The Indian Start-up ecosystem is the world’s second largest ecosystem and is growing at an unprecedented rate, contributing to the innovation driven growth for the Indian economy. With over 65% of the population under 35 years of age and a rapidly growing base of internet users, entrepreneurial activity in India is on an exponential growth trajectory. India has approximately 9000 technology start-ups and aims to build a 100,000+ strong start-up ecosystem by 2025, contributing to an inclusive and innovation driven economic growth.

To harness the true entrepreneurial talent of the country, The Government of India (GoI) announced the flagship ‘Start-up India’ scheme in 2016. A number of initiatives were announced for start-ups including funding support through a Rs 10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Start-ups (FFS) managed by SIDBI. Since the inception of the Start-up India initiative, over 15,000 start-ups have been recognized. Despite a vibrant start-up ecosystem there are challenges that limit the true potential sector of the sector. Some of these include: lack of IP protection rights, concentration of funding in some sectors/regions, difficult business environment, under representation of women etc. There is scope for market development, policy strengthening and learning from the best international markets for the benefit of the start-up ecosystem.

SIDBI, as the implementing agency for the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), has been taking various initiatives from time to time to strengthen the start-up ecosystem in the country. SIDBI Investors’ Day is one of the initiatives which helps address demand side aspects for both easing access and also empowerment of individuals with innovative ideas. This event provides aspiring start-ups a platform to interact with Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to discuss their funding needs and / or explore business opportunities. These have been held twice, first edition was organised on SIDBI’s Foundation Day on April 02, 2019 at Lucknow and the second edition was organised on January 16, 2020 at Bangalore. Both the events have been well received and appreciated by all the attendees.