Status unverifiedNot yet verifiedFunding

Equity Linked Seed Fund in Howrah

ELSF

Government of India

Guidance for businesses in Howrah

The Equity Linked Seed Fund is a crucial financial initiative aimed at providing capital assistance to early-stage startups with innovative ideas and technologies.

This fund enables startups to bridge the gap between initial investments from promoters and subsequent investments from angel investors or venture capitalists.

With a focus on innovation, this scheme supports startups in sectors like biotech, agritech, and healthcare, helping them reach a stage where they can attract larger investments from venture capitalists or apply for loans from commercial banks.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Equity Linked Seed Fund:

Benefits

The Equity Linked Seed Fund offers a variety of financial and non-financial benefits to help startups grow. Here are the key benefits:

Grant Support
Up to ₹30 Lakhs in grant support for early-stage startups.
Equity-Based Investment
Investment in the form of equity or equity-linked instruments, with a 10% equity stake max.
Pre-Series A Funding
Up to ₹3 Crore in pre-series A funding from investors and venture capitalists.
Financial Flexibility
Funds can be used for product development, testing, marketing, team building, and more.
Mentorship & Guidance
Access to industry experts, investors, and mentors who guide startups in scaling their operations.
Networking & Market Access
Opportunities to connect with customers, investors, and partners for market expansion.

Eligibility

To apply for the Equity Linked Seed Fund, startups must meet specific eligibility criteria. Below are the key eligibility requirements:

Business Type
The startup must be a Private Limited Company registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
Indian Ownership
The startup must have at least 51% Indian ownership (excluding OCI/PIO).
DPIIT Recognition
The startup must be DPIIT-recognized (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade).
Technology & Innovation
Startups must focus on innovative technologies and the commercialization of new products.
Age of the Startup
The startup must be in existence for up to 5 years from its date of incorporation.
Turnover Criteria
The annual turnover must not exceed ₹25 Crore in any financial year.
Focus Areas
Biotech, Agritech, HealthTech, and other innovative technology sectors.
    Check my fit against these rules

    Documents required

    To apply for the Equity Linked Seed Fund, the following documents are required:

    Company Registration Documents
    Certificate of Incorporation (COI), MoA, and AoA of the company.
    DPIIT Recognition
    Proof of DPIIT-recognition as a Startup India entity.
    Pitch Deck / Business Plan
    A comprehensive pitch deck or business plan with a clear market opportunity and growth strategy.
    Financial Statements
    Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, and fund utilization breakdown.
    Founders' Information
    Resumes and background details of the founders and core team members.
    Innovation Proof
    Proof of technology, innovation, and market readiness.

      How to apply

      The application process for the Equity Linked Seed Fund involves the following steps:

      1. 1

        Prepare Documents

      2. 2

        Submit Application

      3. 3

        Evaluation Process

      4. 4

        Interview & Pitch

      5. 5

        Grant Disbursement & Support

      About the scheme

      The Equity Linked Seed Fund is a government-backed initiative designed to support early-stage startups with innovative technologies.

      This fund is an essential tool to help startups overcome the initial financial challenges and transition from concept to commercialization.

      It provides financial assistance in the form of equity investments or equity-linked investments, allowing startups to grow and develop their products while maintaining ownership.

      The fund is intended to support startups that are working on breakthrough technologies and innovative solutions across various sectors like biotech, agritech, healthcare, and food processing.

      Key Objectives of the Equity Linked Seed Fund

      • Support innovation in sectors such as biotechnology, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
      • Provide early-stage funding to startups that are not yet ready to attract angel investors or venture capital.
      • Enable startups to scale up their products and services to meet market demands.
      • Act as a bridge between early-stage funding and more significant investments in the startup ecosystem.

      Focus areas

      The Equity Linked Seed Fund primarily supports startups working in innovative sectors with technology-driven solutions. Some of the key focus sectors include:

      Biotech
      Drug discovery, biosimilars, regenerative medicine, and biopharma innovations.
      Agritech
      Precision farming, agriculture technology, farm management tools, and agri-value chains.
      HealthTech
      Medical devices, digital health, telemedicine, IoT for healthcare, and remote monitoring.
      Food Processing
      Sustainable food processing technologies, food packaging, and food security innovations.
      CleanTech
      Renewable energy, waste management, and environmental sustainability technologies.
      Fintech
      Financial technologies, payments systems, and digital banking solutions.

      Deadlines

      The Equity Linked Seed Fund operates on a rolling application basis. However, specific deadlines may be announced annually, so be sure to check the official portal for updates on application deadlines.

      Is this scheme right for you?

      The Equity Linked Seed Fund provides financial assistance, mentorship, and business support for innovative startups in India.

      If you're working on a market-ready product and need funding to scale, this scheme offers up to ₹30 Lakhs in equity-based support, as well as pre-series A funding and market access opportunities.

      Frequently asked questions

      What is the Equity Linked Seed Fund?

      The Equity Linked Seed Fund is a government initiative providing funding to early-stage startups with innovative technologies to help them grow and scale.

      What is the maximum funding available under the Equity Linked Seed Fund?

      Startups can receive up to ₹30 Lakhs in equity-based funding under the scheme.

      Who is eligible to apply for the Equity Linked Seed Fund?

      Startups that are DPIIT-recognized, with a technology readiness level of TRL 5+ and a focus on innovation, can apply.

      What documents are required to apply?

      You will need to submit documents such as company registration, business plan, financials, and proof of innovation.

      Apply for ELSF with a specialist

      Share your number and our team prepares every document, files every form, and stays with you through sanction and disbursement.

      Or check my fit first

      Get help with ELSF

      A specialist calls you back at your preferred time. No charge to ask.

      Scheme: Equity Linked Seed FundCity: Howrah

      No spam. We only use this to help you with this scheme. One request per scheme every 10 minutes.

      ELSF

      Does this fit my business?

      Check my fit

      Connect With Us

      For Any Inquiries Or Assistance, Please Feel Free To Reach Out. Our Team Is Here To Support You And Will Respond At The Earliest Convenience