How much has the government-backed AIFs invested in women-led startups?
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Synopsis
Discover how government-backed AIFs have invested over Rs 2839 crore in women-led startups. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower women entrepreneurs across India. With critical financial support, these startups are poised for growth and success. Learn more about the transformative impact of these schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Investment Amount: Rs. 2,838.9 crore in women-led startups
- Number of Startups: 154 women-led startups supported
- Financial Schemes: FFS, SISFS, and CGSS
- Funding for Incubators: Rs 284.79 crore approved for 1,635 startups
- Collateral-free Loans: Rs 33.17 crore guaranteed for women-led startups
New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) The government is rolling out three key initiatives — Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) — aimed at bolstering startups across diverse categories and stages of their business journey.
As reported by the Commerce Ministry, FFS was founded to stimulate venture capital investments and is facilitated by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which allocates capital to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that subsequently invest in startups.
To date, these supported AIFs have invested approximately Rs. 2,838.9 crore in 154 women-led startups from 2020 to 2025 (as of October 31).
SISFS offers financial support to seed-stage startups via incubators and has been in effect since April 1, 2021.
As of October 31, incubators under this scheme have approved funding of about Rs 284.79 crore to 1,635 women-led startups.
On the other hand, CGSS aims to facilitate collateral-free loans for startups through qualified financial institutions and has been operational since April 1, 2023.
As of October 31, 24 loans totaling around Rs 33.17 crore have been guaranteed for women-led startups under the CGSS.
According to Jitin Prasada, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, compiling an accurate statistic on the success rates of new businesses is complex and subjective. Thus, the government does not maintain centralized data on these success rates. He also stated that various initiatives are being undertaken nationwide to offer mentorship and training for women entrepreneurs.
Point of View
This investment initiative represents a significant step towards gender equality in entrepreneurship. The government's commitment to support women-led startups through various financial schemes not only empowers individual entrepreneurs but also stimulates economic growth. It is essential to continue monitoring the outcomes of these investments to ensure they yield sustainable success.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the flagship schemes supporting women-led startups?
The government is implementing three main schemes: Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).
How much have AIFs invested in women-led startups?
Supported AIFs have invested approximately Rs. 2,838.9 crore in 154 women-led startups from 2020 to 2025.
What does the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme offer?
The SISFS provides financial assistance to seed-stage startups through incubators, operational since April 1, 2021.
How does the Credit Guarantee Scheme work?
The CGSS facilitates collateral-free loans for startups through eligible financial institutions, operational since April 1, 2023.
What initiatives are there for women entrepreneurs?
The government is undertaking various initiatives across India to provide mentorship and training for women entrepreneurs.
