Indusbridge Ventures (IBV), an India-based investor specialising in dual-use, defence-technology sectors, today announced a partnership with FedTech, a US-based deep-tech venture builder, to launch 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 $800 billion+ defence budget.
India’s defence budget stands at $75 billion with defence exports projected to reach $ 5 billion.
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.
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.
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.”
