Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST)
A ₹50 crore government-anchored fund that backs Scheduled Tribe-owned businesses and startups, mainly through convertible or non-convertible debentures, with limited equity for innovative tech startups.
Who can apply
- Company at least 51% owned and managed by Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs
- Ownership and control held for 6 months (up to ₹50 lakh) or 12 months (above ₹50 lakh)
- Manufacturing, services or allied sectors, including TBI-incubated startups; projects must create assets
- A new company can qualify as successor to an eligible proprietorship, partnership, OPC or LLP
- Documentary proof of ST status required; women-led ventures preferred for at least 30% of support
What you get
- ₹10 lakh to ₹5 crore, capped at twice the company's net worth
- TBI-selected tech projects: up to ₹10 lakh a year for 3 years
- Instruments include CCDs, OCDs and NCDs; equity up to 49% for innovative tech startups
- Government-anchored capital with screening via NSTFDC
A ₹50 crore government-anchored fund that backs Scheduled Tribe-owned businesses and startups, mainly through convertible or non-convertible debentures, with limited equity for innovative tech startups. Rolling scheme with no fixed closing date. Funding is mostly debt-style debentures, so expect repayment or conversion terms; assistance is limited to twice your net worth. Applications are sourced through NSTFDC and IFCI Venture — contact them for the current application route.
Quick answers
What is the last date to apply for Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST)?
There is no fixed deadline; applications are accepted on a rolling basis or in periodic calls.
How much funding does Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST) offer?
₹10 lakh – ₹5 Cr per company.
Does Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST) take equity?
No. It is debt funding that has to be repaid; founders keep ownership.
Who can apply for Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST)?
Company at least 51% owned and managed by Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs; ownership and control held for 6 months (up to ₹50 lakh) or 12 months (above ₹50 lakh); manufacturing, services or allied sectors, including TBI-incubated startups; projects must create assets; a new company can qualify as successor to an eligible proprietorship, partnership, OPC or LLP; documentary proof of ST status required; women-led ventures preferred for at least 30% of support.
Who runs Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST)?
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, managed by IFCI Venture Capital Funds, open to startups across India.
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