Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)

DPIIT Recognized Startup — the startup should be officially recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India initiative.

Startup Age — the startup should generally be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation, as per Startup India eligibility guidelines.

Innovation-Driven Business — the business should focus on innovation, development, improvement, or commercialization of products, services, or processes with strong market potential.

Funding Through AIF — funding under FFS is available only through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds supported by SIDBI. Startups cannot apply directly to FFS.

Scalable Business Model — the startup should demonstrate scalability, a capable founding team, clear market opportunity, and long-term growth potential to attract investment from participating AIFs.

Equity Funding for Growth — startups receive equity or equity-linked investment instead of traditional debt financing, enabling expansion without immediate repayment obligations.

Access to Professional Investors — funding is provided through experienced venture capital fund managers who help startups build sustainable growth strategies and improve investor readiness.

Mentorship & Industry Network — participating startups gain access to mentors, industry experts, strategic advisors, investor communities, and valuable business networks.

Higher Capital Availability — the multiplier investment model ensures that every contribution made by SIDBI results in significantly larger investments by participating AIFs.

Improved Credibility — receiving investment from a reputed SEBI-registered AIF improves credibility and helps attract future investors, strategic partners, and institutional funding.

Strengthens India's Startup Ecosystem — the scheme promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, technology development, and long-term economic growth while strengthening India's venture capital ecosystem.