For some time now, the Indian government has been actively working to improve the investment climate for foreign companies. This does not only apply to established industrial companies but also to the booming startup sector. In total, over 11000 startups were founded in India between 2015 and 2020, of which over 2,000 received financial support in the form of venture capital. The total valuation of Indian startups is USD 56-62 billion. Since the beginning of 2021, 10 new Unicorns have emerged in India, taking the count to 52 Unicorns in total. The potential of the Indian market for startups is huge. Due to the high level of digitalization, a large number of well-trained IT specialists and service providers, and targeted support from the government and industry, India’s growing and dynamic startup ecosystem is also an attractive target market for German startups from various industries.

Catering to this need, the German-Indian Chamber of Commerce (AHK India) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and in cooperation with SBS systems for business solutions and the German Indian Startup Exchange Program (GINSEP), is organizing a digital business delegation trip to India from September 13-17, 2021. The aim of the trip is to support German startups to enter the Indian market and initiate business in India. The digitally conducted business trip will enable the German participants to gain the knowledge that is essential for business success in India and to establish initial business partnerships. To this end, individually prepared business meetings with potential business partners will be organized. Additionally, mentors will be assigned and successful market players will be introduced to the startupsto provide best-practice insights. The German startups will also have the opportunity to present their products and services to the Indian business community, local accelerators and corporates in targeted pitching sessions in order to explore business opportunities. The targeted feedback from local investors and mentors will enable the startups to adapt their business model to the Indian market in the best possible way – a crucial factor for a successful market entry. Participating companies will also receive an industry-specific target market analysis as well as individual information on competition and important sectors currently high in demand.

The trip is part of the SME market entry program by the BMWi and is subject to de minimis rules. Depending on the size of the company, the companies’ own contribution to participate in the digital trip amounts to EUR 250 and EUR 500 (net) depending on the size of the company. Registration period ends on June 18, 2021. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 12 companies. Registrations will be considered in the order of receipt. For more information on trip, please visit www.german-tech.org. An overview of further intiatives under the SME market entry program can be found at www.ixpos.de/markterschliessung.

You can download the registration form for the tour here: Anmeldung_GAB_Indien_Start-ups_2021_form

You can download the project flyer here: Infoletter_GAB_Indien_Start-up_digital_10.05.21