LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation

LiftOff is a 14-week virtual acceleration program created jointly by Wadhwani Foundation and Indian Angel Network (IAN). It targets startups that have reached the MVP stage and already show some traction—early users, initial revenue, or validated demand—but need structured support to become investment-ready. The program emphasizes practical execution over theory. Founders go through weekly sprints covering business vision, product refinement, financial modeling, customer acquisition, growth scaling, team building, and pitch preparation. The curriculum is sequenced across seven core modules, each supported by sprint reviews, pitch practice sessions, and direct mentor and investor interactions throughout the 14 weeks. A standout feature is the final pitch opportunity directly to Indian Angel Network, one of India's largest and most active angel investor networks, providing a credible pathway to early-stage equity funding. Participants also gain access to CXO mentor clinics, a global mentor network, consultant and service provider connections, masterclasses, case studies, and fireside chats. The program is particularly relevant for founders whose primary gap is investor readiness rather than product development, especially those who have product-market fit signals but struggle with financial storytelling, positioning, or pitch clarity. LiftOff does not provide a direct cash grant; its value lies in structuring the path to equity investment through IAN and the wider angel ecosystem.

• 14-week virtual accelerator jointly run by Wadhwani Foundation and Indian Angel Network (IAN).
• Designed for MVP-stage startups with traction—early users, revenue, or validated demand.
• Seven sprint modules covering vision, product, finance, customer acquisition, scaling, team, and fundraising.
• Final pitch opportunity to Indian Angel Network, one of India's largest angel investor networks.
• Access to CXO mentor clinics, global mentor network, masterclasses, and fireside chats.
• No equity taken and no cash grant; program focuses on preparing for external angel investment.

LiftOff is designed for startups at the MVP stage that already have some traction—such as initial users, early revenue, or validated demand. The program is sector-agnostic and open to startups across all industries. Founders should be preparing for their first serious investor conversations and need to strengthen their investment case. There is no stated geographic restriction; it is open to Indian startups. No specific entity type, DPIIT, or MSME registration is required.

LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation is open to startups at the product and revenue stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

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.

LiftOff does not offer a direct cash grant or take equity through the program itself. The primary funding benefit is the final pitch opportunity to the Indian Angel Network (IAN) at the end of the 14-week program, giving selected startups direct access to IAN's investor network for potential early-stage equity investment. Additionally, participants receive intensive mentorship, sprint-based execution support, CXO mentor clinics, and investor introductions.

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.

Applications are submitted via the Wadhwani Foundation portal and reviewed based on startup stage, traction, and current fundraising readiness gaps. After an initial review, shortlisted founders undergo further evaluation before being accepted into the program. Selected startups are onboarded into a 14-week virtual cohort. The program begins with startup baselining and goal-setting workshops, followed by weekly sprint modules, and culminates in a final pitch to the Indian Angel Network.

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.