New Delhi: Startup India recognised ventures have crossed 2,07,135 as of December 31, 2025, generating over 21.9 lakh direct jobs across States and Union Territories.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Jitin Prasada shared the data in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on February 13. He said the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has granted recognition to startups nationwide under the flagship initiative.
Year-wise data show steady growth in recognised entities. The number rose from 502 in 2016 to 49,429 in 2025. Similarly, self-reported direct jobs increased from 308 in 2016 to 4,67,549 in 2025 alone.
Funding support under three flagship schemes
The government runs three major schemes to support Startup India recognised ventures at different stages.
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) catalyses venture capital investment through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) operationalises the scheme. As of December 31, 2025, supported AIFs invested ₹25,547.98 crore in 1,371 startups across 29 States and UTs. These firms generated over two lakh jobs.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), launched on April 1, 2021, provides grants and debt-linked support through incubators. Selected incubators approved ₹590.93 crore for 3,271 startups across 32 States and UTs. Beneficiary startups created more than 22,600 jobs.
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) enables collateral-free debt funding. Operational since April 1, 2023, the scheme guaranteed 334 loans worth about ₹808.18 crore across 20 States and UTs. These supported ventures generated over 23,700 jobs.
Impact assessments of FFS and SISFS show improvements in revenue growth and employment. Moreover, the schemes strengthened investor capacity and supported startups across diverse sectors.
Compliance reforms and tax incentives
The Centre has eased regulatory compliance through the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP), Jan Vishwas, Business-Ready assessment and cost-of-regulation reforms. Ministries and States have reduced multiple compliance burdens through self-identification exercises.
In addition, startups receive profit-linked deductions under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The government also allows deferred Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on income from Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs). It has relaxed rules on loss carry-forward and provided GST-related relief.
Under GST, authorities introduced automated registration within three working days for low-risk applicants from November 1, 2025. They also enabled quarterly return filing for businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore. Risk-based provisional refunds and capped pre-deposit limits for appeals further improved ease of doing business.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has granted compliance relaxations under the Companies Act, 2013. These include fewer board meetings, flexible ESOP norms, higher sweat equity limits and simplified annual return requirements.
Overall, Startup India recognised ventures continue to expand, supported by funding, regulatory reforms and targeted tax incentives.
