The Startup India initiative, launched on January 16, 2016, has continued to strengthen India’s entrepreneurial landscape by building a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation, encourages investment and supports the growth of startups across the country.
After a decade, as of January 31, 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised a total of 2,12,283 entities as startups. Notably, 1,02,054 recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner, reflecting growing participation of women in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), which maintains the status of registered entities, reported that 6,789 recognised startups have been categorised as closed (dissolved or struck off). Of these, 2,950 startups had at least one woman director or partner.
To support startups at various stages of their business lifecycle, the Government is implementing three flagship schemes under Startup India—Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), managed by SIDBI, catalyses venture capital investments by providing capital to SEBI‑registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which in turn invest in startups. As of January 31, 2026, AIFs supported under the scheme have invested Rs 25,859 crore in startups. Since 2020, AIFs have invested Rs 2,995 crore in women‑led startups.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), operational from April 1, 2021, provides financial assistance to seed‑stage startups through approved incubators. As of January 31, 2026, selected incubators have approved Rs 592 crore in funding for startups, including Rs 294 crore for women‑led ventures.
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), launched on April 1, 2023, enables debt financing for startups through eligible financial institutions. Loans amounting to Rs 925 crore have been guaranteed under the scheme so far, of which Rs 39 crore have been guaranteed for women‑led startups.
The Government remains committed to strengthening the ease of doing business, promoting gender-inclusive entrepreneurship and providing systemic financial and infrastructural support to India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.
