Roundup · AI & Deep Tech

Portfolio startups raise $2.5M in fresh funding

By Startup Enthusiast · 10 March 2026

What they do

Invention Engine runs an AI-focused accelerator program for early-stage Indian startups

Four portfolio companies raised approximately $2.5 million collectively from external investors

The group includes Sonic Lamb, Cheerio AI, Desible.ai, and Magicroll with diverse products

Invention Engine announced that four of its portfolio startups collectively raised ~$2.5M in fresh funding.
The funding round highlights the success of the accelerator's 'Lab + Accelerator' model.
Sonic Lamb secured approximately $1M to expand its audio technology business globally.
Cheerio AI also raised about $1M to build multimodal AI capabilities for enterprise clients.
Desible.ai received $250,000 to enhance its conversational infrastructure platform for the BFSI sector.
Magicroll obtained $100,000 to accelerate product development and go-to-market initiatives.
Invention Engine increased its ACE program investment ticket to $100,000 per startup.
The accelerator focuses on deep operational engagement rather than backing a large volume of companies.

Invention Engine claims a 15x catalytic multiplier on its initial capital investment through this model.
The accelerator positions itself as an India-focused equivalent to Y Combinator for the AI era.
A Global Customer Advisory Board was established to guide US expansion and international market entry.
The program supports 6–8 early-stage startups in core AI technologies over six months.

Invention Engine operates as an accelerator and lab for AI-driven startups.
It provides patient capital and deep operational support to help founders scale globally.
The company opened applications for its fourth cohort of the ACE accelerator program.
Its strategy emphasizes working with a smaller number of high-potential startups.
The firm helps founders move from product definition to global market entry.
It maintains a Global Customer Advisory Board with executives from Meta and Microsoft.
The accelerator targets startups building working products that are already acquiring customers.

Sonic Lamb plans to strengthen consumer brand reach and advance core technology IP.
Cheerio AI intends to expand teams in engineering, sales, and customer success.
Magicroll aims to accelerate product development and global go-to-market initiatives.
Invention Engine will continue supporting startups in its upcoming ACE cohort.