India is experiencing a significant surge in startups, driven by innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. The government is actively supporting young entrepreneurs through various initiatives to promote startups, which in turn play a vital role in boosting the economy. Startups are businesses that introduce innovative products or services, solving existing societal problems. They may also refine and improve current offerings, creating better solutions for the market.
Startup India Initiative
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India launched the Startup India initiative to strengthen the economy, recognize innovative ventures, and attract entrepreneurial talent. This program aims to provide a robust ecosystem for startups to thrive.
Steps to Register Your Startup with Startup India
Step 1: Incorporate Your Business
To begin, incorporate your business as a Private Limited Company, Partnership Firm, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). Follow standard procedures to register your business, including submitting the application and obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Registration.
For Private Limited Companies or LLPs: File the registration application with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) in your region.
For Partnership Firms: Register with the Registrar of Firms in your area, submitting the required documents and fees.
Step 2: Register on the Startup India Platform
Next, register your business as a startup on the Startup India portal:
Visit the official website and click ‘Register’.
Enter details such as name, email ID, mobile number, and password, and verify with the OTP sent to your email.
Complete your profile by providing information about the type of user, stage of your startup, and other relevant details.
Once registered, startups gain access to various programs, funding opportunities, learning resources, government schemes, and market access tools available on the platform.
Step 3: Obtain DPIIT Recognition
Secure recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to avail exclusive benefits like:
High-quality intellectual property services.
Relaxed public procurement norms.
Self-certification for labor and environmental laws.
Tax exemptions and funding opportunities.
Simplified company closure procedures.
To apply, log in to your Startup India profile, navigate to the ‘Recognition’ tab, and complete the application process through the National Single Window System (NSWS) website.
Step 4: Submit the Recognition Application
Fill out the ‘Startup Recognition Form’, providing:
Entity details and office address.
Authorized representative and partner/director information.
Startup activities and self-certification.
Accept the terms and conditions and submit the form online.
Step 5: Prepare Required Documents
Ensure you have the following:
Incorporation or registration certificate.
Proof of funding (if applicable).
Authorization letter for the representative.
Proof of concept (e.g., pitch deck, website link, or video).
Patent and trademark details (if available).
List of awards or recognitions.
PAN details.
Step 6: Receive Your Recognition Number
Upon successful application, a recognition number will be issued. A certificate of recognition is typically provided within two days after document verification.
Step 7: Additional Steps
Intellectual Property Registration: Seek patents, trademarks, or design registration through government-appointed facilitators at reduced costs.
Funding Support: Access funding through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), which provides financial assistance to startups.
Self-Certification: Reduce compliance costs by self-certifying under six labor laws and three environmental laws for up to five years.
Tax Benefits: Startups incorporated after April 1, 2016, can apply for income tax exemption for three consecutive years upon certification by the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB). We provide the best startup india registration services.
Key Benefits of Startup India
Reduced Regulatory Burden: Simplified compliance processes and exemptions from certain laws enable startups to focus on core business activities.
Financial Support: Funding schemes like SISFS and tax exemptions provide essential financial backing.
Market and Resource Access: Startups gain access to mentoring programs, government contracts, and intellectual property resources.
Increased Innovation: By fostering an innovation-driven culture, the initiative helps address societal challenges and enhances India’s global competitiveness.
Startup India has become a cornerstone of India’s entrepreneurial growth, empowering startups to contribute to the economy while solving real-world problems.
Key Features of the Fund of Funds
Managed by SIDBI
The Fund of Funds is overseen by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), ensuring professional and efficient management.Co-Investment by LIC
The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) participates as a co-investor, adding financial robustness to the fund.Contribution Structure
The Fund of Funds can contribute up to 50% of the capital in SEBI-registered venture funds, also known as “daughter funds.”
To qualify for this contribution, the daughter fund must secure the remaining 50% of the required capital from other sources.
Representatives of the Fund of Funds will sit on the board of the venture fund proportional to their investment.
Sector-Wide Support
The fund is designed to support a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, health, and education, fostering growth across diverse sectors.
Simplified Startup Registration Process
With government-backed initiatives, registering a startup has become straightforward. You can focus on your core business while platforms like KMG CO LLP assist in every step, from company incorporation to obtaining startup recognition. Visit their website to explore services tailored for startups.
Need Help?
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to register under the Startup India scheme?
Entities such as Private Limited Companies, Partnership Firms, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) can register under Startup India if:
- Their annual turnover does not exceed ₹100 crores.
- They are operational for up to 10 years from the date of incorporation/registration.
- They focus on innovation, development, or improvement of products, services, or processes.
2. What are the benefits of registering under Startup India?
Key benefits include:
- Self-Certification: Startups can self-certify compliance with six labor laws and three environmental laws for up to five years.
- Tax Exemptions: A three-year income tax holiday is available.
- IPR Support: Access to specialized intellectual property services to safeguard and commercialize innovations.
3. Which business structure should I choose for my startup?
- Private Limited Companies: Favored by investors due to their legal recognition, though they come with higher incorporation costs and stricter compliance requirements.
LLPs: Offer lower incorporation costs, relaxed compliance, and limited liability while still being attractive to investors.
4. How can I attract investors to my startup?
To attract investors, focus on:
- Innovative Products: Offer a scalable and unique solution to a problem.
- Engagement and Traction: Demonstrate market interest in your product or service.
- Visibility: Register on Startup India and actively engage with potential investors.
- Effective Pitching: Clearly communicate your business idea and its long-term sustainability.
5. Can foreign companies register under the Startup India hub?
Yes, as long as the company has at least one registered office in India. Currently, registration is limited to Indian states, but global participation is expected to open soon.
6. What’s the difference between an accelerator and an incubator?
- Incubators: Provide support to startups in their early stages, focusing on business development and mentorship.
Accelerators: Work with growth-stage startups, offering short-term programs and mentorship to scale their businesses rapidly.
7. How long can a company be recognized as a startup?
A company retains its startup status for:
- Up to 10 years from the date of incorporation.
- Until its annual turnover exceeds ₹100 crores in any financial year.
8. Can existing entities register as startups?
Yes, existing entities can register, provided they meet the criteria for startups. Once recognized, they can avail themselves of tax exemptions, IPR benefits, and other incentives.
9. How will I know if my startup registration is complete?
Once approved, you will receive a system-generated Certificate of Recognition, which can be downloaded from the Startup India portal.
10. Is registration mandatory for startups in India?
Yes, to avail of the benefits under Startup India, the entity must have at least one registered office in India. Global registrations will be enabled soon.
11. What should I do if my password is invalid while registering?
Ensure your password meets the following criteria:
- Contains 8 to 15 characters.
Includes at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one digit, and one special character.
12. How to write the ‘Startup Activities’ section on the recognition form?
When filling out this section, clearly explain:
- The Problem: Describe the issue your startup aims to solve.
- The Solution: Outline how your product or service addresses the problem.
- Innovation: Highlight the uniqueness of your solution.
- Revenue Model: Explain how your startup generates income.
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