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This marks the second investment from Beyond Next Ventures India 1 Investment Partnership; BNV’s maiden fund, specifically dedicated to early-stage ventures for Indian entrepreneurs building globally competitive world-class deep-tech ventures that contribute to the firm’s core thesis of “Healthy People, Happy Planet & Digital Infrastructure.”
Advancing Human–AI Collaboration
FinalLayer is developing next-generation AI agents that simplify and enhance the video creation process, from discovery to editing and storytelling. Operating in the middle layer between foundational AI models and end-user applications, FinalLayer is enabling scalable, intelligent, and context-aware tools that connect human creativity with machine capability.
By empowering individuals to express ideas more efficiently and authentically, FinalLayer embodies BNV’s belief that technology should enhance human potential, not replace it.
The company’s platform has rapidly gained traction, attracting over 10,000 users within 10 weeks of launch.
Why Beyond Next Ventures Invested
Beyond Next Ventures’ investment thesis focuses on DeepTech ventures that form the backbone of innovation ecosystems across AI, robotics, healthcare, climate tech, and advanced materials. The “Healthy People, Happy Planet” vision guides BNV’s approach to backing technologies that make human life more productive, equitable, and sustainable.
“FinalLayer fits squarely into our thesis,” said Jay Krishnan, Partner, Beyond Next Ventures India Pvt Ltd. “We believe the next leap in human productivity will come from technology that amplifies human intelligence. FinalLayer is building the connective layer for this future, where creativity, capability, and consciousness align.”
Experienced Founders and Global Vision
FinalLayer was founded by Vidya Narayanan and Lakshminath Dondeti, experienced entrepreneurs with prior leadership roles at Google LLC and Qualcomm Inc. The founding team has worked together since 2005, building products that have scaled to over 80 million users worldwide.
The company operates across the U.S. and India, with teams in California and Hyderabad, reflecting a global outlook and cross-border collaboration model.
Backing from Global Investors
Alongside Beyond Next Ventures, Fjor Capital, and strategic angel investors, including Tyler Willis, Julian Weisser, Hiten Shah, and other technology leaders, have participated in FinalLayer’s latest funding round.
“We’re glad to have Beyond Next Ventures as partners,” said Vidya Narayanan and Lakshminath Dondeti, Co-founders of FinalLayer. “Their India-Japan innovation bridge and deep-tech experience bring strong alignment with our vision of building AI agents that enhance professional workflows and digital presence.”
About Beyond Next Ventures Inc.
Beyond Next Ventures is a global DeepTech venture capital firm with a decade-long track record of building successful science-driven startups and innovation ecosystems. Headquartered in Japan and India, the firm is recognized as the leading DeepTech VC and ecosystem builder in Japan.
It is now bringing that expertise to India through its first India-focused fund ($30–50 million), aimed at nurturing early-stage DeepTech startups with global ambitions. With a founder-first approach and a cross-border network spanning Japan, the U.S., and India, Beyond Next Ventures provides much more than capital, offering hands-on venture building, go-to-market support, and access to strategic corporate partners.
The firm backs visionary entrepreneurs solving critical global challenges in health, climate, and digital infrastructure, ensuring high-impact solutions reach commercial scale. Beyond Next Ventures is the only early-stage DeepTech VC with true cross-border DNA, deep operating expertise, and a dual mission of delivering top-tier financial returns and transformative societal impact.
About FinalLayer
FinalLayer develops AI agents that help professionals manage personal branding and online presence across platforms like LinkedIn. Its AI infrastructure intelligently analyzes and transforms video content to create personalized, high-impact storytelling.
