Accel has opted to maintain its India fund size at $650 million for its eighth venture vehicle, contrary to the trend of larger funds in the region. Partner Shekhar Kirani emphasized the firm’s focus on quality returns over sheer capital size, referencing historical data that suggests returns diminish with funds exceeding $650 million. While competitors like Peak XV and Lightspeed have raised significantly larger funds, Accel remains committed to its strategy of backing approximately 40 high-quality startups annually. The firm aims to tap into emerging opportunities in wealthtech and rural markets, showcasing its long-term vision for India’s startup ecosystem.