LiftOff Acceleration Program , Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation

• Growth-stage startups at product or revenue stage seeking acceleration and investor connections.

About this scheme

LiftOff is a 14-week virtual acceleration programme built jointly by the Wadhwani Foundation and the Indian Angel Network (IAN), designed for MVP-stage startups that already have traction but need structured support to sharpen their fundraising readiness and investment narrative. The programme is built around practical execution rather than theory , founders go through weekly sprints that move them from business vision and roadmap clarity through product refinement, financial modelling, and customer acquisition strategy, culminating in a final pitch opportunity directly to IAN investors.

The curriculum is sequenced across seven core modules: business vision and roadmap development, product and value proposition refinement, business model validation and financial planning, customer acquisition strategy, growth and operational scaling, team building and hiring plans, and funding readiness including valuation and pitch preparation. Each module is supported by sprint reviews, pitch practice sessions, and direct interactions with mentors and investors throughout the 14 weeks.

A key differentiator is the IAN pitch at the end of the programme. Indian Angel Network is one of India's largest and most active angel investor networks, and direct access to IAN's investment committee for a final pitch , having already been coached and prepared through the programme , is a meaningful opportunity for startups at the pre-Series A stage.

Beyond the final pitch, participants get access to CXO mentor clinics, a global mentor network, consultant and service provider connects, masterclasses, case studies, and fireside chats with investors and operators. Startup baselining and goal-setting workshops at the start of the programme help founders identify their specific gaps before the sprint cycle begins.

LiftOff is particularly relevant for founders whose primary gap is investor readiness rather than product development , specifically those who have product-market fit signals but struggle with financial storytelling, positioning, or pitch clarity. The programme does not disburse a direct cash grant; its value is in structuring the path to equity investment through IAN and the wider angel ecosystem.

Who can apply

• Startups at MVP stage with some traction , initial users, early revenue, or validated demand
• Open to startups across sectors , the programme is sector-agnostic
• Founders who are preparing for their first serious investor conversations and need to strengthen their investment case
• No geographic restriction stated , open to Indian startups

Benefits & funding

• LiftOff does not disburse a direct cash grant or take equity through the programme.
• The primary financial opportunity is the final pitch to Indian Angel Network (IAN) at the end of the 14-week programme, giving selected startups direct access to IAN's investor network for potential early-stage investment.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Wadhwani Foundation, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applications submitted via the Wadhwani Foundation portal are reviewed on startup stage, traction, and current fundraising readiness gaps.

2. 2

   Shortlisted founders go through a further evaluation before being accepted into the 12-week program.

3. 3

   Selected startups receive structured fundraising readiness support, mentoring from IAN mentors, and investor introductions.

Frequently asked questions