Rise of FoundersIndia's answer to Y Combinator — built for Bharat.
Rise of Founders is a startup accelerator for first-generation, middle-class founders from India's Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Capital, mentorship, and a network — without the pedigree tax.
You don't needa rich family.You need a vision.
Rise of Founders backs first-generation, middle-class founders across India's Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities — because ambition has no zip code.
If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you.
First-generation founders
No one in your family started a company. You're figuring it out — and that's exactly who we back.
Tier 2 & Tier 3 builders
From Bhopal, Indore, Coimbatore, Patna to Surat, Udaipur, Nathdwara, Kankroli. The next great Indian startup won't only come from Bangalore.
Middle-class hustlers
No trust fund. No family office. Just an idea, a laptop, and the resolve to build something that matters.
Get on the early access list.
Founder, investor, student, or supporter — tell us who you are and we'll be in touch when applications open.