STPI, in collaboration with TiE Delhi-NCR and a prestigious group of Investors, is launching LEAP AHEAD (Launchpad for Tech Entrepreneurs towards Accelerated Growth and Pioneering AHEAD) - a pan India initiative to select tech startups for high-quality mentorship, securing investments & establishing global connections. This is a remarkable opportunity for startups to accelerate their growth.

LEAP AHEAD is designed for Tech Startups with Early Traction and in Growth stage. If you're a passionate entrepreneur and innovator and aspiring to scale, this initiative is meant for you.

Key Benefits
1. A 3-month intensive mentorship in hybrid mode, blend of virtual and in-person sessions
2. Opportunity to access vast network and get 1-on-1 mentorship with investors and industry experts
3. Funding of upto Rs. 1 Cr after grooming & hand holding in co -investment model
4. Networking opportunity and Global Market Exposure
5. 1-year Free Associate TiE Delhi-NCR Membership
6. Incubation in STPI's Centers Pan India
7. Cloud Credits and other benefits from leading third-party service providers

Who Can Apply
1. The challenge is open to Indian startups# working in domains related to software product development.
2. Startups registered with DPIIT under the Startup India program are encouraged to participate.
3. The startup should be a Private Limited Company.
4. The startup should be in the scaling stage, growth stage, or planning expansion into new geographical locations or product diversification.
5. The startup should have generated a revenue of at least Rs. 10 Lakhs with minimum 1-year audited balance sheet/filed ITR.
6. The startup should have raised a minimum of Rs. 25 Lakhs from external investors (not applicable in case of bootstrapped startups).
7. Startups with the following criteria will be preferred:
a. Demonstrating traction, preferably between Seed and Series A stages.
b. Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.

At least 51% shareholding with Indian citizen or person of Indian origin. The applicant's entity should not be a subsidiary company of any foreign corporation.

Important Timelines
1. Application submission start date: 6th Nov 2023
2. Application submission end date: 10th Dec 2023
3. In-Person Pitching at Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada & Chandigarh: 24th Nov to 13th Dec 2023
4. Online Pitching Dates for Remaining Applicants: 14th & 15th Dec 2023
5. Commencement of LEAP AHEAD COHORT: 16th Jan 2024