ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0

The ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0 is a structured, cohort-based virtual program specifically designed to equip early- to growth-stage startups for successful engagement with institutional investors, corporate venture capital firms, and strategic partners. Operated by AIC ISB, this accelerator acts as a crucial bridge, transforming founder aspirations into investor confidence by strengthening all aspects of investment readiness.

Running over approximately 100 days, IRA 2.0 guides participating startups through a comprehensive journey focused on preparing them for fundraising. The program goes beyond basic pitch deck creation, delving into the fundamental elements required for securing investment. Startups receive tailored support to refine their investment narrative, build robust financial models, establish comprehensive data rooms, and gain a clear understanding of critical fundraising components like term sheets, valuations, and deal structures. The primary goal is to ensure founders approach their fundraising efforts with clarity, thorough preparation, and strategic alignment.

Key components of the accelerator include intensive workshops covering essential topics such as financial modelling, in-depth market analysis, effective pitching techniques, and crucial legal considerations for fundraising. In addition to group learning sessions, startups benefit from personalized one-on-one mentorship provided by seasoned entrepreneurs, active investors, and respected industry experts. The program also incorporates mock pitch sessions and offers real-time feedback from panels of investors, allowing founders to hone their communication skills and storytelling abilities. Furthermore, participants gain valuable networking opportunities with potential investors, banking professionals, corporate partners, and a community of fellow entrepreneurs, enhancing their visibility and access to vital capital networks.

IRA 2.0 is sector-agnostic, welcoming innovation-driven startups from a wide array of fields, including fintech, healthtech, agritech, climatetech, deeptech, cybersecurity, GenAI, mobility, edtech, SaaS, and various other technology-enabled domains. This program is particularly well-suited for startups that are actively planning to raise Seed to Pre-Series A or Series A rounds within the upcoming three to six months.

• Virtual accelerator program by AIC ISB.
• Focuses on investment readiness for Seed to Series A fundraising.
• Open to early- to growth-stage startups at product or revenue stage.
• Sector-agnostic, welcoming diverse technology-enabled domains.
• Offers one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and investor feedback.
• Program duration is approximately 100 days.

The ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0 is open to early- to growth-stage startups that have a product or are generating revenue. Ideal candidates are innovation-driven companies actively preparing to raise Seed to Pre-Series A or Series A funding rounds within the next three to six months.

The program is sector-agnostic, welcoming applications from startups across diverse industries such as fintech, healthtech, agritech, climatetech, deeptech, cybersecurity, GenAI, mobility, edtech, SaaS, and other technology-enabled sectors.

ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0 closed on 31 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

The ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0 is designed to provide comprehensive support for investment readiness rather than direct financial capital. Participants receive extensive benefits aimed at preparing them for successful fundraising:

• Structured Support: Guidance to refine investment narratives, strengthen financial models, and build robust data rooms.
• Expert Workshops: Access to workshops on financial modelling, market analysis, pitching techniques, and legal considerations.
• One-on-One Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
• Investor Feedback: Opportunities for mock pitch sessions and real-time feedback from investor panels.
• Networking Opportunities: Connections with potential investors, banks, corporate partners, and a peer network of entrepreneurs.
• Strategic Understanding: Development of a clear understanding of term sheets, valuations, and deal structures.

ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0 is offered by AIC ISB, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by AIC ISB as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.