LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation

The LiftOff Acceleration Program is a comprehensive 14-week virtual accelerator, a collaborative effort between the Wadhwani Foundation and the Indian Angel Network (IAN). It is specifically designed for startups that have already achieved Minimum Viable Product (MVP) status and demonstrated initial traction, such as early users or revenue. The program aims to provide structured support to help these startups enhance their fundraising readiness and refine their investment narrative. It emphasizes practical execution through weekly sprints, guiding founders from initial business vision to product refinement, financial modeling, and customer acquisition strategies, culminating in a direct pitching opportunity to IAN investors.

The curriculum is structured around seven core modules, each designed to build critical business competencies. These include developing a clear business vision and roadmap, refining product and value propositions, validating business models and planning finances, strategizing customer acquisition, scaling operations for growth, building effective teams and hiring plans, and achieving funding readiness through valuation and pitch preparation. Throughout the 14 weeks, each module is reinforced with sprint reviews, practical pitch practice sessions, and direct engagement with experienced mentors and investors.

A significant advantage of the LiftOff program is the exclusive pitching session to the Indian Angel Network at its conclusion. IAN is recognized as one of India's largest and most active angel investor networks, offering participating startups a valuable opportunity for direct access to its investment committee. This access is particularly beneficial for pre-Series A stage startups, as they are already coached and prepared through the intensive program.

Beyond the final pitch, participants gain access to a wide array of resources. These include CXO mentor clinics, a global network of mentors, connections to consultants and service providers, masterclasses, case studies, and fireside chats with seasoned investors and operators. The program begins with startup baselining and goal-setting workshops, helping founders to pinpoint their specific areas for improvement before embarking on the sprint cycle. LiftOff is especially suited for founders who need to improve their investor readiness rather than their product development, particularly those with product-market fit signals but who face challenges in financial storytelling, market positioning, or pitch clarity. The program itself does not provide a direct cash grant; its value lies in structuring the pathway to potential equity investment from IAN and the broader angel investment ecosystem.

• 14-week virtual acceleration program for MVP-stage startups with traction.
• Direct pitching opportunity to the Indian Angel Network (IAN) investors.
• Comprehensive curriculum covering 7 modules, from vision to funding readiness.
• Access to CXO mentor clinics, a global mentor network, and investor fireside chats.
• Focus on enhancing investor readiness and refining investment narratives.
• Program does not take equity or disburse direct cash grants.

The LiftOff Acceleration Program is open to startups that have reached the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage and have demonstrated initial traction, such as early users, initial revenue, or validated market demand. The program is sector-agnostic, welcoming applications from startups across all industries. It is particularly suited for founders who are actively preparing for serious investor conversations and need to strengthen their investment case and overall investor readiness. There are no stated geographic restrictions, making the program accessible to Indian startups nationwide. No specific requirements for DPIIT or MSME registration, or particular founder backgrounds, are mentioned for eligibility.

LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

The LiftOff Acceleration Program does not provide direct cash grants or take any equity stake from participating startups. The primary financial benefit is the unique opportunity to pitch directly to the Indian Angel Network (IAN) at the conclusion of the 14-week program. This provides selected startups with direct access to IAN's extensive investor network, potentially leading to significant early-stage equity investment.

LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation is offered by Wadhwani Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Wadhwani Foundation as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation, 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.

LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation is best suited for product and revenue-stage startups in India seeking an equity investment. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.