Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN
Exclusive equity investment by Government of Tamil Nadu for SC/ST-founded startups domiciled in Tamil Nadu, with over ₹60 crore disbursed to date.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- StartupTN (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund is a dedicated equity investment programme launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu and administered through StartupTN. Its mission is to drive inclusive entrepreneurship by providing financial backing to startups where Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) founders hold the majority equity and decision-making control.
This fund was created to address the historical underrepresentation of SC/ST entrepreneurs in the startup funding landscape. Instead of grants or loans, it offers equity funding — meaning the government takes a stake in the business in exchange for capital. The focus is on innovation-led, scalable ventures that can create sustainable growth and contribute meaningfully to Tamil Nadu's economy.
By the 2025–26 cycle, the fund has already issued sanction orders worth over ₹60.80 crore across multiple cohorts, supporting dozens of startups and generating measurable socio-economic impact within the state's startup ecosystem.
Highlights
- Exclusive for startups where SC/ST founders hold more than 50% equity and control, with a Tamil Nadu connection.
- Open to product-stage or revenue-stage startups with scalable, innovation-led business models.
- Funding is provided as equity — no repayment or interest.
- Over ₹60.80 crore already sanctioned across previous cohorts.
- Part of the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy, implemented by StartupTN.
- Rolling applications processed in batches on a first-in, first-out basis.
Who can apply
To qualify, a startup must first be recognised as a Startup under the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy. The company must be registered in India and have its principal operations based in Tamil Nadu. At least 50% of the company's equity must be held by one or more SC/ST founders, and control of the company must rest with SC/ST shareholders. Additionally, the SC/ST entrepreneur(s) must be natives of Tamil Nadu or of Tamil origin. Preference is given to startups whose main operations are conducted within Tamil Nadu. The fund is open to startups at the product or revenue stage. Eligible entity types include private limited companies and LLPs.
Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN is open to startups at the product and revenue stage. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Tamil Nadu. Applicants should be registered as private limited and llp.
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Entity type
- Private Limited, Llp
Deadline & timing
Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN 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.
What the funding covers
- Equity investment from the Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund, with no repayment or interest required.
- The amount of funding varies and is decided by the Investment Committee based on the startup's needs and potential.
- Over ₹60.80 crore has already been sanctioned across previous funding cycles.
- Access to StartupTN's network of investors and ecosystem partners.
- Funds are intended to support sustainable business growth through equity participation, not debt.
About the provider
Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN is offered by StartupTN, a government body. As a government-backed equity, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The application process begins by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the StartupTN portal. This is followed by an initial assessment to evaluate eligibility and business potential. Next, a business validation step checks the feasibility and market fit of the startup. The proposal then goes before an Investment Committee for review and approval. Finally, the Project Sanction Committee gives the final go-ahead before funds are disbursed. Applications are processed in batches on a first-in, first-out basis, and the entire process may take 4 to 6 months.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:
- Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
- 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.
Who this is best for
Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN 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.
Frequently asked questions
How much equity funding can I get from the Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund?
The specific funding amount is not fixed and depends on your startup's needs, business potential, and the evaluation by the Investment Committee. To date, over ₹60.80 crore has been deployed across multiple cohorts, with individual amounts varying per startup.
What is the application deadline?
The fund accepts applications on a rolling basis — it is always open. Submissions are processed in batches on a first-in, first-out basis. The entire process, from submitting an Expression of Interest to final approval, may take 4 to 6 months.
Which stages and sectors are eligible?
The fund is open to startups at the product stage (with a minimum viable product) or revenue stage. There are no sector restrictions mentioned, so any innovation-led and scalable business can apply as long as it meets the eligibility criteria.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
The eligibility criteria do not specifically require DPIIT or MSME registration. However, your startup must qualify as a Startup under the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy, which may have its own recognition or registration requirements. Check the StartupTN portal for details.
Does the fund take equity in my company?
Yes, this is an equity investment fund. The Government of Tamil Nadu will take an equity stake in your startup in exchange for the funding. Since it is equity, there is no repayment or interest — the returns come from the growth of the business and eventual exit.
What are the founder requirements regarding caste and domicile?
More than 50% of the company's equity must be held by one or more SC/ST founders, and control of the company must rest with SC/ST shareholders. The startup must be registered in India with its principal operations in Tamil Nadu, and the SC/ST entrepreneurs must be natives of Tamil Nadu or of Tamil origin.
What entity types are eligible?
Private limited companies and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) are eligible to apply.
How do I apply?
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the StartupTN portal at https://startuptn.in/sc-st-fund. The portal will guide you through the subsequent steps.
What documents do I need to apply?
The exact list of documents is not published, but you should typically be ready with incorporation documents, proof of equity holding by SC/ST founders, a pitch deck, financial projections, and details validating your business model and Tamil Nadu operations. Visit the StartupTN portal for the precise requirements.
Can I apply if my startup is not generating revenue?
Yes, startups at the product stage are eligible — meaning you have a minimum viable product but may not yet have revenue. Both product-stage and revenue-stage startups are welcome to apply.
Who is eligible to apply for Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN?
Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN is open to startups at the product and revenue stage. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Tamil Nadu. Applicants should be registered as private limited and llp.
Who offers Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN?
Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN is offered by StartupTN, a government body. It is provided as an investment.
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