The Vault Bharat — Season 2
Uttar Pradesh's biggest startup reality show is back for Season 2 — UP-based founders pitch to a panel of investors for funding of up to ₹1 Cr per startup, mentorship and on-screen visibility.
- Funding amount
- ₹1Cr (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Vault Bharat — Season 2 is a startup reality show that brings Uttar Pradesh-based founders in front of a panel of veteran-entrepreneur investors. Unlike a grant or loan, this is a competition where startups pitch live for funding of up to ₹1 Cr per startup, along with mentorship and television-style exposure. The show is one of India's earliest pitch-format shows and returns with a stronger focus on Uttar Pradesh. In Season 1, over 100 startups presented their ideas to experienced mentors and judges. Now, Season 2 is accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Who can apply? Any startup with an office address in Uttar Pradesh is eligible, regardless of sector or stage — from early ideas to scaling businesses. Founders should be comfortable presenting their financials, background, and fundraising status. The show looks for innovative solutions that can impact UP's local economy and beyond.
What do winners get? Selected startups receive funding of up to ₹1 Cr from the investor panel. They also get strategic mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, pitch-refinement support before the live round, and on-screen visibility through The Vault's YouTube broadcast and broader media reach.
How does it work? The process begins with an online application where you submit organisation details, founder background, financials (last 3 years turnover), team size, and fundraising status. After preliminary screening by the casting team, shortlisted startups enter a pitch preparation phase with assigned mentors. Finally, founders present live to the investor panel, who evaluate innovation, novelty, growth prospects, and viability before deciding on funding.
Why it matters: The Vault was one of the first "Shark Tank-style" pitch shows for Indian founders and remains one of the only national-format shows with a deep regional anchor in Uttar Pradesh. It offers a rare combination of non-dilutive visibility (equity terms are negotiated directly with investors) and serious capital from active operator-investors.
Highlights
- Season 2 casting now open — apply via the official portal
- Funding of up to ₹1 Cr per startup from a panel of investor-entrepreneurs
- UP-anchored startup reality show; Season 1 featured 100+ founders
- Open to all sectors and stages — from idea to scaling
- Includes mentorship, pitch refinement, and on-screen exposure
- Rolling applications — no fixed deadline
Who can apply
The Vault Bharat — Season 2 is open to any startup with an office address in Uttar Pradesh. There are no restrictions on sector or stage — early ideas, growing businesses, and scaling startups are all welcome. Founders should be comfortable sharing financials, founder background, and current fundraising status. The show seeks innovative solutions with potential impact on UP's economy and beyond.
The Vault Bharat — Season 2 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The Vault Bharat — Season 2 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
- Funding of up to ₹1 Cr per startup from investor-entrepreneurs.
- Strategic mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and business experts.
- Pitch-refinement support before the live round.
- On-screen exposure via The Vault's YouTube broadcast and broader media reach.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
- Online Application — Submit organisation details, founder background, financials (last 3 years turnover), team size, and current fundraising status.
- Preliminary Screening — The show's casting team reviews applications.
- Pitch Preparation Phase — Shortlisted founders work with assigned mentors to refine their pitch.
- Live Pitch Round — Founders present live to the investor panel, who evaluate innovation, novelty, growth prospects, and viability before committing capital.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to The Vault Bharat — Season 2, 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.
Who this is best for
The Vault Bharat — Season 2 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding can I get through The Vault Bharat — Season 2?
Selected startups can receive funding of up to ₹1 Cr per startup from the panel of investor-entrepreneurs. The exact amount depends on the investor's evaluation.
What is the application deadline?
The program has a rolling application process — it is always open. Apply through the official portal at any time.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any startup with an office address in Uttar Pradesh is eligible. There are no sector or stage restrictions — early ideas, growing businesses, and scaling startups can all apply.
Does the program take equity?
The Vault Bharat is a competition where funding is provided by individual investors. The terms, including any equity stake, are negotiated directly between the startup and the investors. The program itself does not take equity.
What documents are needed for the application?
You will need to provide organisation details, founder background, financials (last 3 years turnover), team size, and current fundraising status.
How are the winners selected?
After an online application, the casting team screens entries. Shortlisted startups then work with mentors to refine their pitch. Finally, they present live to an investor panel, who evaluate innovation, novelty, growth prospects, and viability before deciding on funding.
Can a pre-revenue startup apply?
Yes, the program is open to all stages, including early-stage ideas. The investor panel will consider the startup's potential impact.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, the eligibility criteria do not mention any requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online through the official portal at https://www.thevaultshow.in/apply.
What kind of exposure will my startup get?
Participating startups get on-screen visibility through The Vault's YouTube broadcast and broader media reach. This can help attract customers, partners, and future investors.
Alternatives to The Vault Bharat — Season 2
Not sure The Vault Bharat — Season 2 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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