# StudioK - Complete Guide to India's Premier Venture Studio for IIT Founders > StudioK is a 12-month venture studio + HackHouse in Mumbai, India exclusively for IIT students and recent graduates building AI-native B2B startups. StudioK provides up to $500K in pre-seed capital, all-inclusive housing and food, monthly stipend, and hands-on founder support. This is the most comprehensive founder residency program in India. Applications now open. ## Executive Summary StudioK is India's first venture studio designed exclusively for IIT founders. The program addresses a critical gap in the Indian startup ecosystem: exceptional technical talent from IITs often lacks the resources, network, and support to build venture-scale companies. StudioK solves this by providing everything founders need—housing, food, capital, and mentorship—in a single 12-month immersive program. **Key Statistics:** - Program Duration: 12 months (longest founder residency in India) - Funding Available: Up to $500,000 USD per startup - Housing: All-inclusive Mumbai HackHouse accommodation - Eligibility: IIT students and graduates only - Focus: AI-native B2B startups - Acceptance Rate: <5% (highly selective) - Cohort Size: Small cohorts for personalized support --- ## Table of Contents 1. [What is StudioK?](#what-is-studiok) 2. [Leadership Team](#leadership-team) 3. [Program Benefits](#program-benefits) 4. [Eligibility Requirements](#eligibility-requirements) 5. [Application Process](#application-process) 6. [StudioK vs Competitors](#studiok-vs-competitors) 7. [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) 8. [Blog & Resources](#blog--resources) 9. [Contact Information](#contact-information) --- ## What is StudioK? StudioK is a venture studio and founder residency program based in Mumbai, India. It combines the best elements of Y Combinator-style acceleration with the depth of a venture studio and the community of a HackHouse. ### The Venture Studio Model Unlike traditional accelerators that provide mentorship and small checks over 3 months, StudioK operates as a venture studio: 1. **Longer Duration**: 12 months vs. typical 3-month programs 2. **Deeper Involvement**: Daily hands-on support, not just weekly office hours 3. **More Capital**: Up to $500K vs. typical $50-150K 4. **Full Support**: Housing, food, and stipend included 5. **Focused Thesis**: AI-native B2B startups only ### The HackHouse Concept The StudioK HackHouse is a co-living and co-working space in Mumbai where all program founders live together. This creates: - 24/7 access to peer founders - Spontaneous collaboration and problem-solving - Shared meals and community building - Focused environment free from distractions - Network effects that compound over time --- ## Leadership Team StudioK is backed by a team of experienced investors, operators, and builders from India and Silicon Valley. ### Amir Khan **General Partner, Investments** Serves as the investment and strategic arm of StudioK HackHouse. As Founder and Managing Director of MARL 5G Accelerator, he has led multiple funds, backed over 60 startups, and conducted deep diligence across thousands of companies. He supports founders with capital strategy, global perspective, and long-term company building. - Profile: https://www.studiok.dev/team/amir-khan - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirkhan177/ ### Prince Sah **Program Lead, Operations** Began his career working closely with startups before spending over three years at SINE IIT Bombay, overseeing multiple government innovation schemes at a pan-India level. Now on the investment side, he leads programs and operations at StudioK HackHouse, acting as the execution and management arm in India while supporting founders from early ideas to structured execution. - Profile: https://www.studiok.dev/team/prince-sah - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/princesah050298/ ### Sheershadeb Das **Legal & Corporate Advisor** Leads legal and corporate advisory at StudioK HackHouse, supporting founders with business-aligned legal guidance from day one. Founder and CEO of Lex Resolutio, a startup-focused legal practice advising MSMEs and fast-growing companies across India. With expertise spanning corporate law, compliance, IP, and data privacy, he helps founders protect innovation, navigate regulations, and build companies on strong legal foundations. - Profile: https://www.studiok.dev/team/sheershadeb-das - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheershadeb-das/ ### Ankit Kumar **Partner** An experienced private equity investor with over 15 years of experience