A STUDY ON START-UP FUNDING TRENDS IN INDIA

The rapid expansion of the start-up ecosystem in India has positioned the country as one of the leading global innovation hubs. However, fluctuations in funding patterns, changing investor sentiment, and macroeconomic uncertainties have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of start-up financing. This study investigates the evolving trends in start-up funding in India, focusing on funding stages, sectoral preferences, and investment patterns over recent years. The primary objective is to examine the relationship between funding inflows and macroeconomic as well as ecosystem-level factors, and to analyze the impact of investor behavior on funding dynamics. The study adopts a quantitative research design using secondary data collected from venture capital databases, industry reports, and financial publications. Statistical tools such as correlation and regression analysis are employed to derive insights. The findings suggest that while early-stage funding has remained relatively resilient, late-stage investments have shown volatility due to global economic conditions. Additionally, sectors such as fintech, edtech, and SaaS continue to attract significant investor attention. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing an updated and structured analysis of funding trends, offering valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.