ICICI Bank has opened a dedicated startup-centric branch in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout, marking a major strategic push to support the city’s vibrant founder community. The new branch, located at 19th Main Road (Sector 3), is designed as a one-stop destination, blending digital tools with personalized banking for startups at every stage of growth.
Startups in the region can tap into a broad suite of business services:
- Current accounts (including access to GIFT City accounts)
- Overdraft facilities and working capital backed by SBLCs, FDs, and CGTMSE schemes
- Corporate credit cards, escrow, and foreign currency accounts
The startup hub also offers founders and employees perks such as family banking, demat and HUF accounts, property and personal loans, investment products, and modern digital services.
ICICI is boosting its digital game too:
- Corporate Internet Banking (CIB), the InstaBIZ app, Trade Online
- Integrated payment solutions including e-collections, e-mandates, payment gateways, and UPI tools
- Over 250 APIs via a new Developer Portal—enabling easy integration for payments, collections, and more
The branch’s dedicated relationship management team doubles as a networking engine, connecting startups directly with venture capitalists and mentoring partners. With 460 branches and 1,020 ATMs in Karnataka alone, ICICI is reinforcing its commitment to local innovation.
PNB’s First Startup Branch Debuts in Delhi
Punjab National Bank (PNB) recently launched its first startup-focused branch at Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi. In sync with the “Startup India” mission, PNB inaugurated the branch with STPI (Software Technology Parks of India), signing an MoU to deliver tailored banking and financial literacy to tech founders and incubated startups.
Startups can expect:
- Custom banking services through PNB’s first full-fledged startup branch
- Loans up to ₹20 crore for viable proposals
- Model replication across other major startup hubs
- Support for onboarding, mentoring, and connecting with the right industry partners
DPIIT Partnerships Accelerate Innovation
In parallel, ICICI Bank’s startup initiative benefits from partnership with DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage companies through policy alignment, preferential access, and shared digital infrastructure. These partnerships are pivotal for expanding reach, improving funding access, and soft-landing startups in the Indian ecosystem.
Read this: Is UPI no longer free? ICICI Bank has started charging transaction fees to UPI apps
Why These Moves Matter
- Both ICICI and PNB are customizing financial solutions for young businesses—ICICI via digital APIs and global banking reach, PNB with ecosystem support and deep credit funding.
- Network effects: ICICI directly connects founders to VCs, while PNB leverages STPI to onboard and mentor tech ventures.
- The aim is national scalability—both banks plan to roll out startup hubs in other cities, creating a new support system for India’s startup journey.
- Funding: PNB promises loans up to ₹20 crore; ICICI offers structured lending backed by industry guarantees and tech tools.
Final Thoughts
ICICI Bank’s new Bengaluru branch is a best-in-class, high-tech hub for startups, bringing together digital and physical banking with venture networking. PNB’s New Delhi initiative shows commitment to mentorship and easier access to capital. The DPIIT partnership model, layered atop these moves, signals that India’s banking sector is evolving rapidly to keep pace with—and empower—the country’s rising founder class. Together, these initiatives lay the groundwork for a thriving, innovation-led startup ecosystem.
