Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN

StartupTN

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About this Opportunity

Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund is an exclusive equity investment initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu, implemented through StartupTN, to promote inclusive entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe founders.

The fund aims to address financial exclusion by investing in innovation-led and scalable startups founded by SC/ST entrepreneurs. It supports sustainable business growth through equity participation rather than grants.

For the 2025–26 cycle, the fund continues to back high-potential startups, with sanction orders worth ₹60.80 crores already issued across previous cohorts, contributing to socioeconomic growth and inclusive progress in the startup ecosystem.

Eligibility

  • Must qualify as a Startup under the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy.
  • More than 50% of the company’s equity must be held by one or more SC/ST founders.
  • Control of the company must vest with SC/ST shareholders.
  • The company must be domiciled in India, with its principal base of operations in Tamil Nadu.
  • SC/ST entrepreneur(s) must be natives of Tamil Nadu or of Tamil origin.
  • Preference is given to startups with principal operations within Tamil Nadu.

Application Process

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the StartupTN portal.
  • Initial eligibility and business potential assessment is conducted.
  • Business validation to evaluate feasibility and market fit.
  • Review by the Investment Committee for approval.
  • Final authorization by the Project Sanction Committee.
  • Application processing follows a first-in, first-out batch-wise approach and may take 4 to 6 months.
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