Innovation Financing Options

🚀𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 I spent some time going through the latest startup schemes that were announced, and honestly, this is one of the strongest pushes India has made for early-stage founders. If you’re building something in AI, education, hardware, deep-tech or even an early student startup, there’s real money on the table. And the best part is, a lot of this support comes without giving up equity. Sharing the ones that really stood out to me: 𝟭. 𝗡-𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 (₹𝟰 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀+) This is probably the easiest starting point for: • First-time founders • Early ideas • Student or campus startups It’s simple support to help you start building. 𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 (₹𝟭 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲+) If you’re thinking global from day one, this is worth exploring. They help with: • Setting up in the US • GTM support • High-ticket funding Basically a shortcut to global exposure. 𝟯. 𝗘𝗗𝗨 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 (₹𝟰 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀+) Anyone working on EdTech or skill development should look at this. There’s big support for: • EdTech products • Skilling platforms • Curriculum and learning innovation 𝟰. 𝗨𝗻𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝗜 (₹𝟯𝟬 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀+) This is huge for AI builders. Perfect for: • AI tools • SaaS + ML products • Automation + deep-tech ideas If you’re building anything around AI, this is free rocket fuel. 𝟱. 𝗡𝗜𝗗𝗛𝗜 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗦 (₹𝟭𝟬 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀) This one is for hardware and IoT founders. You can actually get funding to build your prototype or MVP. A very practical scheme if your idea needs R&D. 𝟲. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 (₹𝟱𝟬 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀) Designed for early-stage teams working on: • Prototype development • Product building • Market entry One of the most reliable government-backed supports right now. I’m sharing this because a lot of founders will be aware. If you’re planning to start something in 2026, this is genuinely the best time to prepare. If you want to discuss which scheme fits your idea, feel free to message me. Always happy to connect with other builders. #Startups #IndiaStartups #FounderCommunity #AI #EdTech #DeepTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurs #Funding #NIDHIPrayas #UnnatiAI #SeedFund #StartupEcosystem

₹77,080 Crores allocated by the Government of India for startups and manufacturing in 2025. Yet most founders are still chasing VC money. I work with startups daily, and it surprises me how many don't even know these schemes exist. Here's what's available right now The Big Picture: → Deep Tech & Startup Fund: ₹30,000 Cr → MSME Budget Outlay: ₹23,168 Cr → Startup India Fund of Funds: ₹10,000 Cr → PLI Electronics & IT: ₹9,000 Cr → PLI Auto Components: ₹2,819 Cr → PLI Textiles: ₹1,148 Cr → Startup India Seed Fund: ₹945 Cr This is just the major allocations - there's more buried in smaller schemes. Let me break down what you can actually access based on your stage [1] For Early Stage Startups: 👉🏼 Startup India Seed Fund: Up to ₹50L per startup 👉🏼 SAMRIDH Scheme: Up to ₹40L grants 👉🏼 Atal Innovation Mission: Up to ₹15L for prototypes Most founders think these are too small. But remember, this is non-dilutive capital that can get you to revenue stage. [2] For Revenue Stage Companies: 👉🏼 CGTMSE: Up to ₹2 Cr collateral-free loans 👉🏼 Stand-Up India: ₹10L to ₹1 Cr for SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs 👉🏼 Multiplier Grants: Up to ₹10 Cr for R&D projects This is where it gets interesting. Revenue-stage companies have the best shot at accessing larger amounts. [3] For Manufacturing: 👉🏼 PLI schemes across 14+ sectors 👉🏼 Significant incentives for domestic production 👉🏼 Focus on electronics, auto, textiles If you're in manufacturing, you're literally sitting on a goldmine of incentives. The challenge? Most founders don't know how to navigate the application process. Here's where to start: - Startup India Portal [https://lnkd.in/gBdAH52D] - myScheme Portal [myscheme.gov.in] - SIDBI Portal [sidbi.in] - AIM Portal [aim.gov.in] - MeitY Startup Hub [msh.meity.gov.in] What you actually need: ✓ DPIIT registration for startups ✓ Proper documentation ✓ Clear business plan ✓ Compliance records ✓ Incubator partnerships (for some schemes) I've seen founders spend months preparing pitch decks for VCs, but won't spend a week getting their documentation ready for government schemes. The reality is Government funding is often cheaper, comes with less dilution, and has better terms than VC money. But it requires patience and proper documentation. #startupfunding #manufacturing #debtfunding

