India’s next big tech breakthrough might just be brewing in a co-working hub in Jaipur, a garage in Kochi, or a college dorm in Pune.
From AI and robotics to Web3 and climate-tech, today’s startups are building with boldness. But vision alone isn’t enough. Early-stage founders need capital-efficient tools, strategic mentorship, and a strong support system to take their ideas from napkin sketches to scalable businesses.
That’s why we’re proud to announce our partnership with MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This collaboration aims to fuel India’s emerging and deep-tech startup ecosystem by making the first mile of the founder journey less lonely and a lot more supported.
“Most transformative ideas often begin in unlikely places, with a lone founder solving a real problem, fueled by belief more than resources. But turning belief into a business takes more than just passion; it needs the right infrastructure, the wisdom of those who’ve walked the path, and a community that has your back. If we want to build for the next billion, we must empower the next million builders. This partnership with MeitY Startup Hub is about doing just that, giving early-stage founders the tools, authentic mentorship from those who’ve been there, and confidence to build boldly. Whether it’s the dreamer sketching wireframes at 2 AM or the doer pitching with a shaky voice and a solid vision, we’re here to help them scale with purpose, not alone, but supported at every step,” said Arif Khan, Chief Innovation Officer at Razorpay.
What This Partnership Means for Startups
Under this partnership, all startups associated with MeitY Startup Hub will gain access to Razorpay Rize, our flagship initiative dedicated to empowering early-stage founders. Here’s what that unlocks:
Seamless Company Incorporation:
Founders will get priority support to register their business as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or OPC, ensuring a smooth and compliant start.
Founder-First Growth Resources:
Access to a suite of high-impact tools, including:
- Y Combinator application support
- Expert-led pitch deck reviews
- A comprehensive founder toolkit
- A dedicated content hub
Exclusive Razorpay Product Credits:
Startups will receive exclusive credits across Razorpay’s product suite, giving them the financial backbone to scale:
Razorpay Payment Gateway: Zero payment gateway fees on transactions up to ₹1 lakh or the first 6 months after onboarding, whichever is earlier
RazorpayX Business Banking: 3 months free + 40% off on the annual plan, post 3-month free period
Payroll:
- Free for 1 year for startups with less than 5 employees
- Free for 3 months + 40% off annual plan, post 3-month free period for those with more than 5 employees
Access to the Razorpay Rize Community:
Every quarter, a select cohort of promising startups from the MSH network will be shortlisted to join the Razorpay Rize Community. They’ll unlock:
- Curated peer groups and a verified founder directory
- Mentorship from Razorpay leaders and ecosystem experts
- Invitation-only masterclasses on navigating the early stages of building and scaling a startup.
“As India advances toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse, it is critical that our startups grow with both agility and integrity. Our partnership with Razorpay will play a pivotal role in shaping this journey by empowering founders, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to capital, mentorship, and digital infrastructure is rapidly evolving, to build with speed and confidence. Peer learning and shared networks remain powerful enablers in navigating today’s complex innovation landscape. As MeitY Startup Hub pivots to become custodians of Deeptech, creators of capacity in emerging regions, and drivers of inclusive tech, partnerships like these will amplify our vision and accelerate impact-ensuring that startups scale not just fast, but with clarity, purpose, and resilience”, said Shri Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub.
Building the Infrastructure for Innovation
At Razorpay, we believe India’s next wave of iconic startups won’t just emerge from metros. They’ll rise from every corner of the country.
In line with this belief, we’ve partnered with state governments like Rajasthan, Assam, and Kerala to support regional founder ecosystems. With MSH, we’re going pan-India, bringing capital-efficient infrastructure, trusted networks, and real-world expertise to founders across the length and breadth of the country.
For India’s startup dreams to scale globally, the journey has to start with the right foundation. This partnership is designed to do just that, removing friction and equipping the next upcoming disruptors with more firepower to thrive.
