India’s billionaire family offices bet big on homegrown AI startups

India’s richest families have found a new favorite asset class, and it isn’t real estate or gold. It’s artificial intelligence, specifically the kind built at home. Bloomberg reported on October 16, 2026, that the country’s billionaire family offices are pouring money into local AI startups. The goal is to give India a stronger position in a global AI contest currently dominated by American and Chinese firms. The scoreboard so far: at least six Indian AI startups have crossed into unicorn territory, meaning valuations above $1 billion. Bloomberg tied that growth to rising adoption of AI tools by Indian consumers and businesses alike. Who is writing the checks Two names keep showing up on the cap tables: Premji Invest and Claypond Capital. Both have been putting substantial sums to work across a range of AI ventures this year. Premji Invest led a $27 million round for Pramaana Labs in June 2026. Claypond Capital, meanwhile, has been busy on two fronts. It joined Emergent’s $130 million round in July 2026. Two months later, it took part in Flam’s $40 million raise in September. Those deals point to a broader shift in how these investors think about time. Family offices are offering w...