Array Ventures Research Document
Investment Thesis
Array Ventures is a 360° venture studio dedicated to empowering early-stage startups with comprehensive end-to-end support, expert guidance, and equity-based funding. Rather than acting as a traditional VC fund, Array Ventures positions itself as a strategic partner that becomes deeply embedded in startup success across three distinct phases: Plan (inception), Build (implementation), and Scale Up (growth).
The firm's core belief is that every visionary startup deserves the right support to flourish, and they provide this through a unique model that combines equity investments with extensive consulting services. Their thesis revolves around identifying innovative startups with breakthrough ideas, scalable potential, and dedicated founding teams, then providing tailored support through their comprehensive service ecosystem.
Business Model & Services
Array Ventures operates uniquely as a venture studio, not a traditional VC fund. Rather than pure capital deployment, they fund through services:
Phase 1: Plan (Inception Phase)
- Ideation and validation workshops
- Business planning and market analysis
- Feasibility studies (market, economic, financial, operational, compliance)
- Pitch deck creation and coaching
- Strategic advisory and mentorship
- Market insights and financial analysis
Phase 2: Build (Implementation Phase)
- Company registration and legal compliance
- Implementation support and strategic consulting
- Funding assistance and investor introductions
- Brand identity and positioning development
- MVP/POC development and testing
- Website and branding collateral creation
Phase 3: Scale Up (Growth Phase)
- Strategic advisory and growth roadmapping
- Organizational policies and HR development
- Operational efficiency and process optimization
- Digital marketing and market expansion strategies
- Sales support, training, and CRM integration
- Financial management and cash flow analysis
Stage Focus & Investment Range
Array Ventures targets concept, pre-revenue, and early-stage startups. They provide services-based funding rather than traditional equity rounds:
- Service Credit Range: ₹5 Lacs to ₹50 Lacs (~$6,000 - $60,000 USD)
- Investment Duration: 6 months to 2 years
- Equity Dilution: 5% to 25% depending on services and valuation
- Fund Status: Actively funding and deploying services to portfolio companies
Decision Process & Timeline
Approach & Evaluation:
- Requires complete application with pitch deck, founder profiles, and startup details
- Investment board evaluates all submissions
- Evaluation period: 6-12 weeks
- Multi-step selection process: application → shortlisting → pitch → due diligence → deal negotiation
Decision Structure: Partnership-based decision-making with investment board oversight
Check Size & Deal Terms
- Services Credit Range: ₹5 Lacs - ₹50 Lacs ($6K - $60K USD)
- Equity Stakes: 5-25% based on valuations and services rendered
- Timeline: 6 months to 2 years of active engagement
- Follow-on Strategy: Additional service credits allocated in special cases based on milestone achievement
Lead Tendency & Co-Investing
Array Ventures functions as a solo investor in their service-based model, as they directly provide services in exchange for equity rather than deploying pure capital. They help portfolio companies raise additional capital from other investors as part of their funding assistance services.
Team & Leadership
Arnab Ray - Chief Executive Officer with expertise in business strategy, marketing, technology strategy, and corporate finance. Background in management consulting with leading global brands, passionate about entrepreneurship and startup investment.
Sauvik Banerjee - Chief Operating Officer with deep business strategy and transformation expertise. Rich background consulting major corporates across Europe and UK, experienced in business planning and process re-engineering.
Both leadership team members have deep entrepreneurship and consulting expertise, positioning the firm to provide operational and strategic guidance beyond capital.
Geographic & Sector Focus
Geographic Presence:
- Primary operations in India (Kolkata headquarters)
- Growing US presence (1-855-552-7526 US phone line)
- Open to startups across 80+ countries
Sector Openness: Array Ventures accepts applications across a wide spectrum including AI, Fintech, Healthcare, EdTech, E-commerce, Enterprise Software, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, IoT, Biotechnology, AgriTech, and 80+ additional verticals.
Selection Criteria & Partner Preferences
Key Selection Criteria:
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Founding Team - Minimum 2 full-time co-founders with impressive careers and qualifications. Must be prepared, knowledgeable, and passionate with flexibility and adaptability.
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Startup Idea - Must be innovative with breakthrough ideas, disruptive or substantially improved, unique, scalable, and investable.
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Market Fit - Clear substantial market need, identifiable market gap with sizeable demand, target market with sufficient scale, avoidance of over-competitive markets.
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Financial Viability - Must become funding-ready, resources within funding range, robust revenue model, ability to fund operations independently.
Competitive Advantages
- End-to-End Ecosystem - Hands-on operational support through three distinct growth phases
- Parent Company Ecosystem - Access to 12+ ventures (PresentationGFX, BPlan Experts, iLogyx, Crazy About Startups, etc.)
- Service-Based Funding Model - Reduces capital dilution by combining services with equity
- Vertical Integration - Direct access to design, marketing, business planning, and tech development
- Long-term Partnership - 6-24 month engagement ensures sustained support
Recent Activity & Portfolio Status
Array Ventures was formally launched in 2023 as the dedicated venture studio of Array Innovative Services, which has 15+ years of operational history. The firm maintains an active portfolio of multiple companies benefiting from ongoing support.
Exit Strategy:
- Built, Operate, and Transfer model
- Focus on helping startups become investment-ready for angels and VCs
- Target exits within consecutive rounds of funding
- Full or partial dilution through follow-on rounds
- Selective hold positions in exceptional cases
Institutional Knowledge & Support Network
Beyond direct services, Array Ventures provides access to:
- Mentor network and industry experts
- Strategic advisory board
- Investor network for follow-on funding
- Community through Crazy About Startups platform
- Global client base (80+ countries, 2000+ startups through sister ventures)
Foundation & Parent Company Context
Array Ventures is an initiative by Array Innovative Services Pvt Ltd, a 15+ year old venture-building company. This parent provides proven operational expertise in building sustainable businesses, diverse venture portfolio spanning business consulting, design, marketing, education, and technology, and global footprint with clients across 80+ countries.