New Delhi: Vervesemi funding received a major boost as the DLI Scheme-backed startup raised $10 million in a Series A round to expand chip design and scale commercial production.
The round was led by Ashish Kacholia and Unicorn India Ventures. In addition, Roots Ventures, Caperize Fina and MAIQ Growth Scheme participated. The company said it will use the funds to speed up product rollout and deepen research.
Semiconductor design drives value across the electronics supply chain. It contributes up to half of total value addition. Moreover, it accounts for 15–35% of a product’s bill of materials. Therefore, the government launched the Design Linked Incentive Scheme under the Semicon India Programme.
So far, the scheme has approved 24 domestic design projects. These projects cover satellite communications, drones, AI systems, telecom gear and smart meters. Meanwhile, over 400 organisations have accessed advanced chip design tools at C-DAC Bengaluru.
Vervesemi, founded in 2017, became the first firm cleared under the DLI Scheme. It also received backing under the Chips to Startup programme. Currently, the company holds over 140 semiconductor IPs, 25 chip variants, 10 granted patents and five trade secrets.
The firm has designed BLDC motor controller chips for fans, EVs and drones. It has also developed data acquisition chips for avionics and space use. Several chips have completed fabrication. Others are undergoing testing or customer evaluation. Production targets range from Q3 2026 to Q1 2027.
Vervesemi funding drives commercialisation and R&D expansion
Vervesemi funding will support three clear priorities. First, the company will accelerate commercialisation of its machine learning-enabled analog signal chain portfolio. This includes advanced data converters and intelligent sensing solutions.
Second, it will focus on silicon qualification and production readiness. At the same time, it will expand engineering and applications teams to serve global customers.
Third, the company will strengthen its IP base and invest in next-generation precision analog designs. Furthermore, it plans to expand its presence across Asia and the United States. This step will help engage original equipment manufacturers.
The BLDC motor controller project was awarded by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 20 March 2025. At the ceremony, he urged India to evolve into a product nation. He stressed indigenous hardware and software development.
Within a year, the company has secured fresh capital and advanced multiple tape-outs. As a result, DLI-backed firms are moving toward volume manufacturing. Consequently, domestic supply chains are gaining strength.
Officials said the DLI Scheme anchors India in strategic chip design. It aims to reduce import dependence and build resilience. Ultimately, Vervesemi funding reflects rising investor trust in India’s semiconductor push.