₹50 LAKHS GRANT FOR STARTUPS - YET 99% ENTREPRENEURS MISS IT As someone who has built businesses both from scratch and with institutional support, I can tell you one thing: knowing how to raise funds is just as important as having a strong idea. Right now, the Indian government is offering up to ₹50 lakhs to early-stage startups under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). This is not a loan. This is not equity. This is a pure grant. Yet, most startup founders I meet are either unaware of this or believe it’s too complicated to apply for. Here’s what every serious founder needs to know: 🔹 You don’t need a market-ready product. You can apply even if you're at the idea or MVP stage. 🔹 You must be an Indian citizen with a startup registered in India, under 10 years old, and working on a tech-first or innovation-first model. 🔹 You must not have received prior government funding under any other central scheme. 🔹 To apply, your startup needs DPIIT recognition (which is free and easy to get at startupindia.gov.in) 🔹 Once recognised, go to https://lnkd.in/g66vuPaf, choose three incubators, upload your pitch deck and necessary documents, and submit your application. As an entrepreneur, I’ve often seen amazing ideas collapse due to a lack of funds and access. What I’ve also seen is that those who invest time in understanding government systems and startup policies go a lot further than those who wait for VCs to knock on their door. If you're working on an idea that solves a real problem, don’t let the lack of capital hold you back. 🔹 Pitch clearly. 🔹 Show why your idea is innovative. 🔹 Prove that your team can build it. 🔹 Keep your documents and vision sorted. India has never been more startup-friendly than it is today. But this window will only benefit those who are proactive and informed. If you’re building, I strongly recommend exploring this scheme. Every founder should know this. Every startup should at least try. A good pitch can open a ₹50 lakh door. Sometimes, that’s all you need to go from idea to execution. Watch this space for more such insights. And if you're someone working on a strong idea, now is the time to build. #startupindia #founders #entrepreneurship #startupfunding #SISFS #governmentgrants #businessstrategy

Looking to raise capital in Switzerland? I’m launching a weekly series covering investment funds with Swiss roots that actively invest in startups across multiple markets. This week’s focus: Canton of Geneva, a major center for early and growth-stage investing. ACE Ventures - Seed to Series A | AI, B2B SaaS, cleantech, fintech FONGIT - Pre-seed | Early-stage innovation and startup incubation BlueOcean Ventures - Pre-seed to Series A | Biotech, medtech, enterprise software Rosebrook - Seed to Series B | Cleantech and energy transition Calvin Capital - Pre-seed to Series A | B2B SaaS, blockchain, Web3 Seedstars International Ventures - Pre-seed to Series A | B2B SaaS, fintech, marketplaces Climb Ventures - Series B+ | B2B SaaS, consumer, cleantech, deeptech, healthtech DAA Ventures - Seed to Series A | AI/ML, robotics, cleantech, B2B SaaS Forestay Capital - Series A to B | B2B SaaS scale-ups NGP Capital - Series A to growth | Industrial tech and deeptech OakStart Ventures - Pre-seed to Series A | Broad early-stage focus Olive Capital - Pre-seed | Web3 and emerging digital models Qualcomm Ventures - Series A to growth | AI, automotive, IoT and connectivity EFI Lake Geneva Ventures - Seed to Series A | Generalist across tech and innovation Zebra Impact Ventures - Series A to growth | Foodtech and agtech with impact Volta Circle - Series A | Sustainability and climate-focused ventures Know other Swiss-based funds investing in startups that should be on the list? Add them in the comments.

