Govt To Launch Linkedin-like Platform for Startups in April

Government's is all set to a launch a Linkedin-like platform for startups very soon. The platform which is an initiative by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), and being developed by Invest India, is expected to go live in the first week of April.

The new platform named Virtual Startup Hub will be an upgradation of existing Start-up India Hub launched in March last year.

The new platform will be more interactive which will intelligently connect startups with investors and incubators in the vicinity. Another feature that will be added will be -- active discussion forum, show relevant government schemes and incentive programs that the startup is eligible for.

Additionally, users will be given the capability to log onto the platform using their Facebook or Twitter accounts and the same account will used to access all government-run portals.

DIPP is calling all participants in the startup ecosystem to sign up and create profiles on existing Startup India Hub website. After a certain number of profiles are created, the existing Startup India Hub website will be pulled down and the upgraded version will be integrated on the Startup India website and app.

While the Startup India Hub already has an existing database of investors, incubators, mentors, etc., the upgraded version will be more interactive. Shailendra Singh, joint secretary at DIPP, told Mint, "We are collating all this information and making an intelligent system. So if a start-up wants to interact with a mentor, it will be able to do through the hub- it will be able to send and receive messages, and even fix appointments."

The new portal, while serving as a business networking platform, will also integrate learning development modules like a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate a company, explainers for how to pitch to investors and templates for term sheets and other relevant documents useful for start-ups.

The platform is also said to have an open API for developers in order to integrate the same with other external websites or apps.


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Govt. Launches Startup India Portal and Mobile App

The DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) launched a portal and mobile app through which startups can gather all latest updates on various notifications, circulars issued by various departments and different funding agencies.

The Startup India portal and mobile app have been launched by Secretary, DIPP, Mr. Ramesh Abhishek in New Delhi yesterday. The mobile app shall be made available from 5 PM today.

Ramesh Abhishek said that the portal and app would also provide information regarding incubators and funding agencies recognised for the purpose of recommending startups as part of startup recognition application.

The key features of the portal and app are the following:

• Information Availability: The portal and mobile app provide up-to- date information on various notifications/ circulars issued by various Government ministries/ departments, towards creation of a conducive ecosystem for Startups. The portal and mobile app provide information regarding incubators and funding agencies recognized for the purpose of recommending Startups (as part of Startup recognition application). A comprehensive list of FAQs is also available to help Startups, Incubators and Funding Agencies use the portal and mobile app more effectively.



• Startup India Hub: The Startup India Hub, which has been established within Invest India, will be a single point of contact for the entire Startup ecosystem which would enable exchange of knowledge. The Hub will work in a hub and spoke model with Governments, VCs, Angel Funds, Incubators, Mentors, etc. It will assist Startups through their lifecycle, on all aspects, such as providing mentorship, incubator facilities, IPR support, funding etc. The Hub will be operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days and can be reached via the toll free number: 1800115565 or the email ID: dipp-startups@nic.in



• Application for Startup Recognition: Entities that fulfil the criteria as per the definition of “Startup” and are incorporated/ registered in India, can obtain recognition as a “Startup” to avail various benefits listed in the Startup India Action Plan. The process of recognition is simple and user friendly and involves a single page application form that a user can fill either through a web interface or through mobile app. Formats of the recommendation/ support letters that need to be attached as part of the application form have been published on the portal and mobile app.



• Real Time Startup Recognition: A real time recognition certificate is provided to Startups on completion of the application process. A digital version of the final certificate of recognition is available for download, through the portal and mobile app. A request for certificate of eligibility for tax exemptions from Inter-ministerial Board will be made simultaneously by selection of a simple option.



• Verification of Recognition Certificate: The certificate of recognition is verifiable through the portal and mobile app by entering the Startup Recognition/ Certificate Number.



• Approval of Inter-Ministerial Board: DIPP has also setup an Inter-Ministerial Board to verify the eligibility of Startups opting to avail Tax and IPR related benefits and to provide a certificate of eligibility to innovative Startups.