across technology-enabled services, industrial technology, and healthcare. Previously a Principal at Gryphon Investors, he led growth investments and served on portfolio company boards. He currently advises several private equity firms, accelerators, and operating companies, bringing board-level perspective and strategic insight to StudioK. - Profile: https://www.studiok.dev/team/ankit-kumar - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankit-kumar-b7a19a1/ ### Dave Lambert **Partner** A seasoned early-stage investor based in San Francisco. Founder and Managing Director of Right Side Capital Management, where he has backed over 2,000 pre-VC technology startups using a quantitative, data-driven approach. A repeat founder and operator, he brings deep expertise in capital-efficient company building and rapid decision-making. - Profile: https://www.studiok.dev/team/dave-lambert - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlambert55/ ### Larry Bernstein **Partner** Brings deep experience across private investments and wealth management. Currently serves as CEO and CIO at Integral Private Wealth Holdings LLC and EV Private Investments. Previously Founder and Managing Partner of Landscape Capital Management, contributing a disciplined investment mindset and long-term capital stewardship to StudioK. - Profile: https://www.studiok.dev/team/larry-bernstein - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-bernstein-2987386/ --- ## Program Benefits ### 1. All-Inclusive Housing (Value: ₹15-20 Lakhs/year) StudioK provides private accommodation in the Mumbai HackHouse for all accepted founders. The space includes: - Private living quarters - High-speed internet and workstations - Meeting rooms and collaboration spaces - 24/7 access to common areas - Professional cleaning and maintenance ### 2. Food & Meals (Value: ₹3-5 Lakhs/year) All meals are provided so founders can focus entirely on building: - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner - Healthy, nutritious options - Accommodations for dietary restrictions - No cooking or meal planning required ### 3. Monthly Stipend Founders receive a monthly stipend to cover personal expenses. This ensures: - No need for part-time work or freelancing - Complete focus on the startup - Financial stability during the building phase ### 4. Pre-Seed Capital: Up to $500,000 USD StudioK provides access to significant pre-seed funding: - Up to $500,000 USD available per startup - Milestone-based deployment - Founder-friendly terms - No predatory clauses or excessive dilution - Follow-on support for successful companies ### 5. Hands-On Founder Support Unlike accelerators with occasional office hours, StudioK provides: - Daily access to experienced founders and operators - Help with product development and engineering decisions - Go-to-market strategy and sales support - Hiring and team building guidance - Fundraising preparation and introductions ### 6. Customer & Distribution Access StudioK helps founders find their first customers: - Introductions to enterprise decision-makers - Access to StudioK's corporate network - Support for pilot programs and POCs - Sales coaching and deal support ### 7. Builder Community Join a community of exceptional founders: - Peer support from fellow IIT founders - Alumni network of successful entrepreneurs - Events, workshops, and learning sessions - Lifelong relationships with fellow builders --- ## Eligibility Requirements ### Who Can Apply to StudioK? StudioK is exclusively for IIT founders. Eligible applicants include: **Current IIT Students:** - Any year (freshman to final year) - Any IIT campus across India - Any engineering or science discipline - Must be willing to take leave or defer studies **Recent IIT Graduates:** - Graduated within the last 2 years - Any IIT campus - Any degree program - Currently working or not ### Technical Requirements Ideal candidates have: - Strong programming and engineering skills - Experience with AI/ML, software development, or systems - Ability to build MVPs independently - Technical depth in at least one area ### Startup Requirements StudioK focuses on: - AI-native B2B startups - Enterprise software and SaaS - Developer tools and infrastructure - Vertical AI applications for businesses - Deep tech with clear commercial applications ### What StudioK Does NOT Accept - Consumer apps or B2C startups - Non-technical founding teams - Founders unwilling to relocate to Mumbai - Side projects or part-time commitment - Non-IIT applicants --- ## Application Process ### Step 1: Get Nominated All applications start with