For too long, Britain’s strengths have been undervalued. We’re home to some of the world’s top universities, the third-trillion dollar tech sector, and home to some of the world’s leading start-ups. If we want stronger, long-term economic growth, we need to back talent and those who are turning ideas into jobs, exports, and global success stories.  That’s why we’ve set out a clear plan to support entrepreneurs and high-growth firms. First, the British Business Bank will invest £5 billion in scaling UK companies, crowding in private capital and supporting firms through the high-risk “Valley of Death” stage so more businesses can grow, hire, and export from the UK. Second, Innovate UK’s new £130 million Growth Catalyst will provide grants and hands-on support to cutting-edge science and technology companies. A previous version of this programme turned £156 million of public backing into £1.66 billion of follow-on investment, a tenfold return that shows the power of targeted support. We’re also boosting UK Research and Innovation with a £7 billion funding package to help more promising firms bring breakthroughs to market.  And through targeted scale-up programmes, we’re ensuring high-growth companies can access the capital they need without feeling they have to leave the UK. Finally, by doubling eligibility for key schemes like the Enterprise Management Incentive and raising investment limits under the Enterprise Investment Scheme, the first time in 15 years, we’re making it easier for founders to attract talent and investment, and to build globally competitive businesses here at home. Yesterday I met entrepreneurs at Number 10 to discuss how these changes will help more UK companies succeed, and how we're working to grow our economy for the future.

Dear founders, you don't need $5M! you need $500K 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 investor. Here's 25 of them 👇 A massive shift is happening in early-stage funding. It's called 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: Raise once. Get profitable. Keep your company. No dilution death spiral. No 18-month fundraising loops. No begging for a Series A that statistically won't come. Why now? → AI cut build costs from $3M to under $100K  → Midjourney hit $500M revenue with ZERO funding  → Aragon.ai reached $7M ARR on less than $1M raised  → Only 15.5% of seed startups ever land a Series A The old playbook is dead. But most founders don't know who actually funds this way. 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦 💰 ① INDIE ENTERPRISES | $250K–$2M | USA 🇺🇸 ② Calm Company Fund | $25K–$250K | USA ③ SaaStr Fund | $500K–$2M+ ($90M fund) | USA ④ Bloomberg Beta | $250K–$1M (~$75M fund) | USA ⑤ Flybridge | $250K–$10M (~$100M fund) | USA ⑥ Hustle Fund | $25K–$150K ($46M fund) | USA/SG ⑦ Homebrew | $500K–$1.5M (~$90M fund) | USA ⑧ Costanoa Ventures | $1M–$5M ($275M fund) | USA ⑨ Blackhorn Ventures | $500K–$2M | USA ⑩ TinySeed | $120K–$220K | USA ⑪ Buyback Ventures | $50K–$500K | USA ⑫ Bootstrapper Capital // powered by Bootstrapper.ai | $50K–$500K | USA ⑬ Incisive Ventures | $100K–$500K | USA ⑭ OpenSky Ventures | $50K–$500K | USA ⑮ Forum Ventures | ~$100K | USA ⑯ Champion Venture Partners | $100K–$500K+ | USA ⑰ Flying Founders | €100K–€500K | Europe ⑱ D2 Fund | Up to €2M | Europe ⑲ Reflexion Capital | €3M–€5M | Europe ⑳ Fuel Ventures 🚀 | $250K–$1M | UK ㉑ STRT Holding | €50K–€250K | Hungary ㉒ Earthling VC | $50K–$250K ($5M fund) | USA 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟𝗦 ㉓ Zdenek Fred Fous | €500K–€1M (€10M fund) | Europe ㉔ Alex Lieberman (Morning Brew) | $10K–$100K | USA ㉕ Henry Shi (Super.com) | $10K–$50K | USA Save this. Share this. The game is changing. — 🔥 Want the full list with direct contacts + how to reach each one? 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 "𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗗" + 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲 → I'll send it to you 👇 — 📌 Already raising? Evalyze matches you with 12,000+ verified investors — VCs, angels, and seedstrap-friendly funds. Get your free Investor Readiness Score and AI-powered matches → Evalyze.ai ♻️ Repost this. A founder in your network needs to see it.

