TechCrunch Startup News Nexus isn’t going all in on AI, keeping half of its new $700M fund for India startups; plus, Amazon hopes to jump-start its AI coding tool Kiro by giving it away to startups
Dec 4, 2025
Nexus Venture Partners is launching a $700 million fund, strategically dividing it between AI initiatives and Indian startups. With a strong track record of managing $3.2 billion in capital, they focus on the unique opportunities within India's growing AI sector. Meanwhile, Amazon is enticing startup founders with a free year of its Kiro coding tool, hoping to win them over in a crowded market of AI solutions. Can these moves spark innovation across sectors? The race is on!
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Balanced Fund Strategy Between AI And India
- Nexus is deliberately splitting a $700M fund between AI bets and India-focused consumer, fintech, and infrastructure startups.
- The firm views India's market and talent as a counterbalance to crowded AI investing and a source of localized AI opportunities.
Cross-Border Investing Is Core To Nexus
- Nexus leverages its integrated U.S.-India team and cross-border experience to invest from inception to Series A across both regions.
- This approach lets Nexus back software and AI infrastructure in the U.S. while funding consumer and infra plays in India.
Fund Size Mirrors Investment Pace
- Nexus keeps fund size at $700M because it fits the firm's early-stage, long-horizon strategy and deployment cadence.
- The firm typically writes small initial checks from inception to Series A and raises new funds every 2.5–3 years.