Horizon Fund in Shimla
How Shimla-based founders and MSMEs can access Horizon Fund, with routing through ROC Shimla and HPSIDC (Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation).
What is the Horizon Fund Scheme? — Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is a fast-growing Tier-2 business hub in Himachal Pradesh, with rising MSME formation and improving institutional lender depth. Horizon Fund is increasingly accessed by founders here as state-level delivery mechanisms mature.
Himachal Pradesh's Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Yojana gives 25–35% capital subsidy to MSMEs, with Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh as India's largest pharmaceutical cluster. For Shimla applicants, this creates a stackable incentive environment where Horizon Fund can be paired with HP Industrial Investment Policy 2019 and Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Yojana for maximum benefit.
Horizon Fund is a capital instrument suited to early-stage Shimla startups — particularly those registered with DPIIT and filed via ROC Shimla. Himachal Pradesh's sectoral strengths shape the founder pool, and HPSIDC (Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation) helps bridge the pre-seed-to-seed pipeline alongside the central scheme.
The Horizon Fund Scheme is an investment initiative designed to support revenue-generating startups at various stages of growth. It is open to startups across all sectors, with no specific industry restrictions. Unlike a without security business loan, which is a debt instrument, this is an equity-based investment.
The fund provides:
Initial Investment: Up to USD 100,000 (approximately INR 83 Lakhs).
Follow-up Investment: Up to USD 250,000 (approximately INR 2 Crores) based on progress and achieved milestones.
Benefits of the Horizon Fund Scheme
Seed to Scale Capital
Total potential investment of up to ₹2 Crores.
No Debt Burden
Equity funding avoids EMI pressure and supports reinvestment.
Expert Mentorship
Guidance from industry leaders and growth advisors.
Global Network
Access to international investors and corporate partners.
Tax Benefits
Access to state-level tax incentives and startup benefits.
Key Features of the Horizon Fund Scheme
- Initial Funding: Up to ₹83 Lakhs to kickstart market expansion.
- Growth Funding: Up to ₹2 Crores to support long-term scalability.
- Rolling Application: Continuous opportunities to apply without waiting for fixed windows.
- Equity-based Investment: Growth capital without the burden of monthly interest repayments.
Focus Areas of the Horizon Fund Scheme
The Horizon Fund details indicate that the program is sector-agnostic, though it favors technology-driven solutions. Startups that align with government grants focus areas often see higher success rates.
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | Disruptive products in software, hardware, and deep-tech. |
| Sustainability | Startups in clean energy, waste management, and CleanTech. |
| E-Commerce | Scalable online marketplaces and retail technology solutions. |
| HealthTech | Medical technologies and biotech innovations. |
| EdTech | E-learning, skills development, and educational infrastructure technology. |
| AgriTech | Solutions for precision farming. |
Eligibility Criteria for the Horizon Fund Scheme
Horizon Fund eligibility focuses on ventures with proven market fit through revenue and strong compliance readiness.
Registered as Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited Company.
Must demonstrate market traction and active revenue.
Growth-stage startups focusing on scale and viability.
Operating in India with valid MSME certification.
Up-to-date financial records and tax compliance.
Documents Required for the Horizon Fund Application
Prepare all key documents before applying to improve speed and quality of your fund application review.
Company registration docs and DPIIT recognition
Professional pitch deck
Comprehensive business plan and projections
Latest audited financials
Technology description and PoC evidence
Founders' CVs
Customer traction evidence
MSME certificate
How to Apply
Prepare Your Documents
Submit Your Application
Review & Evaluation
Funding & Mentorship
Interview & Selection
Prepare Your Documents
Submit Your Application
Review & Evaluation
Interview & Selection
Funding & Mentorship
Is There a Deadline for Applying to the Horizon Fund Scheme?
- The Horizon Fund Scheme operates on a rolling application basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline. You can apply whenever your startup reaches the required revenue milestones. However, it is always best to apply early to secure a place in the current investment cycle.
Conclusion: Why Apply for the Horizon Fund Scheme?
The Horizon Fund Scheme offers valuable resources for startups that have already passed the initial 'valley of death' and are generating revenue. With equity-based funding of up to ₹2 Crore, it provides the runway needed to become a market leader. Whether you are in tech, health, or agri-business, this fund provides the mentorship and capital to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply for Horizon Fund
Need equity investment to scale your startup? Apply for the Horizon Fund.