RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026: AIC RAISE and Intellex Join Hands to Connect Investor-Ready Startups with the Right Capital.

RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026 by AIC RAISE and Intellex connects promising startups with investors, funding opportunities, pilot projects and investor-readiness support from September 2026 to March 2027.

AIC RAISE is a leading startup ecosystem in Coimbatore focused on nurturing innovation and supporting high-potential startups. As an Atal Innovation Centre supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, it provides startups with mentorship, industry connections, pilot opportunities and access to investors. Through initiatives like RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026, AIC RAISE is helping startups move from innovation to investment and growth.

RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026: Connecting High-Potential Startups to the Right Capital

For many promising startups, raising capital is not simply about having a good product or an impressive pitch deck. The real challenge is finding the right investors, securing meaningful introductions, becoming investor-ready and creating opportunities for commercial pilots and deployments.

Addressing these challenges, AIC RAISE, Coimbatore and Intellex Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd have joined hands to present RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026, a six-month acceleration and investor-connect cohort designed to help promising startups move closer to the right sources of capital.

The programme will run from September 2026 to March 2027, with applications being accepted until September 30, 2026.

AIC RAISE × Intellex: A Strategic Partnership for Startup Growth

Under the programme, Intellex Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd will be an equal partner with AIC RAISE in supporting selected startups through investor readiness, capital connect and business opportunities.

The cohort is particularly relevant for startups working in emerging and high-growth sectors such as:

• Deep Tech
• Artificial Intelligence
• Drones and Drone Technology
• Space Tech
• Clean Tech
• Climate Tech
• Sustainability
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Advanced Materials

The objective is simple: help investor-ready startups get in front of investors who are relevant to their sector, stage and funding requirements.

More Than Just a Pitch Deck

RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026 is designed around the understanding that successful fundraising requires much more than preparing a presentation.

Selected startups will receive support in areas including:

1. Pitch Deck & Financial Model Review

Intellex will help participating startups review and strengthen their pitch decks, financial models and investor narratives, with a focus on clarity, credibility, traction, business economics and the funding requirement.

2. Investor Readiness Coaching

Founders will receive guidance to better position their businesses for investor conversations, including their valuation story, funding ask, growth strategy and investment proposition.

3. 5+ Warm Investor Introductions

One of the key advantages of the programme is the opportunity for selected startups to receive a minimum of five curated warm investor introductions.

Rather than relying solely on cold outreach, startups can be mapped with potential investors according to their sector, stage and funding requirement.

Intellex brings a network of 150+ investors, including angel investors, HNIs, Ultra HNIs, family offices, PE funds and other investment stakeholders.

4. Pilot & Deployment Opportunities

Capital is only one part of startup growth. For technology companies, corporate pilots and commercial deployments can be equally important.

Through the combined ecosystem of AIC RAISE and Intellex, selected startups may gain access to potential pilot and deployment opportunities.

5. Potential Matching Investment

The programme also provides an opportunity for eligible startups to receive a matching investment of up to ₹50 lakhs from AIC RAISE, subject to programme terms, evaluation and applicable conditions.

Who Should Apply?

RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026 is intended for startups that are beyond the idea stage and are demonstrating meaningful progress.

The ideal applicant should have:

• A strong, full-time founding team with relevant domain expertise
• An incorporated legal entity in India
• A pilot-ready or deployment-ready solution
• Active traction, such as pilots, early revenues or paying customers
• TRL 5–7, where applicable
• A scalable solution in one of the programme’s focus sectors
• The commitment to actively participate throughout the programme

Seed-stage startups with active traction are particularly encouraged to apply.

Six-Month Investor Connect Journey

The programme is structured to provide startups with a focused journey from preparation to investor engagement.

September 2026 – Application & Selection
Applications will be evaluated and shortlisted startups will proceed through the selection process. The cohort will select 15 high-potential startups.

October 2026 – Investor Readiness
Selected startups will work on strengthening their pitch decks, financial models, investor narratives and fundraising strategy.

October 2026 – March 2027 – Investor Mapping & Meetings
Startups will be mapped with relevant investors based on sector, stage and funding requirements, with a target of facilitating at least five warm investor introductions per startup.

Why This Cohort Matters for Startups

For an early-stage or growth-oriented company, access to capital can significantly accelerate product development, hiring, market expansion and commercialisation.

However, approaching the wrong investors can result in wasted time and missed opportunities.

RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026 aims to bridge this gap by combining investor-readiness preparation with targeted investor connections.

The partnership brings together the startup ecosystem capabilities of AIC RAISE and the investment-connect and advisory capabilities of Intellex Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd.

About Intellex Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd

Intellex Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd is a Mumbai-based strategic advisory firm established in 2002, with operations across multiple cities in India. The firm works with startups and growth-stage companies on fundraising, investor connect, financial advisory and strategic growth.

Through its investor network comprising 150+ investors, including HNIs, family offices, angel investors, PE funds and other capital providers, Intellex aims to help businesses identify relevant funding opportunities and prepare effectively for investor engagement.

Applications Now Open

RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026 offers an opportunity for ambitious Indian startups to strengthen their investment readiness, access curated investor conversations and explore potential pilot and funding opportunities.

Programme: September 2026 – March 2027
Applications accepted until: September 30, 2026
Selected startups: 15
Investor introductions: Minimum 5, subject to programme fit and terms
Potential matching investment: Up to ₹50 lakhs, subject to evaluation and programme terms

Ready to Take Your Startup to the Next Level?

If you are building an innovative company in Deep Tech, AI, Drones, Space Tech, Climate Tech, Clean Tech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing or Advanced Materials, RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026 could provide the investor access and strategic support needed to move your business forward.

For applications and programme details, use the application link provided in the programme announcement or scan the QR code.

Contact:
Buvan Kirthik – Investment Associate, AIC RAISE
Email: buvankirthik@aicraise.com | Mobile: 7418167880

Sudheendra Kumar – Intellex Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd
WhatsApp: +91 98200 88394
Email: sudheendra@venturestreets.com

AIC RAISE × INTELLEX

RAISE CapitalCatalyst 2026 — Connecting Investor-Ready Startups to the Right Capital.

Programme benefits, investor introductions and matching investment opportunities are subject to eligibility, evaluation and applicable programme terms.