At this stage, only Indian startups can raise funds through vestrs. We currently focus on Private Limited companies and LLPs. The startup must operate in a sector that is open to foreign investment in India - (see the permitted and excluded sectors below).

Sectors covered: the platform may facilitate investments in startups operating in a range of sectors, including but not limited to: • Technology (SaaS, fintech, edtech, healthtech, etc.) • Consumer goods and e-commerce • Financial services (subject to applicable SEBI/RBI regulations) • Healthcare and pharmaceuticals • Manufacturing and industrial • Logistics and supply chain • Clean energy and climate technology • Media, entertainment, digital content • Other sectors not explicitly prohibited under India FDI policy Prohibited sectors: investments will not be made in startups operating in sectors prohibited or restricted under Indian law or FDI policy, or excluded by vestrs, including but not limited to: • Lottery business, gambling & betting • Chit funds and Nidhi companies • Real estate business & farmhouse construction • Trading in Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) • Tobacco product manufacturing • Atomic energy (as per India Atomic Energy Act) • Railway operations (except limited permitted areas) • Agriculture & plantations (with limited exceptions) • Cannabis, adult entertainment.

Costs involved in a fund-raising campaign A fund-raising campaign typically incurs costs relating to activities such as due diligence, document preparation, SPV formation, compliance, management and administration. Part of the proceeds of the fund-raising campaign will be used to pay or reimburse such expenses. The Private Placement Memorandum Supplement for a specific fund-raising campaign will describe the applicable costs. Specific other costs (e.g. financial, legal and tax due diligence of the startup, valuation of the startup) will be borne by the startup.

The minimum amount for a fund-raising campaign on vestrs is USD 500,000. Smaller campaigns can be considered but will result in additional fees for the startup due to the fixed costs involved in each campaign. There is no maximum amount.

After creating a vestrs account, go to "Fund-raising Process" under "For Startups", fill in the application, and submit it. We will then be in touch to guide you through the next steps, including Memorandum of Understanding, due diligence, SPV formation, and India compliance.

Vestrs will form a US-based Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for each fund-raising campaign. While many investors may invest indirectly in your startup by investing in the dedicated SPV, there will be only a single entry in your capitalization table: the SPV. The SPV operates as an FDI entity; ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) are declared, FC-GPR filing is handled, and all India tax compliance is managed by the SPV.