About this agriculture scheme
The Fund of Funds for Startups supports DPIIT-recognized startups by investing in registered AIFs. The official listing gives no last date, so check the official portal for the current status before applying. Apply online through SIDBI.
The Fund of Funds for Startups was launched in January 2016 under the Startup India initiative. It aims to provide financial support to startups recognized by DPIIT.
This scheme is managed by SIDBI and focuses on investing in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that will, in turn, invest in startups.
The Fund has a total corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore and aims to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors.
By facilitating access to equity funding, mentorship, and industry connections, this scheme plays a crucial role in boosting India’s startup ecosystem.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Ministry Of Commerce And Industry |
| Department | Department For Promotion Of Industry And Internal Trade |
| Launch year | 2016 |
| Benefit | The Fund of Funds for Startups supports DPIIT-recognized startups by investing in registered AIFs. |
| Benefit type | Cash (money paid to your bank account) |
| Category | Agriculture |
| Level / State | Central · All India |
| Official portal | sidbivcf.in (link at the end of this page) |
Key facts
| Scheme type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | SIDBI |
| Scheme for | Infra |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | Not given in the official listing |
| DBT (direct bank transfer) | No |
| Total corpus | Rs. 10,000 crore |
| Last date for application | Ongoing |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤All genders
- 🎂Age 0 to 10 years
- 📝Online
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
What you receive
- Equity funding for startups through AIFs.
- Mentorship from experienced AIF managers.
- Access to larger capital by attracting private investors.
- Support for innovation-driven enterprises.
- Strengthening of India's venture capital ecosystem.
Funding is indirect, provided through AIFs. Startups can benefit from this support as AIFs invest at least twice the amount received from the Fund.
Who qualifies
- Must be a DPIIT-recognized startup.
- Startup age should be up to 10 years from incorporation.
- Must work on innovation or improvement of products, processes, or services.
- Investment must be made through SEBI-registered AIFs.
- AIF must agree to invest at least twice the amount sought from FFS.
Who is not eligible
- No specific exclusions mentioned.
Papers to keep ready
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Registration walkthrough
- Complete the eligibility screener and register online.
- Fill out the preliminary questionnaire with fund details.
- Receive feedback on whether to proceed.
- Attend an introductory meeting to discuss objectives.
- Submit a detailed application with all required documents.
- Undergo due diligence evaluation.
- Attend a second meeting to discuss findings.
- Submit a VCIC appraisal memo.
- Present to the VCIC for approval.
- Final review by SIDBI’s Executive Committee.
- Receive final feedback and Letter of Intent (LoI).
- Finalize legal agreements.
- Complete onboarding for the fund lifecycle.
To check the status of your application, log in to the official portal or contact SIDBI's helpline.
Important dates
| Launch / start | 16 Jan 2016 |
|---|
Real-life examples: are you eligible?
A quick way to gauge your eligibility: find the profile nearest to yours.
Every case differs. Confirm your eligibility on the official portal before applying.
- Incomplete application forms leading to rejection.
- Failure to provide required documents.
- Not meeting the eligibility criteria.
- Incorrect information about the fund's investment strategy.
- Missing the deadline for submission, if applicable.
- Not having a prior track record for fund managers.
Frequently asked questions
Does SIDBI charge any fees for application?
No, there are no processing fees for evaluating proposals.
What is the maximum age for a startup to apply?
Startups must be up to 10 years old from their incorporation date.
Are foreign entities eligible for funding?
Generally, investments should be in Indian entities.
What is the minimum corpus for AIFs to apply?
AIFs with a corpus of less than Rs. 1,000 crore can apply.
Can AIFs invest in startups outside India?
Investments abroad are allowed under specific guidelines but do not count towards the investment multiplier.
What happens if AIFs do not meet the investment condition?
AIFs must comply by the end of the commitment period, or they may face penalties.
Submit your application yourself on the official portal; it costs nothing. Treat anyone demanding money to "get you approved" as a scam.
tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.
Drafted with AI tools from the official listing. Every number and date is checked automatically against the official text; confirm the details on the official portal before applying.
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