused businesses stand out in this cohort as well. Several startups in Surge 11 work on renewable solutions, alternative materials, and green technologies. By including these companies, Peak XV shows that it wants to back startups that not only create profits but also contribute to solving global challenges.
The Selection Process
Peak XV received thousands of applications for Surge 11. The selection process involved multiple interviews, due diligence checks, and founder evaluations. The firm looked for clarity of vision, execution ability, and scalability potential.
Surge does not simply pick companies with good ideas. The team seeks founders who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and deep conviction. Many of the chosen startups already show early traction, whether through pilot customers, revenue growth, or unique technology.
By narrowing the list to 23, Peak XV ensures that every company receives dedicated attention during the accelerator programme.
The Global Context
The announcement of Surge 11 also reflects the increasing global recognition of South Asia and Southeast Asia as startup hotspots. While Silicon Valley still dominates in terms of venture capital dollars, investors worldwide now recognize India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam as fertile grounds for innovation.
Peak XV’s Surge cohorts have consistently attracted follow-on funding from global investors. Many Surge alumni raise Series A and B rounds from marquee funds within months of graduation. This trend boosts the global credibility of the programme and increases the stakes for Surge 11 startups.
Opportunities and Challenges
Surge 11 startups face both immense opportunities and complex challenges. On one hand, they gain access to large, fast-growing markets where consumers eagerly adopt digital solutions. On the other hand, they must navigate regulatory hurdles, competitive pressures, and talent shortages.
For AI startups, data privacy and ethical use of technology remain pressing concerns. Fintech companies must constantly adapt to compliance requirements. Consumer brands must build trust in a crowded market. Surge provides guidance and support, but ultimately, founders must execute relentlessly.
Peak XV’s Larger Strategy
By running Surge, Peak XV does more than just support early-stage companies. The firm also strengthens its deal flow. Many Surge graduates later raise larger rounds from Peak XV itself. This gives the firm early access to promising startups before other investors can compete.
Moreover, Surge helps Peak XV build a regional brand. Entrepreneurs now see Surge as a badge of credibility. Investors treat Surge graduates as vetted opportunities. This dual benefit explains why Peak XV invests heavily in the programme year after year.
Conclusion
Surge 11 showcases the evolving face of entrepreneurship in India and Southeast Asia. From AI-first startups to sustainability-driven consumer brands, the cohort represents both the present and future of innovation. Founders in this batch carry the weight of expectations, but they also stand at the edge of enormous opportunities.
Peak XV continues to set the bar high for accelerators in the region. With its strong backing, global network, and proven model, Surge 11 promises to produce the next wave of unicorns and category leaders.
As the programme unfolds, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry watchers will closely follow the journeys of these 23 startups. Their stories will not only define the success of Surge 11 but also shape the trajectory of the region’s startup ecosystem.
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