The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched Startups for All, a digital platform designed to make verified information about India’s startup ecosystem freely accessible. The initiative was developed by IIT Madras’ Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST) in partnership with YNOS, an incubated firm from the institute. The platform aims to tackle the persistent problem of fragmented and unreliable startup data.
Leveling the Playing Field
“Information asymmetry has long been one of the biggest barriers for founders,” said Thillai Rajan A, head of CREST. The platform seeks to give entrepreneurs and citizens equal access to crucial information, helping them make informed decisions, connect with the right investors, scale businesses efficiently, and engage with relevant startup networks.
Comprehensive Startup Database
Startups for All hosts data on more than 2,75,000 startups, 15,000 angel investors, 5,500 venture capital firms, 1,400 incubators, 800 banks, and 110 government schemes, making it one of the most extensive startup databases in India.
Tools for Insight and Outreach
The platform provides search and analytics tools to help users find relevant investors, compare funding trends, and generate custom outreach reports. Initial access is free, allowing users to explore data with credits before transitioning to a micro-payment model instead of expensive subscriptions.
Supporting Inclusive Growth
Startups for All is also intended to assist early-stage entrepreneurs, students, and researchers who often struggle to access credible information about investor networks or government schemes. IIT Madras emphasizes that the platform could play a significant role in promoting inclusive growth as India’s startup ecosystem expands beyond metro cities.
