Startup-specific scheme · Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
FFS 1.0 corpus of ₹10,000 crore fully committed to 145 AIFs, which have invested over ₹25,500 crore in 1,370+ startups (Feb 2026). New AIF commitments now flow through FoF 2.0; startups access capital by pitching FFS-backed AIFs.
- Amount
- Corpus of ₹10,000 crore
- Type of support
- Equity
- Best for
- Growth / Scaling
- Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised startups, Growth-stage startups
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) provides capital to venture funds so they can invest in startups, helping increase the availability of funding and support the growth of India’s startup ecosystem.
Who can apply?
- SEBI-registered AIFs can apply for capital under the Scheme.
- The funding is provided to DPIIT recognised startups by selected AIFs.
What do you get?
- The Scheme has a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, which is aimed to be provided to startup through AIFs. The AIFs supported under the Scheme are to invest at least twice the contribution out of FFS in startups across stages
- As of Feb 2026 the entire ₹10,000 crore corpus has been committed to 145 AIFs, which have invested over ₹25,500 crore in more than 1,370 startups.
How to apply
The application process for AIFs has been digitalised and a detailed application can be submitted by the AIFs on SIDBI’s Fund Application Portal (https://vcfapplication.sidbi.in/login). The AIF applications undergo an eligibility screening and screening based on preliminary questionnaire. Eligible startups can approach selected AIFs for investments.
Objectives
The Government has established FFS to catalyze venture capital investments. It is operationalized by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) who in turn invest in startups through equity and equity-linked instruments.
Key links
- Website sidbivcf.in
- Operational guidelines dpiit.gov.in
Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.
Related schemes
- FoF 2.0A new ₹10,000 crore fund of funds channeling capital through AIFs into deep tech, manufacturing and other priority startups.Open now
- AcEBIRAC fund of funds whose partner AIFs invest up to ₹7 crore equity (plus ₹3.5 crore follow-on) in scaling biotech startups.Active
- AgriSUREA ₹750 crore blended fund investing up to ₹25 crore per startup in agriculture and rural enterprises, plus incubation support.Open now
- SAMRIDHUp to ₹40 lakh investment plus equal matching private funding and acceleration services to scale your IT product startup.Active