Earlier this year, WhatsApp partnered with The Indian School of Public Policy for a privacy education program. Similarly now, WhatsApp has partnered with Startup India to launch Ad Credit Challenge and the company has invested US $2,50,000 (Rs. 1,79,23,230 approx.) into the Indian Startup Community.
With the partnership with Startup India, WhatsApp will provide 500 DPIIT-approved startups with US $500 (Rs. 35,850 approx.) each of Facebook ad credits and using the ad credits, the startups can create ads that deepen connections and increase sales.
In order to be eligible for this incentive, startups must be at early traction or scalable stage and must be recognized by DPIIT. Interested startups can apply the Startup India website and selection is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Once registered, the first 500 entries will receive free Facebook ad credits worth US $500.
WhatsApp says that 5 million businesses around the world are actively using the WhatsApp Business app and with the newly launched catalog feature, small businesses now have a mobile storefront to showcase their products and services so customers can easily find something they might like to buy.
Commenting on this, Abhijit Bose, Head of WhatsApp India said:
Startups and small businesses are the lifeblood of Indian communities and are a powerful driver of local economies. India’s entrepreneurs are at the forefront of bringing impactful social and economic change, and we at WhatsApp are committed to providing them support in achieving success.
Deepak Bagla, CEO & MD, Invest India said:
India is at an inflection point and as the second-largest community of startups in the world, our focus has always been to support the ecosystem and promote innovative solutions to today’s challenges. The Startup India portal has played a pivotal role in enabling the ecosystem to drive inclusive growth and we’re constantly working to support the next generation of Indian innovators with partners like WhatsApp.