Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN
By StartupTN
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Quick Answer
Equity investment fund by the Government of Tamil Nadu backing scalable, innovation-led startups where SC/ST founders hold majority equity and control, with over ₹60 crore already deployed.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- StartupTN
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Tamil Nadu
About this funding program
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
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
StartupTN is the Tamil Nadu government's startup and innovation mission. Its formal name is the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission, usually shortened to TANSIM, and it sits under the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of Tamil Nadu. It works out…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
What You Get
This program offers exclusive equity investment for innovation-led and scalable startups founded by SC/ST entrepreneurs. It supports sustainable business growth through equity participation. Previous cohorts have received sanction orders worth ₹60.80 crores.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the StartupTN portal. Followed by initial eligibility and business potential assessment. Then, business validation for feasibility and market fit. Review by an Investment Committee, and final authorization by the Project Sanction Committee.
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as an SC/ST founder for this fund?
The SC/ST entrepreneur(s) must be natives of Tamil Nadu or of Tamil origin, must hold more than 50% of the company''s equity, and must retain management control of the startup. The company must be domiciled in India with principal operations in Tamil Nadu.
Is this a grant or an equity investment?
This is an equity investment fund — the government takes a stake in the startup in exchange for the capital. It is not a non-dilutive grant.
What stage should the startup be at?
The fund targets innovation-led and scalable startups. While no strict stage requirement is specified, preference is given to startups with a validated product or early revenue that can demonstrate growth potential.
Must the startup be registered under the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy?
Yes. The startup must qualify under the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy. Ensure your startup meets the policy''s eligibility criteria before applying.
How long does the application process take?
Applications are processed on a batch-wise first-in, first-out basis. The full process — from submission through business validation, Investment Committee review, and Project Sanction Committee authorization — typically takes 4 to 6 months.
How much funding can a startup receive?
The fund amount is determined based on the startup''s evaluation and the available corpus. Previous cohorts have seen total sanction orders of ₹60.80 crores across multiple startups. Confirm the per-startup cap for the current cycle with StartupTN.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