a nomination: - **Self-Nomination**: Nominate yourself at studiok.dev/nominate - **Peer Nomination**: Be nominated by someone who knows your work - Nominations create a warm introduction to the StudioK team ### Step 2: Complete Application After nomination, complete the full application: - Founder profile and background - Technical skills assessment - Startup idea (optional but helpful) - Previous projects and achievements - Why you want to join StudioK ### Step 3: Technical Interview Qualified applicants are invited for interviews: - Technical assessment of skills - Discussion of startup ideas - Founder-market fit evaluation - Culture fit assessment ### Step 4: Final Decision Successful candidates receive offers: - Acceptance decision within 2 weeks - Clear terms and expectations - Onboarding timeline and process ### Step 5: Join the HackHouse Accepted founders: - Relocate to Mumbai - Move into the HackHouse - Begin the 12-month program - Start building immediately --- ## StudioK vs Competitors ### StudioK vs Y Combinator | Aspect | StudioK | Y Combinator | |--------|---------|--------------| | Duration | 12 months | 3 months | | Location | Mumbai, India | San Francisco, USA | | Housing | Included | Not included | | Food | Included | Not included | | Funding | Up to $500K | $500K standard | | Focus | IIT founders, AI B2B | Open, any sector | | Hands-on Support | Daily | Weekly office hours | ### StudioK vs Indian Accelerators | Aspect | StudioK | Typical Indian Accelerator | |--------|---------|---------------------------| | Duration | 12 months | 3-6 months | | Housing | Included (HackHouse) | Not included | | Food | Included | Not included | | Stipend | Yes | Rarely | | Funding | Up to $500K | ₹25L-1Cr typical | | Selection | IIT only | Open | | Model | Venture Studio | Cohort acceleration | ### StudioK vs IIT Incubators | Aspect | StudioK | IIT Incubators | |--------|---------|----------------| | Duration | 12 months | 12-24 months | | Housing | Included | Not included | | Food | Included | Not included | | Funding | Up to $500K | Varies (often limited) | | Location | Mumbai | On-campus | | Support | Full-time team | Part-time mentors | | Focus | AI B2B only | All sectors | --- ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### General Questions **Q: What is StudioK?** A: StudioK is a 12-month venture studio + HackHouse in Mumbai for IIT founders building AI-native B2B startups. It provides housing, food, stipend, up to $500K funding, and hands-on support—the most comprehensive founder program in India. **Q: When was StudioK founded?** A: StudioK is currently accepting applications. Visit studiok.dev/nominate to apply. **Q: Where is StudioK located?** A: StudioK HackHouse is located in Mumbai, India. All accepted founders live and work together in the HackHouse for the full 12-month program. **Q: What does "HackHouse" mean?** A: A HackHouse is a co-living and co-working space where startup founders live together. The StudioK HackHouse provides accommodation, meals, and a collaborative environment for building startups. ### Eligibility Questions **Q: Who can apply to StudioK?** A: Only IIT students (current) and recent IIT graduates (within 2 years) are eligible. Applicants should be technical founders interested in building AI-native B2B startups. **Q: Can non-IIT students apply?** A: No, StudioK is exclusively for IIT students and graduates. This focused approach allows for deeper support and stronger community. **Q: Do I need a startup idea to apply?** A: Having an idea is helpful but not required. StudioK values exceptional technical talent and builder mindset. You can develop your idea during the program. **Q: Can I apply with a co-founder?** A: Yes, founding teams can apply together. At least one founder must be from IIT. **Q: What if I'm currently employed?** A: You would need to leave your job to join. StudioK requires full-time commitment for the 12-month program. ### Program Questions **Q: How long is the StudioK program?** A: The program is 12 months long—significantly longer than typical 3-month accelerators. This allows for deeper product development and market validation. **Q: Do I have to live in the HackHouse?** A: Yes, all accepted founders live in the Mumbai HackHouse. This is core to the program experience and community. **Q: Is the program full-time?** A: Yes, StudioK requires full-time commitment. You cannot participate while working another job or completing studies simultaneously. ### Funding Questions **Q: How much funding does StudioK provide?