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Fund of Funds for Startups

FFS

Published by Monika, Editor

Revised Amounts and dates checked automatically against the official listingHow entries are compiled

Program brief

BenefitThe Fund of Funds for Startups has a total corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore.
Form of supportCash, paid into the bank account
Meant forChildren
LevelCentral
Run byMinistry Of Commerce And Industry, Department For Promotion Of Industry And Internal Trade
FieldAgriculture,Rural & Environment
Started2016
How to applyOnline
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Contents of this entry
  1. Overview
  2. Benefits
  3. Eligibility
  4. Documents
  5. Application steps
  6. Common application errors
  7. Questions and answers

Overview

The Fund of Funds for Startups has a total corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore. It supports DPIIT-recognized startups up to 10 years old. The official listing gives no last date, so check the official portal for the current status before applying.

Fund of Funds for Startups

The Fund of Funds for Startups aims to support startups by providing indirect funding through registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). Launched in January 2016, it is managed by SIDBI under the Startup India initiative.

This scheme focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation across various sectors. It encourages AIFs to invest at least twice the amount received from the fund into eligible startups.

By enhancing access to capital and mentorship, this scheme strengthens India’s venture capital ecosystem, fostering economic growth.

Further facts from the listing

Scheme typeCentrally Sponsored Scheme
Implementing agencySIDBI
Scheme forInfra
DBT (direct bank transfer)No
Total corpusRs. 10,000 crore

Benefits

Award value:

  • Total corpus: Rs. 10,000 crore

The funding through this scheme is indirect, provided via AIFs, which must invest at least double the amount contributed by SIDBI. The tenure typically lasts 8, 10 years from the final closing, not exceeding 12 years.

Eligibility

Age
Up to 10 years

Eligibility:

  • Must be a registered AIF with SEBI
  • Corpus of less than Rs. 1,000 crore
  • Investment strategy includes startups
  • Must invest at least double the FFS contribution
  • Fund manager must have prior experience
  • Key members must have a CIBIL score above 650
  • Key members must be legally eligible under Indian law
  • Startups must be up to 10 years old
  • Must be DPIIT-recognized
  • Working on innovation or improvement of products, processes, or services

Two cases, worked through

Qualifies

A DPIIT-recognized startup, incorporated 5 years ago, working on innovative technology, meets all eligibility criteria for funding under this scheme.

Does not qualify

A startup that is 12 years old is ineligible because it exceeds the 10-year age limit set for recognition under the scheme.

Each case is built only from the conditions in the official listing. Your own case may differ; the call decides.

Documents

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Application steps

Application steps:

  1. Eligibility Screener and Registration
  2. Preliminary Questionnaire
  3. Feedback, Go / No-Go
  4. First Meeting
  5. Detailed Application
  6. Due Diligence Completed
  7. Second Meeting, Feedback & Terms Discussion
  8. VCIC Appraisal Memo Submission
  9. Present to VCIC Investment Committee
  10. SIDBI’s Executive Committee
  11. Final Feedback, Issue of Letter of Intent (LoI)
  12. Agreements Finalisation
  13. Onboarded for the Fund Lifecycle

Common application errors

Common application errors:

  • Missing eligibility criteria check
  • Not submitting required documents
  • Incomplete preliminary questionnaire
  • Failure to provide a comprehensive fund strategy
  • Not aligning with FFS goals during meetings

Questions and answers

Does SIDBI charge a processing fee for proposals?

No, SIDBI does not charge any processing fee for evaluating proposals under the FFS programme.

Are Category I Funds eligible under FFS?

Yes, all AIFs registered under SEBI AIF Regulations, 2012 (Category I and II) are eligible.

Is SEBI registration mandatory before applying?

Yes, AIFs must be registered with SEBI before approaching SIDBI.

What is the definition of a startup under FFS?

A startup must be up to 10 years old and working on innovation or improvement of products, processes, or services.

Can AIFs invest in foreign entities?

Generally, investments should be in Indian entities, with foreign investments allowed only under specific guidelines.

What happens if the fund does not meet the investment condition?

The condition must be met by the end of the commitment period, with compliance reported periodically.

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jsrr.in is an independent index, not a funding agency or a government body. The provider's official call is final: confirm every condition, amount and date there, and do not pay anyone who offers to apply for you.

This entry was drafted with AI tools from the official listing. Each amount and date in it was checked automatically against that listing; read the official call before you apply.

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