Pre-seed is the loneliest stage in fundraising. You haven't proven much yet, the data is thin, and most funds want someone else to go first. These VCs exist specifically to write that first check: - E1 Ventures (Miami, FL) — frontier science and deep tech: AI, space, energy, defense, robotics. $250K+ base checks. - Geek Ventures (New York, NY) — $100K to $1M, sector-agnostic with an AI and robotics lean. Back immigrant founders specifically. - Red Bike Capital (New York, NY) — pre-seed / seed checks into fintech, SaaS, health and wellness. Led by Rachel ten Brink (YC alum, Scentbird founder). Hands-on GTM support to land your first enterprise customers. - Congruent Ventures (San Francisco, CA) — early-stage climate and sustainability across energy, food and ag, mobility, and materials. First institutional check in ~80% of its portfolio. - Charge Ventures (Brooklyn, NY) — first-check pre-seed / seed into B2B, enterprise, fintech, and logistics. Can be first institutional money in. - Zetta Venture Partners (San Francisco, CA) — $1-5M checks in pre-traction startups, focused on AI and infrastructure AI-native B2B models. - Yellow Rocks! (San Francisco, CA) — pre-seed / seed into Future of Work, fintech, and edtech, with a global founder lens. Runs "Pre-Seed To Succeed," a dedicated program to help young companies raise their first round. - Serac Ventures (Oklahoma City, OK) — $500K to $750K into fintech, SaaS, and commerce enablement, backing non-traditional founders in overlooked markets. - DVC Collective (Los Altos, CA) — $100K to $300K into repeat AI founders, with follow-on capacity into Series A and B. - LongJump (Chicago, IL) — $110K first checks, industry-agnostic, backing founders building in the Midwest. -- The funds that lead pre-seed decide before the round gets crowded. 👇 This list is non-exhaustive. Tag a fund writing first checks that belongs here, especially the ones backing Florida founders.

10 fresh funds that recently launched and are actively deploying capital 🚀 The kind of investors you can start building relationships with early even before you’re officially “raising.” Founders often ask me which funds are actively investing right now. That question usually shows up after an angel round, when execution takes over and fundraising “pauses.” The issue is that capital doesn’t pause. Early-stage capital works best when it’s treated as a long-term partnership, not a one-off transaction (especially in the quiet period between rounds.) If you’re a founder thinking one step ahead, these are worth knowing 👇 1️⃣ Female Founders Fund Fund size: $29M. Geography: US. Sector: Female-founded companies. Stage: Seed. Check size: $500K - $750K. 2️⃣ Propeller Fund size: $50M. Geography: US and MENA. Sector: AI infrastructure and AI-native applications. Stage: Seed & Pre-A. Check size: $150k - $500k. 3️⃣ Anti Fund Fund size: $30M. Geography: US. Sector: high-growth AI, robotics/automation, SaaS. Stage: Pre-seed & Seed. Check size: $250k - $500k. 4️⃣ Holly Ventures Fund size: $33M. Geography: global (emphasis on Israel). Sector: Cybersecurity. Stage: Seed. 5️⃣ Valkyrie Fund size: $45M. Geography: US. Sector: AI, infrastructure, and critical industries. Stage: Early stage. 6️⃣ Nexus Venture Partners Fund size: $700M. Geography: US & India. Sector: AI & Software companies in the US; Digital-native businesses in India. Stage: Seed & Series A. 7️⃣ CoFound Fund size: $30M. Geography: US. Sector: visionary founders building outside the obvious clusters. Stage: Pre-seed & Seed. 8️⃣ S3 Ventures Fund size: $250M. Geography: US. Sector: Business Software, Healthtech. Stage: Seed - Series B. Check size: $500k to $15M+. 9️⃣ 6 Degrees Capital@ Fund size: €154M. Geography: Global. Sector: Enterprise Software, AI and Fintech. Stage: Seed to Series A. Check size: €1m - €5m. 🔟 Brainworks Ventures and Brainworks Venture Labs Fund size: $50M. Geography: North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Sector: AI-native companies. Stage: Pre-seed - Series A. Check size: $250,000 - $10 million. If you’re not raising yet, this is actually the best time to start conversations. 💭 What other new funds belong on the list?

