build3 Impact Accelerator Cohort 10
By build3
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Quick Answer
A 10-week paid accelerator and startup-studio for impact ventures, offering a ₹25 lakh investment and extensive support for early-stage businesses.
About this funding program
The build3 Impact Accelerator, Cohort 10, is a premier ten-week paid accelerator and startup studio designed to 'cobuild' impact ventures. This program focuses on empowering startups that generate measurable benefits for people or the planet, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). It is inclusive of both technology and non-technology businesses, recognizing that impactful solutions can stem from diverse approaches. The accelerator is specifically crafted for founders across the early stages, from those with a nascent idea to functional early-stage businesses with a prototype, MVP, or even early traction. It caters to entrepreneurs seeking to validate their business ideas, secure their initial funding, or establish a robust, repeatable growth engine. Leveraging build3's expertise as a startup studio led by Varun Chawla (co-founder of 91springboard), the program offers a hands-on approach to transform innovative concepts into scalable, sustainable enterprises.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Startup studio focused on building impact-oriented startups
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹25 Lakhs
What You Get
Selected startups in the build3 Impact Accelerator receive a fixed INR 25 lakh investment from build3 upon successful completion of the program. This investment is structured to avoid upfront equity dilution, with no valuation set by build3 initially. The equity conversion occurs only when the startup secures its next funding round, at a favorable 15% discount to that round's valuation. Furthermore, the program includes a unique buyback clause: if a founder opts to pursue a lifestyle business model, they are required to return 2.2 times the investment within five years. Beyond the initial 10-week accelerator, funded startups benefit from up to 24 months of ongoing strategic support and an additional three-month dedicated venture-builder phase. This comprehensive support aims to significantly de-risk early-stage ventures and provide them with the necessary capital and guidance to achieve substantial growth and impact. Startups consistently demonstrating capability, conviction, and strong execution throughout the program may advance to the investment committee for funding consideration.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 2 months
- Cohort size
- 70 startups
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection for the build3 Impact Accelerator is highly competitive, with approximately 3,000 founders applying for each cohort and only around 70 being selected. The process primarily involves a thorough review of the online applications, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates. These interviews are crucial for assessing the founder's vision, problem-solving abilities, team dynamics, and alignment with the program's impact focus. Decisions are typically communicated within five days of application submission. Successful applicants then proceed to an intensive co-building phase, demonstrating their progress and execution to advance towards potential investment.
Application Process
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Apply Online
Submit your application through the Typeform portal with required details and optional pitch deck.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
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See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
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Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
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Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
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Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to participate in the accelerator?
The program fee is INR 39,900 per startup for full access to the 10-week accelerator. An additional INR 5,900 is charged per co-founder.
What kind of investment does build3 provide?
Build3 offers a fixed INR 25 lakh investment to selected startups post-program. This converts to equity only when you raise your next round, at a 15% discount.
Are there any repayment obligations?
Yes, there is a buyback clause. If a founder builds a lifestyle business instead of a growth-oriented startup, they are required to return 2.2 times the investment within five years.
Is the program suitable for pre-revenue startups?
Yes, the accelerator welcomes founders from the idea stage through to early-stage businesses, including those with a product but no revenue, or those just starting to generate revenue.
What kind of support is offered beyond the 10 weeks?
Funded startups receive up to 24 months of ongoing support, including an additional three-month venture-builder phase, along with lifetime access to the build3 founder community and investor connections.
What is the typical cohort size?
Approximately 70 startups are selected per cohort from around 3,000 applicants, ensuring a focused and intensive experience.
