SynopsisIndian tech investors are increasingly establishing a presence in the US, particularly in the Bay Area, to tap into the booming AI sector. This strategic move aims to foster closer relationships with innovative startups and secure a competitive edge in a market dominated by AI advancements.TIMESOFINDIA.COMLet’s meet Stateside: That’s the common message any Indian tech investor has for another over the past year. Several VC partners and founders are moving a part of their teams to the US to stay close to the AI epicentre. For instance, Elevation Capital currently has three people in the US, including AI partner Krishna Mehra. Peak XV has opened an office in the Bay Area, and with a team across the US including Arnav Sahu, Shelly Singh, Dini Mehta, Chris Merritt, and Jaime Bott. Arjun Gandhi, principal, Nexus Venture Partners, moved to San Francisco early this year, he said on LinkedIn. ET has learnt that Aakash Kumar, managing partner, Z47 likely will be moving to the US to set up operations. Z47 did not respond to ET’s queries till press time. This trend started in 2025, as generative AI began to take a stronger foothold, with a large portion of SaaS investments moving to AI. Lightspeed India partner Dev Khare earlier told ET that globally 80-90% of the investments have gone into AI. “In India it accounts for about 50% since other sectors such as quick consumer and fintech are still active, up from 15-20% in 2024, 40% in 2025, with more capital expected in 2026,” he said. While there is a momentum in India, In- dia continues to lack innovation at scale unlike the US. A Bengalurubased investor, on the condition of anonymity, told ET, “You need to invest at firms that give you out- sized returns and that can come only from invest- ing in innovative compa- nies, which is happening at scale in the US,” the investor said.In the past year, DeVC, which is a part of Z47, Blume Ventures, Boundless Ventures, Peak XV, and Together Fund, have been investing in the YCombinator startups. ET reported that Activate and Peak XV are in talks to invest in the US-based voice AI startup Wispr Flow. However, for the Indian investors, the right to win in the US market, where the competition is intense, is low. “That is why they are setting up in the US, getting to know founders and have aright to win,” the investor cited earlier, pointed out. ...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now