
Surge
Description
Surge is a prominent rapid-scale-up program initiated by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India & SEA) in 2019. Headquartered in Singapore, it specifically targets early-stage startups across India and Southeast Asia, aiming to provide them with the foundational capital, strategic mentorship, and extensive network necessary for accelerated growth. The program is designed to bridge the gap between seed funding and Series A rounds, positioning itself as a crucial launchpad for promising ventures in the region.
The core offering of Surge revolves around a structured 16-week program that combines intensive workshops, one-on-one mentorship from industry veterans, and unparalleled access to Peak XV Partners' global network. A key component of the program is the significant capital infusion provided to participating startups. Surge typically invests between $1 million and $3 million as an initial cheque, often taking a significant minority stake. This substantial early investment allows founders to focus on product development and market expansion without immediate fundraising pressures.
Since its inception, Surge has rapidly established itself as a pivotal force in the regional startup ecosystem. As of early 2023, the program had successfully supported over 100 startups across 8 distinct cohorts, demonstrating its consistent commitment to fostering innovation. Its portfolio spans diverse sectors, including SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and consumer tech, reflecting a broad investment mandate. The program's success is further evidenced by the subsequent funding rounds secured by many of its alumni, solidifying Surge's reputation as a catalyst for high-potential ventures.
Investor Profile
Surge has backed more than 120 startups, with 11 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 71 rounds, about 59% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in India, United States, Singapore.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, Financial Services.
- Led 8 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1M – $3M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (61%)
- Series A (31%)
- Pre Seed (5%)
- Series B (3%)
- Series Unknown (1%)
Country Focus
- India (36%)
- United States (21%)
- Singapore (19%)
- Indonesia (9%)
- United Kingdom (3%)
- Taiwan (3%)
- Australia (3%)
- Thailand (2%)
- Bangladesh (2%)
- Vietnam (1%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Information Technology
- Financial Services
- Saas
- E-commerce
- Fintech
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Education
- Enterprise Software
- Health Care
Frequently Asked Questions
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