Get answers to the most common questions about startup funding in India
To get a startup grant in India, you need to: 1) Register your startup under Startup India initiative, 2) Identify suitable grants like NIDHI-SSP or BIRAC funding, 3) Prepare a detailed business plan, 4) Meet eligibility criteria (usually early-stage startups), 5) Submit application with required documents. Popular grants include government schemes and private foundation funding.
Top government grants for Indian startups include: NIDHI Seed Support Program (up to ₹50 lakhs), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (up to ₹20 lakhs), BIRAC grants for biotech startups, DST-SERB grants for technology startups, and state-specific schemes like Karnataka Startup Cell grants. Each has different eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Find VCs in India through: 1) Our comprehensive VC directory with 500+ investors, 2) Startup events and pitch competitions, 3) Angel networks like Indian Angel Network, 4) City-specific ecosystems (Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi), 5) Industry-specific VCs. Research their portfolio, investment stage, and ticket size before approaching.
Essential documents for grant applications: Startup India registration certificate, incorporation documents, business plan with financial projections, founder resumes, product/service details, market analysis, use of funds statement, bank account details, and any relevant intellectual property documents.
Funding timelines vary: Government grants typically take 3-6 months from application to disbursal. VC funding can take 6-12 months including due diligence. Angel funding is faster at 2-4 months. The process includes application review, presentations, due diligence, and legal documentation.
NIDHI grant eligibility: Startup should be incorporated within 10 years, have innovative technology-based solutions, demonstrate scalability potential, founders should have relevant experience, and the startup shouldn't have received funding exceeding ₹10 crores from government sources.
Top cities for startup funding: Bangalore (highest VC concentration), Mumbai (financial capital with many investors), Delhi NCR (government proximity and diverse ecosystem), Pune (emerging tech hub), Hyderabad (IT and biotech focus), and Chennai (automotive and healthcare startups).
VC equity expectations in India: Seed stage VCs typically ask for 15-25% equity, Series A investors seek 20-30%, and later-stage investors may take 10-20%. The exact percentage depends on valuation, funding amount, and investor involvement level.