Welcome to the Global Tamil Angels Network (GTAN) Funding Call by RISE Global, facilitated by SSN iFound, Chennai.

This initiative aims to identify and support promising early-stage startups founded by innovators of Tamil origin. Selected startups will participate in a structured screening process and the final shortlisted founders will present at the MaMadurai RISE Global Forum in Madurai on January 8–9, 2025.

SSN iFound serves as the sourcing and evaluation partner, overseeing application management, multi-level screening and preparation for the final presentation to the GTAN investor community.

About the GTAN Funding Call

GTAN is part of the RISE Global Forum, a global community of Tamil HNIs and NRIs committed to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Through this funding call, GTAN aims to back high-quality, scalable startups led by Tamil-origin.

Investment Parameters

• Round Type: Pre-seed
• Investment Size:
• Standard: Up to Rs. 25 lakhs
• In special, high-potential or deep-tech cases: Up to Rs. 50 lakhs
• Sector: Sector-agnostic with preference for Rural Economy and Women-led startups
• Stage: PoC, Prototype, MVP or early Go-to-Market
• Founder Profile: At least one significant founder should be of Tamil origin
• Investment Flexibility: GTAN may invest standalone or co-invest with other investors, depending on the opportunity

Startups selected through this process may also be considered for incubation at SSN iFound.

Screening Process

The evaluation follows a four-stage elimination model. Only shortlisted startups will progress to subsequent rounds.

Round 1 – Application Screening

Assessment of documentation, founder background, clarity of the problem, solution relevance and alignment with GTAN parameters.

Round 2 – Virtual Screening

A video interaction to evaluate founder clarity, business understanding, team strength and investment suitability.

Round 3 – Technical Screening

Deep-dive by technical experts to assess feasibility, innovation, product readiness and scalability potential.

Round 4 – Final Selection

The final shortlist will be created before the Mamadurai RISE Global Forum, and those selected will present to GTAN investors at the event.

Only startups selected in Round 4 will get the platform to pitch at Mamadurai.

Role of SSN iFound in the Funding Call

As the facilitation partner, SSN iFound will:

• Source and screen startups across the required stages
• Conduct business and technical evaluations
• Prepare selected founders for investor presentations
• Coordinate with GTAN for final pitching schedules
• Provide incubation opportunities for the startups chosen for continued support

SSN iFound Incubation Pathway (For Selected Startups)

Startups selected for funding may also be inducted into the SSN iFound Incubation Program, a structured two-year journey that supports founders in:

• Product development and refinement
• Market validation and customer discovery
• Go-to-market strategy and revenue planning
• Technical and business mentorship
• Investor readiness and fundraising
• Access to networks, corporate connects and industry experts

The full description of the incubation program, transformation outcomes and mentoring process is included in the application form.

SSN iFound Incubation Program

We are committed to supporting innovative startups that are at the forefront of technology and sustainability.

Our goal is to help you refine your product development, business model, accelerate growth, and make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

The incubation program at SSN iFound, is designed to support startups that have validated their ideas and developed a proof of concept.

Startups should be in the journey from PoC/Prototype to MVP, while those with fully developed products can benefit from fine-tuning their product development and preparing for the go-to-market phase.

The program will run for two years, featuring a combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

Incubation Cohort Duration: 2 Years

Program Benefits: Outcomes and Transformation for Startups and Founders:

Upon completing the Incubation at SSN iFound, startups and founders will experience significant transformation across multiple dimensions of their business and personal development.

The program is meticulously designed to foster growth, innovation, and market readiness. Here are the key outcomes and transformations:

1. Enhanced Problem-Solution Fit and Market Insights

• Deep Market Insights: Founders will have conducted extensive market research, enabling them to understand customer needs and market dynamics better.
• Validated Value Propositions: Startups will refine their value propositions through rigorous customer feedback and testing.

2. Robust Product Development:

• Prototype to MVP to Product : Startups will transition from PoC/ Prototype to a minimum viable product (MVP) to Product, equipped with clear user stories and wireframes.
• Iterative Refinement: Continuous feedback loops and beta testing will ensure the product is fine-tuned and market-ready.

3. Comprehensive Go-to-Market Strategy:

• Marketing and Sales: Founders will craft compelling marketing messages and develop effective customer acquisition strategies.
• Revenue Generation: Implementing go-to-market strategies will enable startups to generate initial revenue and scale their operations.

4. Strategic Business and Financial Planning:

• Business Model Refinement: Startups will have a well-defined and refined business model, aligned with market demands and scalable growth plans.
• Funding Readiness: Founders will be prepared to pitch to investors with a solid business case, clear value propositions, and a compelling story.

5. Strong Mentorship and Networking:

• Anchor and Technical Mentors: Continuous guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and angel investors will shape the startup's strategic direction.
• Investor Connect: Regular interactions with potential investors and industry experts will expand the startup’s network and funding opportunities.

