Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank)

Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank)

The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) is India's premier export finance institution, established in 1982 under the Export-Import Bank of India Act, 1981. Wholly owned by the Government of India and operating under the Ministry of Finance, Exim Bank serves as the principal financial institution for coordinating the working of institutions engaged in financing India's international trade and investment.

Role in the Startup Ecosystem

Beyond traditional trade finance, Exim Bank has evolved into an active participant in India's startup and innovation ecosystem — particularly for companies with export ambitions. The bank offers a rare combination of equity investment, debt financing, and hands-on technical assistance that most standalone investors or government schemes cannot match.

Key Programs

Ubharte Sitaare Programme (USP) The flagship initiative for high-potential startups and SMEs with export orientation. USP identifies future export champions — companies with differentiated technology, products, or processes — and provides structured support through equity, equity-like instruments, and technical assistance. The Ubharte Sitaare Fund, registered with SEBI in July 2021, has a corpus of Rs. 250 crore (green shoe option of Rs. 250 crore additional) and is co-sponsored by Exim Bank and SIDBI (Rs. 40 crore each). It invests across manufacturing and services sectors, with a special focus on deeptech startups building for global markets.

Export Finance and Working Capital Exim Bank extends pre-shipment and post-shipment export credit, working capital finance, and term loans to exporters of all sizes — from early-stage companies making their first international sale to established enterprises scaling globally. Financing covers production, packaging, shipping, and market entry costs.

Overseas Investment Finance For Indian companies looking to set up joint ventures, wholly owned subsidiaries, or project offices abroad, Exim Bank provides structured financing for outbound FDI — enabling startups to establish a global footprint backed by sovereign-grade credit.

GRID Programme The Grassroots Initiative and Development (GRID) programme supports rural entrepreneurs, artisans, and traditional craftspersons with export-linked financing, bringing underrepresented communities into the export economy.

Export Development Fund (EDF) A financial assistance scheme supporting export promotion, trade-related research, and capacity-building — useful for industry bodies, clusters, and companies building the institutional infrastructure to compete globally.

Who Should Apply

Exim Bank support is best suited for startups and SMEs with validated export potential seeking equity via the Ubharte Sitaare Programme, manufacturing and services companies seeking pre- or post-shipment credit, deeptech companies building for global markets, and export-oriented units across engineering, pharma, textiles, food processing, IT/ITeS, and clean energy.

Impact and Track Record

Exim Bank has facilitated hundreds of billions of rupees in export credit over four decades and has built a growing portfolio of equity investments in export-champion companies through USP. Its collaboration with SIDBI ensures synergy with India's broader MSME financing ecosystem.

How to Engage

Startups interested in the Ubharte Sitaare Programme can apply via Exim Bank's official portal at www.eximbankindia.in. Loan and credit applications are processed through Exim Bank's regional offices across Mumbai (headquarters), New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.