Kovalam, Kerala December 15, 2025: A new Feeder Fund backed by a UAE-based Global Alliance will channel Rs 1,000 crore into startups operating in Kerala over the next three years, adding fresh capital to the state’s growing startup pipeline. The feeder fund aims to support early- and growth-stage ventures across sectors through a structured funding approach.
The fund has been designed to enable participation from the global Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community in Kerala’s startup ecosystem. According to an official statement, it will function alongside the Funds-of-Funds programme of the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), providing additional funding pathways for startups in the state.
The announcement was made by Anoop Ambika, Chief Executive Officer of KSUM, during the valedictory session of Huddle Global 2025, held from December 12 to 14 at Kovalam. The three-day event was organised by KSUM and brought together startups, investors, and industry stakeholders from India and overseas.
Ambika said the feeder fund was among the key outcomes of Huddle Global 2025, which also served as a platform to present Kerala’s startup ecosystem to investors and global partners.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched KSUM’s ‘LeapX AVGC-XR Accelerator Programme,’ a three-month initiative targeting startups in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR). The programme focuses on original intellectual property creation, technology-driven products, and global market preparedness.
UAE Feeder Fund to Support Kerala’s Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Startups selected for LeapX will receive mentorship support, access to industry professionals and studios, opportunities to engage with investors, and funding assistance. The programme also offers a marketisation grant and pathways for follow-on funding through partner investors.
Applications for the LeapX AVGC-XR Accelerator Programme are currently open to startups across India, with additional incentives available for startups registered in Kerala.
Huddle Global 2025 saw participation from over 3,000 startups, more than 200 high-net-worth individuals, over 100 mentors, several corporate exhibitors, and around 150 speakers. The event featured product launches, funding discussions, and sessions focused on business models and emerging technology trends.
Kerala has around 4100 + startups working in various sectors spread across its 14 districts. Our startups work in wide range of sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Hardware, Healthcare, Fin tech, Bio Technology etc. They have raised a total of around 2000 crore investments from various funding agencies.