6. Legal and Compliance Proficiency:

• Legal Frameworks: Startups will navigate through incorporation, intellectual property, and regulatory requirements, ensuring legal compliance.
• Corporate Governance: Founders will integrate sustainable development goals and corporate governance principles into their operations.

7. Pitching and Presentation Skills:

• Polished Pitches: Through regular pitch practice sessions, founders will refine their pitching skills, ensuring they can effectively communicate their vision to investors and stakeholders.
• Investor Relations: Startups will develop strong relationships with investors, paving the way for potential funding and partnerships.

8. Continuous Innovation Culture:

• Innovation Mindset: The program will instill a culture of continuous innovation and experimentation within the startups.
• Metrics Monitoring: Startups will adopt key metrics monitoring and optimization practices, driving sustainable growth.

9. Ready for Scaling and Expansion:

• Strategic Growth: Startups will be equipped with strategies for scaling their business and expanding into new markets.
• Sustainable Expansion: Founders will have a roadmap for sustainable growth, balancing profitability with social and environmental impact.

Transformational Journey

The Incubation at SSN iFound, Chennai, is more than just an incubation program—it is a transformative journey that empowers startups to evolve from idea validation to market-ready products, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary for long-term success.

Join us and transform your startup into a thriving business ready to make a significant impact in the industry.

Program Highlights:

• In-person sessions: Monthly at SSN iFound, Kalavakkam
• Virtual sessions: As required, in addition to the monthly in-person sessions
• Robust Product Development Support: Mentorship from domain experts in the Industry
• Mentorship: Guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and senior angel investors
• Fundraising Assistance: Investor connect for startups achieving the selection criteria

Key Support Features:

• Anchor Mentor: Each incubatee will be connected with an anchor mentor
• Technical Mentor: Technical mentors will be available as needed
• Monthly Reviews: Conducted by the Incubation Manager
• Quarterly Reviews: With the CEO and mentor
• Milestone Tracking: Regular mapping and tracking of milestones

Mentoring Sessions Overview:

1. Problem-Solution Fit and Market Research:  - Defining the problem-solution fit  - Conducting market research  - Developing value propositions  - Planning and conducting customer interviews  - Testing value propositions

2. Customer Feedback Analysis and Value Proposition Refinement:  - Analyzing customer feedback  - Refining problem statements  - Iterating on value propositions  - Preparing for expert review sessions

3. MVP Development:  - MVP development and planning  - Testing and feedback analysis  - Iterative development and beta testing  - Review and enhancements based on early adopter feedback

4. Product Development:  - Developing a product roadmap  - Assembling a product development team  - Setting up development tools  - Iterative development and refinement

5. Go-to-Market Strategy:  - Crafting marketing messages  - Customer acquisition and unit economics  - Implementing GTM strategies and generating revenue  - Continuous review and refinement

6. Acceleration:  - Team evaluation and business model refinement  - Proof of concept validation  - Go-to-market strategy execution  - Investor pitch preparation

7. Pitch and Revenue Generation:  - Customer pitch development and practice  - Investor pitch refinement and revenue strategies

8. Continuous Innovation and Optimization:  - Cultivating an innovation culture  - Gathering customer feedback  - Future growth and expansion planning  - Key metrics monitoring and optimization

9.Scaling and Growth Strategies:  - Performance analysis and business model refinement  - Strategic partnerships and expansion  - Investor relations and funding strategies

10. Parallel Sessions:  - Legal: Incorporation, intellectual property, GST registration, DPIIT registration, StartupTN registration, and corporate governance  - Pitch Sessions: Pitch practice and preparation of pitch decks  - Investor Connect: Pitch sessions to investors as and when startups are ready

Apply now to join the Incubation at SSN iFound, Chennai, and take your startup to the next level!

Eligibility

To apply for the SSN iFound Incubation program, startups must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Stage of Development:  

Startups should have completed the validation of their idea and possess a Proof of Concept (PoC).  Startups should be in the journey from PoC/Prototype to Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Product Development: Startups with a fully developed product are also eligible. Such startups should be seeking to fine-tune their product development and be ready for go-to-market strategies.

Focus Areas: The cohort is open to startups working on innovative solutions in the areas mentioned in the application form. If you are focusing on an area that is not listed, you may choose "Other" and share the details.

Commitment: Startups should be willing to participate in monthly in-person training sessions at SSN iFound, Kalavakkam.

Funding and Financials: Startups should have a clear projection of their financial requirements and revenue goals for the next 12 months.

Team Composition: Startups with Single founder can apply. Ideally, the startup should have a committed and capable team with at least one technical and one business co-founder.

Company Structure: Startups should be a Private Limited (Pvt. Ltd.) company incorporated in India.

Geographical Reach: The program will be based at SSN iFound in Chennai (Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Kalavakkam , Chennai– 603 110.Startups from other regions are welcome to apply, provided they can commit to the in-person sessions (monthly once).

By joining SSN iFound, startups will have the opportunity to benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, access to funding, and technical support to help them scale their innovations and achieve market success.

Thank you for your interest in SSN iFound. We look forward to learning more about your innovative ideas.