Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN

The Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund is a dedicated equity investment initiative launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu, with implementation overseen by StartupTN. Its primary goal is to foster inclusive entrepreneurship among founders from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities within the state.

This fund specifically targets financial inclusion by providing capital to innovative and scalable startups led by SC/ST entrepreneurs. It focuses on supporting sustainable business expansion through equity participation, rather than offering grants.

For the current 2025–26 cycle, the fund continues its commitment to backing high-potential startups. Historically, sanction orders totaling ₹60.80 crores have been issued to previous cohorts, significantly contributing to socioeconomic growth and advancing inclusive progress within Tamil Nadu's vibrant startup ecosystem.

• Exclusive equity fund for SC/ST founders in Tamil Nadu.
• Managed by StartupTN, an initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
• Focuses on innovation-led, scalable startups at product or revenue stage.
• Over 50% equity and control must be with SC/ST founders.
• Preference for startups with principal operations in Tamil Nadu.
• Total sanction orders of ₹60.80 crores issued to previous cohorts.

To be considered for the Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund, applicants must meet several key criteria:

• The company must be recognized as a Startup under the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy.
• More than 50% of the company's equity must be held by one or more founders belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe categories.
• Control of the company must unequivocally rest with the SC/ST shareholders.
• The startup must be domiciled in India and maintain its principal base of operations within Tamil Nadu.
• The SC/ST entrepreneur(s) leading the startup must be natives of Tamil Nadu or be of Tamil origin.
• While not a strict requirement, preference is given to startups that conduct their primary operations within Tamil Nadu.

Eligible entity types include private limited companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). Startups should typically be at the product or revenue stage of development.

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.

This program provides exclusive equity investment specifically for innovation-driven and scalable startups founded by Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs. The support is structured as equity participation, which is designed to foster sustainable business growth.

Recipients benefit from capital infusion aimed at scaling their operations and achieving their business objectives. Across previous cohorts, the fund has issued sanction orders amounting to ₹60.80 crores, demonstrating its significant commitment to empowering SC/ST led ventures.

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.

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.

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.