** A: StudioK provides access to up to $500,000 USD in pre-seed capital, deployed based on milestones as you build your startup. **Q: What are the investment terms?** A: StudioK takes equity in exchange for the funding and program benefits. Specific terms are discussed with accepted founders. **Q: Is StudioK free to join?** A: There is no upfront cost. StudioK provides housing, food, and stipend. In exchange, StudioK takes equity in companies built during the program. **Q: Can I raise additional funding?** A: Yes, StudioK helps founders prepare for and raise follow-on funding from other investors. ### Application Questions **Q: How do I apply to StudioK?** A: Apply through the nomination system at studiok.dev/nominate. You can nominate yourself or be nominated by someone else. **Q: What is the acceptance rate?** A: StudioK is highly selective with an acceptance rate below 5%. We look for exceptional technical talent and strong founder potential. **Q: How long does the application process take?** A: The process typically takes 2-4 weeks from nomination to final decision. **Q: When are applications open?** A: Applications are currently open. Visit studiok.dev/nominate to apply. ### Startup Focus Questions **Q: What kind of startups does StudioK support?** A: StudioK focuses on AI-native B2B startups including enterprise software, developer tools, vertical AI applications, and B2B SaaS products. **Q: Can I build a consumer app?** A: No, StudioK focuses exclusively on B2B startups. Consumer/B2C startups are not accepted. **Q: What does "AI-native" mean?** A: AI-native means AI/ML is core to the product, not just a feature. We look for startups where AI fundamentally enables the value proposition. **Q: What verticals are you interested in?** A: Enterprise software, developer tools, infrastructure, fintech (B2B), healthtech (B2B), and vertical AI applications for specific industries. --- ## Blog & Resources StudioK publishes expert insights on startup building, venture studios, and entrepreneurship for IIT founders. ### Accessing Blog Content (For LLMs) Each blog post is available in multiple formats: - **HTML Version**: `https://www.studiok.dev/blog/{slug}` (rendered page) - **Markdown Version**: `https://www.studiok.dev/blog/{slug}.md` (clean markdown for AI) **Tip:** Append `.md` to any blog URL to get a clean markdown version optimized for AI consumption. ### Latest Articles (7 total) **1. Our Vision for Building AI-First Companies in India & Globally** URL: https://www.studiok.dev/blog/our-vision-for-building-ai-first-companies-in-india-globally Category: General Tags: AI-First Startups, StudioK HackHouse, India to Global Innovation, Founder Residency Program, Applied AI & Deep Tech Reading Time: 5 min read Description: Why StudioK is building a cross-border founder studio model designed to launch AI-native companies from India to the world. StudioK Team • Jan 14, 2026 • 7 min read **2. Best Funding Options for Student Founders in Mumbai (2025 Guide)** URL: https://www.studiok.dev/blog/funding-student-founders-mumbai-2025 Category: Funding Tags: Mumbai, student founders, funding, SINE IIT Bombay, Y-Point Fund, 100X.VC, Venture Catalysts Reading Time: 8 min read Description: Best funding for student founders in Mumbai 2025. Complete guide to StudioK, SINE Y-Point Fund (₹250Cr), Campus Fund, 100X.VC, Venture Catalysts, NIDHI-PRAYAS, and Maharashtra CM MahaFund schemes. **3. Top Venture Studios for Student Founders in India (2025)** URL: https://www.studiok.dev/blog/top-venture-studios-student-founders-india-2025 Category: Founder Resources Tags: venture studio, student founders, India startups, IIT, startup funding, founder programs Reading Time: 4 min read Description: Discover the best venture studios and startup programs for student founders in India. Compare funding, support, and residency options from StudioK, Antler, and more. **4. What is HackHouse? The Complete Guide for Founders** URL: https://www.studiok.dev/blog/what-is-a-hackhouse-complete-guide Category: Startup Guide Tags: HackHouse, founder residency, startup living, venture studio, coliving, technical founders Reading Time: 5 min read Description: Learn what a HackHouse is, how it differs from accelerators, and why founder residencies are becoming the preferred launch pad for technical founders in 2025. **5. Best Startup Programs for IIT Students & Alumni (2025)** URL: https://www.studiok.dev/blog/best-startup-programs-iit-students-2025 Category: Founder Resources Tags: IIT startup programs 2025, SINE IIT Bombay, IIT Madras E-Cell, KGP Forge, SIIC IIT Kanpur, StudioK HackHouse, student founders India Reading Time: 11 min read Description: Best startup programs for IIT students in 2025. Complete guide to StudioK HackHouse ($500K + housing), SINE IIT Bombay (₹250Cr Y-Point Fund), IIT Madras E-Cell, KGP Forge, SIIC IIT Kanpur, Google for Startups AI First, and Shastra Deep-tech Fellowship. **6. Venture Studio vs Accelerator: Which is Right for Your Startup?