The initiative is an investment-readiness programme aimed at helping women-led fintech startups gain easier access to institutional capital and scale their business. The programme will address key challenges such as limited access to investor networks, gaps in fundraising preparedness, and structural barriers within the traditional funding ecosystem. 

Over the past year, GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub has actively promoted fintech innovation through structured programmes and ecosystem partnerships.

During this period, it has supported 37 startups across sectors, including digital banking, regtech, insurtech, and cross-border financial services. 

Financial Ecosystem

Speaking on the launch of the programme, Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director and Group CEO, GIFT City, said, “GIFT City is committed to building a globally competitive financial ecosystem that promotes innovation, inclusivity, and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives such as the Women in Fintech Accelerator, we aim to equip high-potential women-led startups with the capabilities and opportunities needed to connect with institutional capital and achieve sustainable  growth.” 

Hybrid Model

The accelerator programme will be implemented as a hybrid model.

It will begin with an in-person immersion session at GIFT City, focusing on investment readiness, followed by a virtual phase offering curated investor engagements, structured mentorship, investor matchmaking, and one-to-one interactions with relevant capital providers. 

The initiative is expected to strengthen connections between founders and investors, support the development of a more diverse and resilient fintech ecosystem, and enhance the quality of investment-ready startups emerging from GIFT City.

GIFT City is India’s first operational smart city and a leading international financial services centre. The global innovation hub is now broadening its focus areas through development projects, with the aim of integrating finance, technology, education, and lifestyle infrastructure into a single ecosystem. Several major projects launched this year are expected to strengthen its global positioning by 2030 significantly.