DPIIT Partners with Stride Ventures to Boost Indian Startups and Expand Global Reach
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Stride Ventures, a prominent venture debt firm, aimed at fostering the growth of Indian startups while amplifying their global impact.
The collaboration signifies a pivotal step in aligning government initiatives with private expertise to empower India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Speaking at the launch, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary of Startup India, stated, “This partnership underscores our commitment to nurturing startups as drivers of innovation and economic progress. It is a cornerstone in India’s efforts to position itself as a global leader in entrepreneurship.”
ALSO READ | January 2025 Startup Funding Outlook and 2024’s $14.44 Billion Surge
Boosting Startups with Financial Backing and Strategic Vision
As part of this alliance, Stride Ventures will provide innovative financial solutions, including venture debt and equity financing, coupled with mentorship opportunities and access to global markets. The joint efforts will prioritize scaling startups in key growth areas such as manufacturing, consumer technology, cleantech, and B2B solutions.
The initiative also aligns with flagship government programs like Make in India and Make for the World, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing and innovation hub. One of the primary focuses will be the Bharat Grand Challenge, designed to foster innovation through targeted problem-solving and resource allocation.
ALSO READ | Why PM Modi Calls ONDC a Game-Changer for Entrepreneurship
Empowering Entrepreneurs Across India
Stride Ventures, known for its proactive approach to startup funding, has committed a billion-dollar corpus to the initiative.
Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner of Stride Ventures, expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, “With DPIIT’s backing, we can bring greater depth to our efforts in supporting startups with capital, expertise, and global connections. This partnership is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of Indian entrepreneurship.”
ALSO READ | What’s Faral Sakhi? An Initiative by MBMC & WEP Empowering Shepreneurs
ALSO READ | Indian Startups in 2025: Top Trends Shaping the Industry
The program aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural entrepreneurial ecosystems by focusing on startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This approach seeks to democratize opportunities, ensuring startups in smaller towns have equal access to funding, mentorship, and resources.
Driving Awareness and Adoption of Venture Debt
A key aspect of this collaboration is raising awareness about venture debt as a sustainable financing option. While equity funding often dominates headlines, venture debt offers startups an alternative pathway to scale without significant dilution of ownership. Through workshops, mentorship, and outreach programs, DPIIT and Stride Ventures plan to educate entrepreneurs on leveraging venture debt effectively.
ALSO READ | Startup India 2025 Outlook: India’s Emergence & Top 10 Startup Trends
Global Aspirations, Local Roots
By integrating financial strength with strategic mentorship, the DPIIT-Strides Ventures collaboration is poised to redefine India’s startup narrative. This initiative not only aims to scale homegrown startups but also to position them as formidable players on the global stage.
The partnership comes at a time when India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the world, with a record number of unicorns and innovative enterprises. It promises to catalyze this momentum by building a resilient, future-ready entrepreneurial framework.
Through this synergy, India’s startups are set to shine brighter than ever, turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into global success stories.
