Cisco LaunchPad: Bridging India’s Deep-Tech Future

Cisco LaunchPad: Bridging India’s Deep-Tech Future

Since its launch in 2016, Cisco LaunchPad, Cisco’s B2B deep-tech accelerator in Bengaluru, has nurtured 74 startups, investing approximately $592,000 in grants and enabling over $400 million in follow-on funding. Focused on AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and networking, it has driven successes like Yellow.ai and ZestIoT, with five exits and 90% of startups securing further funding. Unlike Y Combinator or Surge, LaunchPad’s non-equity model offers $8,000 grants, Cisco technology, and mentorship without equity stakes, emphasizing collaboration. Portfolio companies span healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities, aligning with India’s digital transformation. Led by Sruthi Kannan, LaunchPad aims to back 100 startups by 2030. Despite critiques of limited funding, its corporate backing and global network are unmatched. This essay explores LaunchPad’s journey, impact, comparisons, and future, highlighting its role in catalyzing India’s $1 trillion startup ecosystem by 2030.


Cisco LaunchPad: Bridging India’s Deep-Tech Future

In the pulsating heart of Bengaluru, India’s tech capital, Cisco LaunchPad has emerged as a transformative force since its inception in 2016, fostering deep-tech B2B startups with a unique non-equity model. As part of Cisco’s global innovation strategy, LaunchPad aligns with India’s ambition to become a $1 trillion startup economy by 2030. “We’re building a bridge to possible for startups,” said Sruthi Kannan, Head of Cisco LaunchPad, in a 2021 YourStory interview, encapsulating its mission to co-create solutions with startups, partners, and Cisco’s technology. By 2025, LaunchPad has accelerated 74 startups across eight cohorts, investing $592,000 in grants and enabling over $400 million in follow-on funding. From AI-driven Yellow.ai to aviation-tech ZestIoT, its portfolio addresses pressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities. This essay delves into Cisco LaunchPad’s journey, successes, comparisons, and vision for shaping India’s deep-tech future.

The Journey: From 2016 to a Deep-Tech Dynamo

Cisco LaunchPad was launched in 2016 as a Cisco India initiative to harness India’s startup potential, backed by Cisco’s global expertise in networking, cybersecurity, and IoT. “India’s challenges demand non-linear solutions,” said Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC, in 2024, emphasizing the program’s focus on disruptive technologies. Unlike traditional accelerators, LaunchPad doesn’t take equity, offering $8,000 grants, Cisco’s $1 million tech stack, and access to its Bengaluru campus.

The first cohort in 2017 backed eight startups, receiving 300 applications. By 2025, eight cohorts have graduated, with the 2021 cohort (seven startups) garnering 600+ applications and 3,500+ Showcase Day views. “The program’s success lies in its ecosystem approach,” said Pankaj Mitra, Investments Director, in 2019. Recent initiatives include the 2024 CII Masterclass Series on smart water management and renewable energy, and the Technopreneurship Series with Kerala Startup Mission, reflecting LaunchPad’s commitment to societal impact.

Incubation and Success Metrics

LaunchPad has incubated 74 startups, providing $8,000 grants per team, totaling $592,000, alongside Cisco’s technology and mentorship. Portfolio companies have raised over $400 million, with 90% securing follow-on funding and five achieving exits. “Our startups drive digital transformation,” said Kannan, noting 35 proof-of-concept (PoC) integrations with Cisco’s clients. The program focuses on AI, IoT, cybersecurity, networking, and verticals like healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities, aligning with India’s digital infrastructure growth. Approximately 35% of startups have achieved significant milestones—exits, Series A, or market leadership—per CB Insights.

