India’s startup scene is buzzing with innovation. At the center of this momentum is India Accelerator (IA) — a platform that helps startups grow through funding, mentorship, and a strong support system.
Founded in 2017 by Ashish Bhatia, along with Mona Singh, Deepak Sharma, Abhay Chawla, and Munish Bhatia, IA has built what it calls a “multiverse” for startups. It focuses on the 4Cs of success — Capital, Competency, Connections, and Community.
Since its launch, India Accelerator has supported over 225 startups. Nearly two-thirds of them have raised follow-on funding, and about 33% have achieved successful exits. Over the past six years, IA has earned 6x returns on its investments — a sign of consistent performance.
Building a Multiverse of Growth
What began as a single accelerator programme has now grown into a complete startup ecosystem. Today, IA connects entrepreneurs with investors, corporates, universities, and even government bodies.
Its portfolio includes Brainwired, Farmology, SustainKart, eVolt India, Prophaze, Task Tracker, and Avenue Growth. These startups span diverse fields such as agritech, fintech, healthtech, cybersecurity, and D2C.
“Our philosophy is early in, early out. We enter at the riskiest stage, derisk startups, and help them grow,” says Ashish Bhatia, CEO and cofounder of IA.
The 4Cs Driving the IA Multiverse
Capital: IA provides seed funding to startups in India and the UAE. It works through SEBI-approved AIFs and partnerships with angels, VCs, and the Global Accelerator Network (GAN).
In 2023, IA launched Finvolve, a joint venture with Finsolutions, to bring wealth managers and family offices into the startup investment space. The goal is to channel $50–60 million into startups over the next few years.
Competency: IA’s mentor network, iAngels, has more than 1,800 experts from various industries. They guide founders on scaling, product development, and business strategy.
Connections: Through IA Open Innovation and IA CEP, startups can partner with large corporates and academic institutions. These programmes help startups test ideas, build prototypes, and access real-world use cases.
Community: IA has built coworking hubs in Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Dubai. These spaces give founders a chance to collaborate, test their products, and connect with similar communities.
Powering India’s Startup Future
IA also works closely with state governments in Gujarat, Haryana, Odisha, and Kerala, as well as MeitY. The aim is to strengthen local startup networks and support innovation at the grassroots.
By the end of 2024, IA plans to close a ₹150 Cr GIFT City Fund to help startups expand globally.
Looking ahead, IA is shifting towards what it calls the “aircraft carrier approach.” Instead of focusing on a single sector, it identifies large, long-term trends and invests in the core innovations (“aircraft”) and the surrounding opportunities (“carriers”).
As Bhatia explains, “The next decade will belong to those who can spot emerging trends early and invest in the ecosystems around them. That’s where India Accelerator is headed.” With its growing multiverse, India Accelerator is more than an accelerator. It is building a complete growth ecosystem — one that powers India’s founders, fuels innovation, and strengthens the country’s place in the global startup landscape.
