Kotak Launches BizLabs to Empower Startups

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“KMBL”/ “Kotak”) has launched the Kotak BizLabs accelerator programme, a CSR initiative to support early-revenue stage startups in overcoming growth challenges and scaling effectively. In partnership with top incubators like IIMA Ventures, NSRCEL, and T-Hub, the programme offers mentorship, market access, advisory services, and seed funding.

The Indian startup ecosystem faces hurdles such as market expansion, customer acquisition, and operational scaling, particularly for early-growth startups refining product-market fit and securing funding. Kotak BizLabs addresses these gaps by providing thematic workshops, mentoring, ecosystem exposure, and guaranteed seed funding. It aims to empower startups across sectors like agritech, fintech, edtech, healthcare, climate tech, and sustainability, emphasizing social impact.

The programme plans to engage 1,000 startups through hybrid workshops and a virtual knowledge centre across nine Indian states. Fifty high-potential startups will receive intensive acceleration support, with grants of up to ₹15 lakh for 30 selected startups.

Himanshu Nivsarkar, Senior Executive Vice President at Kotak, stated, “Beyond funding, startups need mentorship and strategic partnerships. Kotak BizLabs is our commitment to fueling innovation and empowering entrepreneurs.” Collaborators at NSRCEL, IIMA Ventures, and T-Hub echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the programme’s role in fostering inclusivity, unlocking regional potential, and driving sustainable growth in India’s startup ecosystem.