• What is the objective of this fund?

  • The Airtel Innovation Fund is aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of telecommunications. The primary purpose is to give opportunities to budding entrepreneurs having a vision to build business based on innovation. The secondary purpose is to promote developments in leading-edge technology, content and software applications in the area of telecommunications.

• Who can apply?

  • Early-stage ventures registered in India can apply.

• What is the scope of the fund? What are the various fields that this fund will consider?

  • Early-stage ventures in the area of telecommunications and allied fields such as M-commerce, value added services, IP-based technology, lifestyle and location-based services, etc.

• Would you also consider funding not-for-profit organizations that have pioneered non-commercial mobile
          innovations?

  • The Airtel Innovation Fund will primarily work with ventures that have a commercial business model.

• What is the maximum possible funding that I/we can get from the Airtel Innovation Fund? Would the
          entire funding be available in one go or in tranches?

  • The amount of funding to be made available will be subject to the specific requirements of an investment. However, the maximum amount of funding to be made available to any given investment would be capped at INR 20 crores. The mode of funding will be determined subject to the specific requirements of an investment.

• I/we have not yet started my/our company, can I/we apply?

  • Yes, you may apply with the details of your proposed business model and funding requirements.

• I/we have already taken some funding, can I/we still apply?

  • Yes, you may apply with the details of your existing business model and funding requirements.

• What obligation do I/we have to Bharti Airtel if I/we take funding from the Airtel Innovation Fund?

  • The Fund would seek only those rights that would otherwise be typically accorded to an investor in an early-stage company. However, given that investment opportunities typically present varying requirements, the specific rights sought in each circumstance would necessarily vary depending on the case.

• Does Bharti Airtel have the first right over our company's products?

  • The specific rights sought would be assessed on a case-to-case basis.

• What will be the involvement of Bharti Airtel in the running of the company?

  • Bharti Airtel does not intend to get involved in the day-to-day operations of any venture it invests in. However, on a case-to-case basis it may provide strategic direction or other management inputs as may be required by the start-up, given the vast experience and expertise of Bharti Airtel in growing a business in the telecommunications space.

• What other support will Bharti Airtel provide me?

  • Any support beyond funding would be assessed on a case-to-case basis.