Meta Launches Startup School for 200 Indian Startups

Meta has launched Meta Startup School, a three-month programme designed to help 200 early-stage consumer startups in India strengthen customer acquisition, digital marketing and AI capabilities. The first cohort began on September 1, bringing together companies that have achieved early traction but are still working to build repeatable and sustainable growth engines.

The programme combines structured learning with hands-on support. Participating startups will receive three months of complimentary consultation from Meta’s agency partners without retainer fees, alongside sessions covering Meta’s advertising products, platform tools and AI- powered solutions. The goal is to help founders improve campaign effectiveness, customer acquisition and revenue growth rather than simply introduce them to new technology.

Meta is also bringing investors into the programme. Fireside Ventures, DSG Consumer Partners and V3 Ventures are participating in the first cohort, with additional venture firms expected to join later. Startups will be able to interact with investors and industry specialists during the programme, which will culminate in a demo day connecting founders with venture capital firms, D2C entrepreneurs and other ecosystem participants.

Eligibility is focused on early-stage consumer brands that are beginning to use Meta’s platforms to scale revenue. Meta says applicants should not already be directly managed by the company or working with an agency. Alongside advertising education, participants will learn how AI- powered tools can support campaign optimisation, customer engagement and broader business

performance.

The programme reflects a broader challenge facing young consumer startups: funding alone does not solve growth. Founders also need stronger acquisition economics, sharper marketing execution and the ability to use AI tools effectively. Meta’s bet is that combining platform knowledge with agency support and investor access can help companies move from experimentation toward a more repeatable growth model.