Vertex explores two AI investments
Singapore-based Vertex Ventures is in talks to invest in AI startups RapidCanvas and Supernova, as the venture capital firm looks to expand its exposure to artificial intelligence-focused businesses.
According to The Economic Times, citing people familiar with the discussions, Vertex is considering leading a $20 million to $30 million funding round in RapidCanvas, an agentic AI company based in Hyderabad and Austin. The proposed transaction could value RapidCanvas at approximately $120 million on a post-money basis. Vertex itself is expected to contribute around $20 million, while existing investors and potentially another new investor could participate.
What does RapidCanvas do?
RapidCanvas develops AI technology designed to automate enterprise data and analytical workflows. Its focus fits into a wider industry shift toward agentic AI systems that can perform multi-step business tasks rather than simply generate text or answer questions.
The potential investment therefore gives Vertex exposure to a segment of AI focused on practical enterprise automation and reducing the amount of manual work required for data-intensive operations.
Supernova deal also under discussion
Vertex is separately discussing an investment in Bengaluru-based Supernova, which operates an AI-powered platform for spoken-English learning.
The proposed investment is reportedly between $15 million and $20 million, with Vertex and Verlinvest involved in the discussions. The Economic Times reported a potential post-money valuation of around $100 million.
Supernova uses an AI tutor called Nova to let learners practise spoken English and receive feedback on areas including pronunciation and grammar. The company originally focused on educational content for children before shifting toward AI-powered spoken-English learning.
Why the potential deals matter
The two startups address different markets, but both use AI with the aim of reducing reliance on traditionally labour-intensive services. RapidCanvas targets enterprise data workflows, while Supernova applies AI to language-learning interactions that might otherwise require human instruction.
The discussions also come as investment in Indian AI companies continues to expand. Venture Intelligence data cited by Mint showed Indian AI startups attracted about $1.07 billion during the first half of 2026, compared with $802 million during the corresponding period a year earlier.
Vertex has also publicly highlighted the growing importance of agentic AI and the movement from basic generative-AI applications toward systems capable of handling broader workflows.
Balanced Analysis
If completed, the RapidCanvas and Supernova investments would broaden Vertex's AI portfolio across two distinct applications: enterprise automation and consumer education.
However, the transactions remain under discussion. Reported investment amounts and valuations can change during negotiations, and there is no certainty that talks will result in deals on the currently reported terms.
For investors, the bigger question will be whether AI startups can turn rapid adoption into sustainable revenue and defensible businesses as competition intensifies. For Vertex, the reported negotiations indicate that AI is becoming a more prominent part of its investment activity.
