GrantDPIIT / SIDBIVerified 11 May 2026Official source

Fund of Funds for Startups — SIDBI

A ₹10,000 Cr government-backed fund-of-funds managed by SIDBI that invests in SEBI-registered AIFs (VC funds) which in turn invest equity into DPIIT-recognised startups. Startups do not apply directly — they raise from FFS-backed VC funds. Typical ticket sizes range from ₹50L to ₹5 Cr.

Maximum amount
₹5.0Cr
Typical payout
₹1.0Cr
Processing time
12–52 weeks
Application window
Rolling — dependent on individual VC fund cycles. New FFS-backed funds periodically announced by SIDBI.

Eligibility criteria

Company type
Private Limited
Stage
Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr), Growth Stage (₹1Cr–₹25Cr), Scaling (₹25Cr+)
States
All India (nationwide)
Sectors
ai, saas, fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, cleantech, iot, manufacturing, d2c, logistics, biotech, other
Prerequisites
  • DPIIT Startup India recognition required

Documents required

1
DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate
Must be DPIIT-recognised at time of VC funding
Tip: Required — apply at startupindia.gov.in first
2
Pitch Deck
Standard investor pitch — problem, solution, traction, team, financials
Tip: Tailor to the specific VC fund's thesis
3
Financial Model
Detailed financial model with revenue, cost, and cash flow
Tip: Include 3-year projections and unit economics
4
Cap Table
Current shareholding structure

How to apply for FFS

1
Get DPIIT Startup India recognition if not already doneOpen portal
2
Browse the list of FFS-backed VC funds on SIDBI's portal to identify funds aligned with your sector and stageOpen portal
3
Reach out directly to the relevant FFS-backed VC fund and go through their standard investment process
4
If the VC selects you, SIDBI's FFS backing means the fund has a government-backed LP — no additional approval needed on your end

Does your startup qualify for FFS?

Answer a few questions about your company and get a personalised eligibility report across all active government schemes — including FFS.

Check your eligibility — free

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for FFS?

FFS is available to Private Limited companies at the Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr), Growth Stage (₹1Cr–₹25Cr), Scaling (₹25Cr+) stage, across all Indian states (nationwide). DPIIT Startup India recognition is mandatory.

How much funding does FFS provide?

FFS provides up to ₹5.0Cr. Most applicants receive around ₹1.0Cr.

How long does FFS approval take?

The typical processing time from submission to disbursement is 12–52 weeks.

Is FFS currently accepting applications?

Yes, FFS is currently active and accepting applications. Application window: Rolling — dependent on individual VC fund cycles. New FFS-backed funds periodically announced by SIDBI..

Do I need DPIIT recognition to apply for FFS?

Yes, DPIIT Startup India recognition is mandatory. Register at startupindia.gov.in before applying for FFS.

Information is based on publicly available scheme guidelines. Last verified 11 May 2026. Always verify with official sources before applying.