Startup funding in India this week has a new on-ramp for first-time founders: The Foundery, the venture builder from Kishore Biyani, Nikhil Kamath and Ronnie Screwvala, has opened applications for Cohort 2 of its 90-day residential venture build. The cohort begins 15 January 2027 at The Foundery Sanctum, Alibaug.
The programme inverts the usual accelerator logic: no pitch competition and no fully-formed business plan required. Instead, co-founders pick ideas from The Foundery's Idea Vault and are matched on experience, strengths and conviction — with capital, operators and shared infrastructure provided from day zero. It is a co-founder-matching plus venture-building model aimed at India's next generation of entrepreneurs.
Cohort 1's numbers
The first 90-day cohort in Alibaug produced 18 companies, which generated Rs 550+ crore in non-binding investment interest at indicated valuations of over Rs 1,400 crore at the July 2026 FWD demo day in Mumbai. Those are the kind of proof points that make a second cohort fill fast.
Eligibility
Cohort 2 is aimed at aspiring co-founders who want to build a company without arriving with a ready business plan — selection runs on experience, strengths and conviction. No specific age, sector or prior-startup criteria have been announced.
How to apply
Applications are open now through The Foundery; the residential build starts 15 January 2027 at The Foundery Sanctum, Alibaug. Note that no application deadline has been publicly stated — interested founders should apply early rather than wait for a cutoff announcement.
Why it matters for founders
The Foundery model removes the two biggest barriers for first-time founders — the idea and the co-founder — and Cohort 1's Rs 550+ crore of investor interest gives Cohort 2 real credibility. If you've been waiting for a reason to start, this is the rare programme where 'I have no idea yet' is an acceptable answer.