ASSOCHAM Goes To Tier 2, 3 Markets For Startup Elevator Pitch Series

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has taken up the onus to identify the talent and support the growth of startups in Tier 2 and 3 cities of India.

The industry chamber will be launching ‘Startup Elevator Pitch Series’ in a dozen cities as a platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch for funding and technology partners. The series is open to early stage and established startups between 0-5 years of operations.

The selected 33 startups will get an opportunity for raising finance and technology or even marketing partnership with venture capitalists, mentors or independent professionals of global repute. The final presentation will happen in February 2020 in Delhi, of which the top three will be selected.

Anil Khaitan, chairman, Assocham National Council on Startups said that the ASSOCHAM Startup Elevator Pitch Series will be rolled out in 12 cities between September 7 and by the end of January 2020. The cities are Jaipur, Pune, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Raipur, Indore, Guwahati, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, New Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.

“As is clear from the list of cities, except Delhi, all others are Tier-2 or 3 cities for the roll out programmes. We believe the smaller cities are equally aspirational with abundant talent. Moreover, with technology being the major enabler, the new age industries should reach throughout India,” said Khaitan.

Further, in an attempt at pushing women entrepreneurship, two women entrepreneurs will pitch ideas in every city. The entrepreneurs will be given 300 seconds to explain the concept and idea of a service or product to jury members. Each of the startups making it would also get three meetings with investors and a chance to pitch directly to them.

“Assocham will create a dedicated website/microsite where all information related to the Elevator Pitch schedule and plan will be uploaded. The applications will be sought online and the details of venues, jury members will be updated on a regular basis,” added Khaitan.

Ashish Agarwal, co-chair said, “The Indian startup ecosystem has evolved, being driven by factors such as growth in the number of funds/angels, evolving technology, higher smartphone and social media penetration, growth in incubators and accelerators, younger demographics etc.”

Recently, Brinc has launched an accelerator programme along with Maker Village and KSUM to support hardware startups working across sectors such as internet of things (IoT), robotics and consumer electronics.

Also, Google has now opened applications for the third cohort of its Launchpad accelerator in India. The Google Launchpad Accelerator mentors early-stage startups on various aspects of their business, across the areas of technology, product strategy, marketing, UX/UI and leadership.

Further, NITI Aayog under its Women Entrepreneurship Platform, along with the United Nations, has launched the fourth edition of Women Transforming India (WTI) Awards 2019. Women Transforming India (WTI) Awards is being organised in collaboration with the United Nations to recognise women entrepreneurs from across India. This year’s theme is ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’.

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