‘FICCI for Start-ups’ initiative launched

06 October 2020: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) launched its ambitious project – India’s first ‘FICCI for Start-ups’ initiative which will provide a wide range of services and benefits to the Indian start-ups. FICCI is the first global chamber to create a special program for Start-ups. A FICCI-IAN social venture fund to financially support the Indian Start-ups will also be initiated soon. The start-up membership is being offered free of cost till December 31, 2020.

A comprehensive benefit package has been developed by FICCI includes connecting start-ups to FICCI corporate members, mentorship by industry experts, direct connect to the Indian Angel Network, access to soon to be set up FICCI-IAN social venture fund, access to FICCI innovation and start-up programs, exhibitions, delegations, conferences at special costs, etc.

Addressing at the virtual launch, Dr. Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said, ” FICCI Start-ups is envisioned to help young Indian entrepreneurs to create a vibrant economy. This is the time to say Silicon Valley here we come.” Dr Reddy further said that these benefits will be offered to the FICCI Start-up members. Any start-up taking membership over the next three months can avail the benefit package without any cost for the next one year.

Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman, FICCI Start-up Committee & Founder, HCL said that ‘FICCI Start-up’ ecosystem will provide complete solution that any Start-up will require. “We are working on existing and new Mentorships and a lot of these programs will be opened up for members. Entrepreneurs will help them in building relationships with accelerators, incubators, and angel funding.”

Ms. Aastha Grover, Head Startup India Hub said, “Today, 45% of start-ups are coming from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with at least one start-up from each state and union territory in India. With the support of the State governments, industry association and stakeholders, India is the 3rd largest ecosystem when it comes to Start-ups.”

Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI said “We are currently implementing 14+ national and global programs through PPP to encourage and enable start-ups to grow and creating joint ventures of start-ups between India and countries in Africa and Latin America and more recently in Russia.”

www.ficciforstartups.org