Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 4, 2025: In a significant partnership to strengthen the Startup ecosystem in Kerala, Kotak Mahindra Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), a nodal agency dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship under the Government of Kerala.
As part of the MoU, which focuses on Startups in sectors such as agriculture, medical technology, electronics, and space, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Kerala Startup Mission will take a series of steps to nurture and grow the Startup ecosystem in the state.
As a Scheduled Commercial Bank, Kotak will offer Startups banking solutions, organize masterclasses and knowledge-sharing sessions on banking services, export documentation, and fundraising options. Additionally, Kotak will bridge Startups in Kerala with NRIs based in global markets through its branch offices located outside India.
KSUM will provide Startups with incubation, mentorship, funding assistance, capacity-building programs, and resources to nurture and accelerate the growth of early-stage ventures. Startups will also gain access to a network of investors, industry experts, and government initiatives aimed at developing a thriving startup ecosystem in the state.
Highlighting this initiative, KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika said, “This partnership will provide Startups with financial resources and market linkages to scale up their businesses. The collaboration with a major financial institution like Kotak Mahindra Bank also reflects the credibility of the state’s fast-flourishing Startup ecosystem.”
Thakur Bhaskar, Head of Distribution – South, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “We understand what it takes to Startup and scale a business, having ourselves been there in the journey as a challenger brand in the established banking sector. We want to help many more entrepreneurs who have shown ‘Hausla’ to pursue their dreams, in every way possible. Kotak is a financial conglomerate, and we are confident Startups will benefit greatly not just from our world-class products but also our advisory services.”
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