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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Private limited companies and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) are eligible to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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