New Delhi: India’s start-up ecosystem has reached unprecedented heights, with 1,97,692 startups officially recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of 31 October 2025. The figures were presented in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada, who also provided a detailed breakdown of state-wise start-up numbers and funding through government schemes.
Maharashtra and Karnataka Lead the Start-up Race
The data shows a wide distribution of entrepreneurial activity across India. Maharashtra tops the list with 34,444 recognised startups, followed by Karnataka (20,330), Delhi (19,273), Uttar Pradesh (19,207), Gujarat (16,805), Tamil Nadu (13,105), Telangana (10,804) and Haryana (10,295). Even smaller states and Union Territories are participating, with Sikkim at 18 startups, Ladakh 23, Mizoram 61, and Arunachal Pradesh 79.
This diverse participation has helped India establish one of the world’s largest official startup registries.
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Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Drives Venture Capital Investment
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), managed by SIDBI, has channelled venture capital into SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) for startups. As of 31 October 2025, 1,334 startups have received funding worth ₹24,919.5 crore.
- Karnataka leads with ₹7,893.46 crore for 415 startups.
- Maharashtra received ₹5,899.85 crore for 269 startups.
- Delhi secured ₹3,727.60 crore for 208 startups.
Smaller states also benefitted, including Manipur (₹6.35 crore), Arunachal Pradesh (₹1.4 crore), and Nagaland (₹0.65 crore).
FFS has been instrumental in connecting startups with venture capital to support growth and scale.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) Supports Early-Stage Ventures
Launched on 1 April 2021, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme has provided ₹574.5 crore to 3,199 early-stage startups, supporting incubation and prototype development.
- Maharashtra: ₹102.75 crore to 544 startups
- Karnataka: ₹87.79 crore to 408 startups
- Tamil Nadu: ₹53.36 crore to 310 startups
- Telangana: ₹42.22 crore to 204 startups
- Delhi: ₹40.95 crore to 222 startups
Even states with fewer startups, like Mizoram (₹1.15 crore) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (₹0.04 crore), have benefitted from the scheme.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) Expands Loan Access
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups, operational since 1 April 2023 and managed by NCGTC, enables collateral-free loans. As of October 2025, 311 startups received guarantees totaling ₹755.2 crore.
- Maharashtra: ₹159.56 crore across 72 loans
- Haryana: ₹98.29 crore for 33 loans
- Karnataka: ₹92.22 crore for 41 loans
- Tamil Nadu: ₹80.87 crore for 28 loans
- Delhi: ₹54.11 crore for 24 loans
Smaller states, including Uttarakhand, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Odisha, also secured support ranging from ₹4.5 crore to ₹19.35 crore.
Government’s Long-Term Commitment to Startups
Responding to queries on new initiatives, Minister Prasada confirmed that there are no current plans to set up a Startup or SEBI facilitation centre in Hyderabad akin to GIFT City.
The Minister emphasised that India’s startup growth is driven by policy, funding, and incubation support, reinforcing the government’s long-term commitment to innovation-led economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship. With nearly 2 lakh recognised startups and expanding support through FFS, SISFS, and CGSS, India has firmly positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing startup hubs globally.
