Indusbridge Ventures (IBV), an India based investor specialising in dual-use, defence-technology sectors, announced a partnership with FedTech, a leading US based deep-tech venture builder, to launch a ground-breaking India to America (I2A) programme called the ‘I2A Launchpad’ for Indian dual-use startups. This is a first of its kind program with extensive mentorship and market access opportunities for Indian startups and technology SMEs.
The collaboration will aim to bridge Indian startups to the dual-use technology ecosystems of the United States, driving innovation and commercialization in critical and emerging technologies across both nations. It will provide an excellent go-to-market pathway for Indian startups and offer unparalleled opportunities for high growth through direct access to customers and partners in the US Government and Commercial Markets, engagement with strategic investors and defence primes as well as ongoing support and mentorship to scale in the US – the world’s largest defence market with a $800B+ defence budget*.
The (I2A) Launchpad will provide a gateway of opportunities within the Department of Defense (DoD) ecosystem, space agencies, commercial aerospace, and government technology sectors. The first cohort will include 10-15 startups and is set to launch in October 2024.
Future programs under this partnership will address critical technology gaps and will further enable Indo-US collaborations that combine India’s cost innovation and manufacturing strengths with cutting-edge technology and access to global markets. Providing these companies with access to international markets will accelerate their growth, allowing U.S. government agencies to benefit from India’s ability to build technology at scale, at a fraction of the cost.
As part of this initiative, participants will receive expert mentorship from industry leaders, strategic workshops, and critical networking opportunities. The program focuses on equipping startups with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the DoD ecosystem, and ensure compliance with U.S. regulations along with developing market entry strategies, refining business models, and building key connections with prominent players in the U.S technology sectors.
Jake Kramer, Managing Partner of FedTech, stated, “This program will prepare innovative technology companies for integration into the U.S. market, while also opening doors to other commercialization opportunities. FedTech has helped launch and scale hundreds of startups through our industry-leading programs in 20 global markets, expansive network and expertise in go to market strategies, which we are excited to bring to India. Our portfolio companies have raised in excess of $2B in funding and achieved market success and scale. The I2A program is a milestone in collaboration between India-US innovation ecosystem and we are excited to work with Indusbridge Ventures”
“We are committed to fostering innovation and creating pathways for Indian startups to succeed internationally. This program aligns closely with India’s mission of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and will empower promising Indian startups to develop products tailored to international markets, scale cross-border revenues and in the process build India-centric, global companies” added Rahul Devjani, Managing Partner at Indusbridge Ventures. He further stated that, “This program offers valuable resources, mentorship, and essential connections with industry leaders in the U.S. and we look forward to partnering with FedTech on this groundbreaking initiative to accelerate private sector partnership between the two countries in strategic sectors of critical national importance – defence and dual-use technology.”
India’s defence budget stands at US$75 billion with defence exports projected to reach US$ 5 billion*. The government’s focus on self-reliance and the “Make in India” initiative has encouraged private players to enter the defence and space sectors and has led to the rise of great companies, with the potential for future unicorns emerging from these industries. In order to realize this vision, Indian startups will need to build high-tech products for a world-wide market, at optimal cost and scale