Meta launches Startup School for early-stage consumer brands in India, supporting 200 startups with a focus on platform education and AI-powered tools starting September 1, 2026

Meta has launched the Meta Startup School, a three-month program designed to support 200 early-stage consumer brands in India, commencing on September 1, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the digital presence of startups by providing them with essential tools and knowledge.¹

The program will feature structured sessions on Meta's advertising and AI-powered tools, along with consultations from agency partners and interactions with venture capital firms. Gaurav Jeet Singh, director for agencies and VC partnerships at Meta India, emphasized the importance of guidance for early-stage startups, stating, “Early-stage startups are at a critical stage in their journey, and having the right tools, knowledge, and guidance can make a significant difference.”²

Participants will receive three months of complimentary agency consultation, enabling them to leverage Meta's platforms effectively. The program is expected to include collaborations with notable venture capital firms such as Fireside Ventures, DSG Consumer Partners, and V3 Ventures, with more firms anticipated to join as the initiative progresses.³

To qualify, startups must not be directly managed by Meta or currently working with an agency and should be at a stage where they are beginning to utilize Meta's platforms to scale revenue. The program aims to empower Indian startups to build sustainable businesses and unlock their next phase of growth.