Archive · 12 Sep 2025
SEBI Overhauls Angel Funds Framework for Investors
SEBI, India's financial watchdog, has changed the rules for angel funds, which invest in startups.
The main change is that these funds will now only be able to take money from 'accredited investors,' who are considered to be more experienced and wealthy.
New funds must follow this rule immediately, and existing funds have a little time to adjust.
Funds must also meet deadlines for getting started, and investments will be made at the fund level.
This also changes the way angel funds are classified and will now be treated separately.
These changes aim to make investing easier and safer.
SEBI overhauled the regulatory framework for angel funds.
Angel funds must onboard and offer investment opportunities to accredited investors only.
Funds registered after September 10, 2025 must comply.
Existing funds have until September 8, 2026 to transition.
Angel funds must declare their first close within 12 months of approval.
- Who
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
- What
- Revised the framework for angel funds, tightening fundraising norms.
- When
- Published on September 10, 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance risk reduction and improve ease of doing business.
- Regulatory Body
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
- Key Change
- Angel funds to onboard only accredited investors
- Compliance Deadline
- Funds registered after September 10, 2025
- Existing Funds Transition Deadline
- September 8, 2026
- First Close Deadline
- 12 months after regulatory approval
- Reclassification
- Standalone Category I AIF