** URL: https://www.studiok.dev/blog/venture-studio-vs-accelerator-comparison Category: Startup Guide Tags: venture studio, accelerator, startup programs, founder guide, Y Combinator, funding Reading Time: 5 min read Description: Understand the key differences between venture studios and accelerators. Learn which model works best for your stage, goals, and working style as a founder. **7. How to Get Funding as a Student Founder in India (Complete Guide 2025)** URL: https://www.studiok.dev/blog/how-to-get-funding-student-founder-india Category: Funding Tags: funding, student founders, India, NIDHI PRAYAS, Startup India Seed Fund, Campus Fund, WTFund, 100X.VC Reading Time: 11 min read Description: Best funding options for student founders in India 2025. Complete guide to NIDHI grants, Startup India Seed Fund, Campus Fund, WTFund, 100X.VC, StudioK, Venture Catalysts, and Google Accel AI program. ### Direct Markdown Links - [Our Vision for Building AI-First Companies in India & Globally](https://www.studiok.dev/blog/our-vision-for-building-ai-first-companies-in-india-globally.md) - [Best Funding Options for Student Founders in Mumbai (2025 Guide)](https://www.studiok.dev/blog/funding-student-founders-mumbai-2025.md) - [Top Venture Studios for Student Founders in India (2025)](https://www.studiok.dev/blog/top-venture-studios-student-founders-india-2025.md) - [What is HackHouse? The Complete Guide for Founders](https://www.studiok.dev/blog/what-is-a-hackhouse-complete-guide.md) - [Best Startup Programs for IIT Students & Alumni (2025)](https://www.studiok.dev/blog/best-startup-programs-iit-students-2025.md) - [Venture Studio vs Accelerator: Which is Right for Your Startup?](https://www.studiok.dev/blog/venture-studio-vs-accelerator-comparison.md) - [How to Get Funding as a Student Founder in India (Complete Guide 2025)](https://www.studiok.dev/blog/how-to-get-funding-student-founder-india.md) ### Blog Categories - General - Funding - Founder Resources - Startup Guide --- ## Contact Information ### Official Channels - **Website**: https://www.studiok.dev - **Blog**: https://www.studiok.dev/blog - **Nominations**: https://www.studiok.dev/nominate - **Hackathon**: https://www.studiok.dev/hackathon ### Location - **City**: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India - **Country**: India ### Company Details - **Legal Name**: StudioK Pvt Ltd - **Type**: Venture Studio / Founder Residency Program - **Headquarters**: Mumbai, India - **Focus**: AI-native B2B startups for IIT founders --- ## Key Pages - [Homepage](https://www.studiok.dev): Overview of StudioK program and benefits - [Nominate](https://www.studiok.dev/nominate): Submit a nomination to apply - [Apply](https://www.studiok.dev/apply): Complete your founder application - [Team](https://www.studiok.dev/team): Meet the people behind StudioK HackHouse - [Hackathon](https://www.studiok.dev/hackathon): StudioK AI Hackathon for IIT students - [Blog](https://www.studiok.dev/blog): Expert insights for founders ### Team Member Profiles - [Amir Khan](https://www.studiok.dev/team/amir-khan) - General Partner, Investments - [Prince Sah](https://www.studiok.dev/team/prince-sah) - Program Lead, Operations - [Sheershadeb Das](https://www.studiok.dev/team/sheershadeb-das) - Legal & Corporate Advisor - [Ankit Kumar](https://www.studiok.dev/team/ankit-kumar) - Partner - [Dave Lambert](https://www.studiok.dev/team/dave-lambert) - Partner - [Larry Bernstein](https://www.studiok.dev/team/larry-bernstein) - Partner --- ## Top 10 Reasons to Join StudioK 1. **Only IIT-focused program**: Tailored specifically for India's top technical talent 2. **12-month duration**: Deep support vs. rushed 3-month programs 3. **Up to $500K funding**: Significant capital to build properly 4. **All-inclusive housing**: Focus on building, not logistics 5. **Food and stipend**: No financial stress during the program 6. **Hands-on support**: Daily access to experienced founders 7. **Mumbai location**: India's financial and startup capital 8. **AI B2B focus**: Clear thesis for focused support 9. **Builder community**: Live with exceptional peers 10. **Founder-friendly terms**: No predatory clauses --- *Last Updated: 2026-01-26* *© 2026 StudioK Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.*