Startups in 2025 can access a rich variety of programmes, schemes, and competitions offering funding, mentorship, networking, and international exposure. Here’s a breakdown of the top opportunities: 1. Government Schemes & Support Programmes (India) For comprehensive details and applications, refer to the Startup India portal. 2. Incubators & Accelerator Programmes 3. Startup Competitions (India &…
Pitching your start-up to investors or banking partners can be a make-or-break moment. The way you present your financial story often determines whether you secure the capital and confidence needed to scale your business. From a banker’s perspective, a pitch isn’t just about enthusiasm—it’s about clarity, credibility, and sustainability. Here’s how founders can structure a…
Introduction In recent years, state-level startup policies have emerged as vital policy tools designed to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across India. While the central government has rolled out initiatives like Startup India, individual states have realized the need to create locally tailored frameworks to support entrepreneurs in their unique economic, cultural, and sectoral…
India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, supported by government initiatives and a strong wave of innovation. To ensure clarity in policies, incentives, and recognition, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has laid down a formal definition of what qualifies as a startup in India. Understanding this…
India’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly over the past decade, and one of the biggest drivers of this growth has been the Startup India Action Plan. Launched by the Government of India, this initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs with funding, tax benefits, simplified regulations, and better access to markets and infrastructure. If you’re an…
Starting a business is exciting, but turning an idea into reality requires more than passion—it needs capital. Startup financing is the process of raising funds to launch, sustain, and grow a new venture. Whether it’s for building a product, hiring talent, marketing, or handling day-to-day operations, securing the right kind of funding can shape the…
In today’s dynamic financial landscape, companies and investors alike seek flexible and creative funding solutions that go beyond traditional debt or equity. Enter Innovative Hybrids — a new wave of financial instruments that blend characteristics of debt, equity, and sometimes derivatives to meet the unique needs of businesses growing in complexity and scale. What Are…
When businesses look to scale, they often face a dilemma: traditional bank loans may not be enough, yet raising fresh equity means giving up valuable ownership. This is where mezzanine financing comes in — a flexible, hybrid solution that blends debt and equity. It is widely used in acquisitions, expansions, and corporate restructuring to…
In modern corporate finance, companies often look beyond traditional debt and equity to raise funds in ways that optimize cost, balance risks, and align with long-term strategy. Two of the most widely used hybrid instruments—warrants and convertible debentures—offer issuers flexibility while also meeting investor needs. Both serve as powerful financial engineering tools that bridge the…
Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs), whether partly or fully convertible, occupy a unique space in corporate finance. They combine features of both debt and equity, creating valuation challenges that go beyond traditional methods. For bankers, investors, and corporate professionals, understanding the nuances of CCD valuation is crucial for sound decision-making and regulatory compliance. Methodological Foundations 1.…