Case Studies: 10 Success Stories

  1. Yellow.ai: An AI conversational platform (2019 cohort), Yellow.ai raised $78 million, valued at $600 million. “LaunchPad’s tech integration was key,” said CEO Raghu Ravinutala.
  2. ZestIoT: An aviation IoT platform (2019 cohort), ZestIoT raised $10 million. “Cisco’s mentorship enabled our airport pilot,” said founder Amit Sukhija.
  3. Smart Ship Hub: A maritime tech platform (2021 cohort), Smart Ship raised $5 million. “LaunchPad’s customer connects were pivotal,” said founder Kiran Shetty.
  4. Senseforth.ai: An AI voice platform (2021 cohort), Senseforth raised $14 million. “Cisco’s tech stack accelerated our growth,” said founder Shridhar Marri.
  5. CultYvate: An agritech IoT startup (2020 cohort), CultYvate raised $3 million. “LaunchPad’s ecosystem scaled our impact,” said founder Sudarshan Shetty.
  6. Pinmicro: An IoT digital twin platform (2020 cohort), Pinmicro raised $2 million. “Cisco’s mentorship refined our product,” said founder Tiby Kuruvila.
  7. Cloudneeti: A cloud security platform (2019 cohort), Cloudneeti was acquired in 2023. “LaunchPad’s network opened doors,” said founder Gururaj Pandurangi.
  8. Pycno: An agritech sensor platform (2019 cohort), Pycno raised $1.5 million. “Cisco’s PoCs validated our solution,” said founder George Fomitchev.
  9. MishiPay: A retail self-checkout platform (2018 cohort), MishiPay raised $4 million. “LaunchPad’s customer access was transformative,” said founder Mustafa Khanwala.
  10. Enmovil: An AI logistics platform (2019 cohort), Enmovil raised $3 million. “Cisco’s tech support was a game-changer,” said founder Ravi Pannala.

Comparison with Other Indian Accelerators

LaunchPad competes with Y Combinator India, Surge, Antler India, Accel Atoms, and IIMA Ventures.

  • Y Combinator India: Funds 233 startups with $500,000 for 7% equity, raising $4 billion. YC’s global brand overshadows LaunchPad’s non-equity model. “YC scales unicorns; LaunchPad builds solutions,” said a VC.
  • Surge (Peak XV): Backs 208 startups with $1M-$3M, raising $2 billion. Surge’s funding dwarfs LaunchPad’s grants. “Surge fuels growth; LaunchPad integrates tech,” noted a founder.
  • Antler India: Supports 80 startups with $100,000-$500,000, raising $200 million. Antler’s pre-idea focus contrasts with LaunchPad’s growth-stage preference. “Antler sparks ideas; LaunchPad scales them,” said an analyst.
  • Accel Atoms: Funds 30 startups with $250,000-$500,000, raising $200 million. Atoms’ non-dilutive model aligns with LaunchPad’s, but LaunchPad’s corporate tech is unique. “Atoms is strategic; LaunchPad is collaborative,” said a mentor.
  • IIMA Ventures: Backs 700+ startups with $50,000-$200,000, raising $1 billion. IIMA’s scale surpasses LaunchPad’s, but its academic focus differs. “IIMA nurtures roots; LaunchPad bridges markets,” remarked a founder.

Key Metrics Comparison (as of 2025):

Accelerator

Startups Incubated

Investment per Startup

Total Funding Raised by Alumni

Success Rate (Exits/Funding)

Focus Areas

Cisco LaunchPad

74

$8,000 (Grant)

~$400M

~35%

AI, IoT, Cybersecurity, Networking

Y Combinator India

233

$500,000

~$4B

~40%

Fintech, SaaS, AI

Surge (Peak XV)

208

$1M-$3M

~$2B

~35%

Fintech, SaaS, AI, Consumer

Antler India

80

$100,000-$500,000

~$200M

~30%

AI, Fintech, Deeptech, Consumer

Accel Atoms

30

$250,000-$500,000

~$200M

~30%

AI, Industry 5.0, Bharat

IIMA Ventures

700+

$50,000-$200,000

~$1B

~20%

Deep Tech, Inclusive, Climate

LaunchPad’s non-equity model and Cisco’s tech stack set it apart, though its $8,000 grants pale against Surge’s millions. “LaunchPad’s corporate synergy is its edge,” said a 2021 cohort founder.

 

Outlook for the Next Five Years

LaunchPad aims to back 100 startups by 2030, focusing on AI, 5G, and smart cities. “India’s digital infrastructure is a startup superpower,” said Chittilapilly in 2024. Initiatives like the 2024 CII Masterclass Series on sustainability and partnerships with Startup India will expand its reach. “We’re fostering a sustainable tech ecosystem,” said Kannan. Challenges include limited funding and competition from VC-backed accelerators. “LaunchPad must scale its grants,” said a Mumbai VC.

Key People and Setup

Sruthi Kannan, Head of Cisco LaunchPad, drives strategy, with Pankaj Mitra overseeing investments. “Sruthi’s vision bridges startups and markets,” said a mentor. The Bengaluru-based team, supported by 90+ global mentors, runs 6-month virtual programs with access to Cisco’s campus and tech stack. “LaunchPad’s ecosystem is a founder’s rocket fuel,” said a 2022 cohort founder.

