Sigma Fund Winter Cohort 2026

Sigma Fund Bets ₹25 Crore on 100 Indian Startups

Mumbai, September 28, 2025 — Sigma Fund (SF) has announced the launch of its Winter India 2026 Cohort, committing an investment pool of ₹50 crore towards 100 early‑stage startups. The three‑month, in‑person program aims to fast‑track the growth of selected ventures by combining capital, mentorship, and access to India’s top investor networks.

Each startup accepted into the program will receive an upfront investment of ₹50 lakh, alongside intensive guidance from industry leaders. The selection process caps participation at two founders per startup, with the program itself hosted in‑residence to build sharper focus and collaboration among participants.

Startups will also contribute an upfront program fee ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3,50,000 depending on the growth-stage they are in, which covers accommodation, food, insurance, mentorship and cohort‑level resources. Any additional costs beyond these essentials will be borne by the founders themselves.

Backed by Global and National Institutions

Sigma Fund’s initiative is supported by SoftBank and Sequoia, and benefits from advisory guidance under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), a flagship program of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Organizers say this backing ensures not just credibility, but also strong downstream funding opportunities for alumni.

What the Program Offers

Over the course of three months, startups will gain:

• Capital to kickstart or extend early runway.

• Mentorship through structured office hours and domain‑specific guidance.

• Community by building alongside 100 high‑potential peers.

• Visibility at a Demo Day where startups pitch to a curated audience of investors and partners.

A Signal for Ambitious Founders

By committing ₹50 crore, Sigma Fund is making one of the region’s clearest bets on India’s early‑stage startup ecosystem. “We want ambitious founders to focus on building, not just surviving,” an SF spokesperson said, noting that the in‑residence format ensures founders dedicate time entirely to their company’s core growth.

The Winter Cohort 2026 signals a robust pipeline for Indian entrepreneurship at a time when global capital is increasingly looking to the country’s growth story. Applications for the program are expected to open in the coming weeks.