I am thrilled to see this announcement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) on how we translate research into public benefit, which acknowledges an important consideration: that different institutions and IHEs have different capacities to do this. This new program creates tiers for entry and prioritizes research mobilizations, knowledge dissemination, engagement, and commercial tech transfer. The gap between academic discovery and tangible public solutions is one of the most significant opportunities in the U.S. innovation ecosystem. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) have released an updated solicitation for the Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program. The goal is clear: build capacity for translational research at Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) across the nation, not just in established tech hubs. What is distinctive about this approach? The NSF is moving beyond the traditional "tech transfer" metrics of just patents and startups. They are looking for Research Translation Readiness Levels (RTRL). Whether an institution is just starting to build infrastructure or is ready to mentor others, there is a specific track designed to meet them where they are. The 5 Tracks for Funding: 🚀 Track 1: Accelerating Technology Transfer (ACT) For: IHEs with low-to-medium readiness but high potential. Goal: Build the initial infrastructure for innovation. Funding: Up to $3M (3 years) 🌱 Track 2: Growing Capacity (GROW) For: IHEs with high research volume but low translation outcomes. Goal: Partner with a mentor institution to unleash innovation potential. Funding: Up to $6M (4 years) 🤝 Track 3: Technology Transfer Resource Centers (RESOURCE) For: High-readiness IHEs or non-profits. Goal: Launch regional centers to support other institutions with guidance and services. Funding: Up to $8M (4 years) 📚 Track 4: Education and Training (ET) For: Organizations with established ecosystems. Goal: Develop and deploy national training materials for entrepreneurship and translation. Funding: Up to $3M (3 years). 🔗 Track 5: Coordinating Center (CART) For: A unifying center to coordinate efforts across all tracks. Goal: Monitor progress and facilitate integration. Funding: Up to $3M (5 years) This is a massive step toward democratizing innovation and ensuring that research dollars translate into sustained economic and collective impacts for our communities. #NSF #ResearchTranslation #HigherEd #Innovation #TechTransfer #PublicImpact There's an ART in that :) https://lnkd.in/ettWKtQX

Startups are still chasing VCs while ₹𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 in non-dilutive capital sit untouched in India. In 2026, government-backed capital isn’t slowing down. It’s getting more targeted, more structured, and more founder-friendly. And yet, the same pattern repeats. Weeks spent perfecting pitch decks. Zero time spent applying for grants, subsidies, or collateral-free programs. After mentoring hundreds of early-stage teams, one thing remains baffling: people are allergic to “free money” if it doesn’t come from a VC. Let’s get specific. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 2026 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 (𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗗𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲) → Startup India + Seed & Acceleration programs: ₹10,000+ Cr ongoing deployment → MSME & Credit Linked Incentives: ₹25,000+ Cr → PLI schemes (electronics, auto, EV, textiles, batteries): expanded across 14+ sectors → Deeptech, AI, semiconductor & climate-tech programs: new allocations + extensions → SIDBI-backed innovation and growth funds: multi-year pipeline Pre-Revenue or Early Stage? Capital exists before traction. → Seed grants up to ₹50L → Prototype, pilot, and market-entry funding → Incubator-backed programs with zero equity dilution 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲? Growth does not have to start with equity dilution. → Collateral-free loans up to ₹2 Cr → Government multiplier grants → Women, SC/ST, and first-time founder focused programs with preferential terms Manufacturing, EV, Hardware, Climate? This is where 2026 is aggressive. → PLI incentives tied to output, not promises → Export-linked benefits → Capex and scale subsidies that VCs can’t match The real problem Not eligibility. Not availability. Navigation. Most teams don’t know where to begin or how to structure themselves to qualify. The 2026 cheat sheet → Startup India → myScheme → SIDBI → MeitY Startup Hub → State-level innovation missions (often overlooked) What you’ll actually need ✓ DPIIT registration ✓ Clean compliance and documentation ✓ A real business plan, not a pitch deck ✓ Incubator or ecosystem partnerships where required ✓ Discipline to treat grants like capital, not charity 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲. Complaints about VC rejections While ignoring ₹50L–₹2Cr opportunities that don’t dilute a single share. 2026 will reward operators who understand capital strategy, not just fundraising optics. 💬 Drop your toughest question on grants, subsidies, or non-dilutive capital ♻ Repost this for someone still chasing dilution unnecessarily 🔔 Follow Anshuman Sinha for grounded startup and capital insights #startups #anshumansinha #funding