India, Jan. 28 -- The VC Wishlist For Budget 2026

India's venture capitalists (VCs) have a long wishlist this budget season. Investors believe that the next phase of startup growth will be powered by deeper reforms and policy execution, and not just promises. So, what exactly does the VC ecosystem want from the Union Budget 2026?

Going Beyond Equity: As the ecosystem enters a more disciplined phase, investors are calling for policy frameworks that support blended capital structures - venture debt and sector-specific credit that align with cash flows. They also want stronger risk-sharing mechanisms to help MSMEs and growth stage startups access non-dilutive capital.

Unlocking Domestic Funds: While foreign capital moderated in 2025, dome...