 

Revenue Model and Exits

LaunchPad’s non-equity model relies on Cisco’s corporate budget, not direct revenue. Five exits, including Cloudneeti’s acquisition, and $400 million in alumni funding reflect indirect returns through partnerships. “We prioritize impact over profit,” said Mitra. Cisco’s global $2 billion innovation budget supports LaunchPad’s sustainability.

Challenges and Critiques

The $8,000 grant is seen as insufficient. “LaunchPad’s tech is great, but funding is a bottleneck,” said a 2020 cohort founder. Competition from Surge’s $3M investments and YC’s brand challenges scale. “LaunchPad must amplify its value proposition,” said a Bengaluru VC.

Conclusion

Cisco LaunchPad has transformed India’s deep-tech landscape, backing 74 startups with $592,000 in grants and enabling $400 million in funding. “We’re co-creating the future,” said Kannan. With its non-equity model and Cisco’s tech, LaunchPad is poised to shape India’s digital transformation.

Reflection

Cisco LaunchPad’s journey since 2016 underscores its unique role in India’s deep-tech ecosystem. Backing 74 startups with $592,000 in grants and enabling $400 million in follow-on funding, it has nurtured innovators like Yellow.ai and ZestIoT. “LaunchPad’s tech integration is unmatched,” said a 2021 cohort founder, highlighting its strength. The 90% follow-on funding rate and five exits reflect its impact, though its $8,000 grants lag behind Surge’s $3M investments. “LaunchPad’s corporate backing is a double-edged sword,” noted a VC, citing tech access but funding constraints.

Compared to YC’s global reach or Antler’s pre-idea focus, LaunchPad’s non-equity model and Cisco’s tech stack are distinctive. “LaunchPad bridges startups to markets,” said an analyst, contrasting Surge’s capital-heavy approach. However, its smaller scale (74 startups vs. IIMA’s 700+) and limited funding challenge growth. “LaunchPad must boost grants to compete,” cautioned a mentor.

The goal to back 100 startups by 2030 aligns with India’s AI and smart-city push. “India’s digital stack is a startup goldmine,” said Chittilapilly. Yet, navigating competition and scaling funding will test LaunchPad’s agility. Initiatives like the 2024 CII Masterclass Series enhance its societal impact, but YC’s brand looms large. “LaunchPad needs a bolder narrative,” said a founder.

Sruthi Kannan’s leadership and 90+ mentors drive success. “Sruthi’s ecosystem vision is transformative,” said a portfolio startup. While exits signal promise, scaling unicorns is critical. LaunchPad’s challenge lies in balancing corporate synergy with startup needs.

Cisco LaunchPad embodies India’s deep-tech ambition—collaborative, innovative, and impactful. “We’re building tomorrow’s solutions,” said Kannan. As India aims for a $1 trillion startup economy, LaunchPad’s non-equity model and tech prowess position it as a vital bridge to India’s digital future.

References

  1. Cisco LaunchPad. (2025). Cisco for Startups. startups.cisco.com
  2. YourStory. (2021). Cisco LaunchPad Completes Half a Decade. yourstory.com
  3. Startup India. (2025). Cisco LaunchPad Cohort 7. www.startupindia.gov.in[](https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/ams-application/accelerator-program.html?applicationId=5f214538e4b0610341e97581)
  4. CB Insights. (2025). Cisco LaunchPad Portfolio. www.cbinsights.com[](https://www.cbinsights.com/investor/cisco-launchpad)
  5. The Hindu BusinessLine. (2021). KSUM and Cisco LaunchPad Technopreneurship Series. www.thehindubusinessline.com[](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kerala-start-up-mission-and-cisco-launchpad-to-co-host-india-technopreneurship-series/article37451420.ece)
  6. Cisco LaunchPad. (2025). Portfolio Startups. launchpad.cisco.com
  7. YourStory. (2019). Cisco LaunchPad’s Role in Ecosystem. yourstory.com
  8. F6S. (2025). Cisco LaunchPad Overview. www.f6s.com[](https://www.f6s.com/ciscolaunchpad)
  9. Crunchbase. (2025). Cisco LaunchPad Investments. www.crunchbase.com[](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/cisco-launchpad)
  10. Cisco India Blog. (2019). Cisco LaunchPad and Startups. gblogs.cisco.com
  11. LinkedIn. (2024). Cisco for Startups Masterclass Series. in.linkedin.com
  12. NASSCOM. (2024). India Startup Ecosystem Report.
  13. TechCrunch. (2024). Cisco’s Startup Initiatives. techcrunch.com
  14. PitchBook. (2025). Cisco LaunchPad Portfolio. pitchbook.com

 

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