Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN — Frequently Asked Questions

The Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund is an exclusive equity investment program by the Government of Tamil Nadu, implemented through StartupTN. It aims to promote inclusive entrepreneurship by investing in innovation-led and scalable startups founded by Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs.

This program provides equity investment, meaning it takes a stake in the company rather than offering grants or loans. It supports sustainable business growth through this equity participation.

The specific amount of funding varies for each startup. However, the fund has a track record of significant investment, with sanction orders totaling ₹60.80 crores issued to previous cohorts.

Eligible applicants must be startups recognized under the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy. Crucially, more than 50% of the company's equity and its control must be held by one or more SC/ST founders who are natives of Tamil Nadu or of Tamil origin. The company must be domiciled in India with its principal operations in Tamil Nadu.

Yes, the fund primarily supports startups that are at the product or revenue stage. Eligible legal entity types include private limited companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).

The provided information does not specify whether DPIIT or MSME registration is a mandatory requirement for this fund. Applicants should refer to the official application guidelines on the StartupTN portal for detailed requirements.

The process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the StartupTN portal. This is followed by an initial assessment, business validation, review by an Investment Committee, and final authorization by the Project Sanction Committee.

Applications and Expressions of Interest can be submitted through the official StartupTN portal. You can find more details and the application link at https://startuptn.in/sc-st-fund.

Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN runs on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline — applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Check the official site to confirm the window is currently open.

Yes. Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN is an equity-based investment, meaning the provider takes an ownership stake in exchange for funding. Review the specific terms before accepting.

Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund (Equity Fund) by StartupTN is offered by StartupTN, a government body. It is provided as an investment.