1. The startup should not exceed ten years from the date of incorporation or registration
2. The annual turnover of the startup during any of the financial years since incorporation shall not have exceeded ₹100 crore
3. Company incorporation or registration certificate
4. Funding proof – If applicable, evidence of any financial backing received
5. Authorization Letter from the company’s authorized representative
6. Concept proof like Business Plan, Pitch Deck or a video demonstrating the startup’s idea
7. Patent and trademark details
8. List of awards or certificates for your startup
9. PAN (Permanent Account Number)

• Innovation: Startups often introduce new ideas, technologies, or business models. They focus on solving problems in unique or more efficient ways.
• Scalability: Unlike small businesses, startups aim for rapid growth. They design their products and operations to scale efficiently.
• High Risk, High Reward: They operate in uncertain markets with potential for high failure rates. However, successful startups can achieve massive financial returns.
• Disruptive Potential: Many startups challenge existing industries and competitors. They create new markets or significantly change the way existing markets function.
• Lean Operations: Startups usually begin with minimal resources and rely on lean methodologies. They prioritize rapid testing, iteration, and learning from feedback.
• Funding-Oriented: They often seek external funding from venture capitalists, angel investors, or crowdfunding. They may go through multiple funding rounds before becoming profitable.
• Digital & Tech-Driven: Many startups are tech-based, using software, AI, or data-driven approaches. Even non-tech startups often leverage digital tools for efficiency.
• Fast-Paced Environment: They operate in a dynamic and flexible work culture. Decision-making is quick, and employees wear multiple hats.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Startups prioritize customer feedback and iterate products accordingly. They use methods like MVP (Minimum Viable Product) testing to validate ideas.
• Strong Vision & Culture: Startups often have a clear mission or purpose that guides their growth. They cultivate a strong team culture to drive innovation and motivation.

Step 1: Company Registration: Incorporate your business as a Private Limited Company, Partnership Firm, or LLP by registering it with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) or the Registrar of Firms based on your business structure.

Step 2: Register on the Startup India Portal: Create an account on the Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in). Complete your profile with details like incorporation information, business address, and sector. This portal is the official gateway to access Startup India resources, so ensure accuracy to avoid delays.

Step 3: Apply for DPIIT Certification: After completing your profile, apply for Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Certification. Submit an online application with documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation, business plan, and financial statements. Once approved, you will receive a unique recognition number to officially register your startup.

Step 4: Final Completion Checklist: Before submission, review a completion checklist to confirm all information is accurate and documents are properly uploaded. Verify that all required forms are filled out and that your contact details are correct. This minimizes errors and speeds up the approval process.