On July 31, 2024, the vibrant halls of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, came alive with ideas, strategies, and passion at the Interactive Session on ‘How to Invest in Startups’.
Organized by the Startup & Entrepreneurship Forum, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI, in association with Startup Punjab, this initiative aimed to strengthen the bridge between investors and budding entrepreneurs under the 4E Initiative, Engage & Encourage: Ecosystem Enablers.
Why This Session Was a Game-Changer for Punjab’s Startup Ecosystem
Punjab is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial energy. But to sustain it, access to capital, mentorship, and structured ecosystem support is vital.
This session brought together startup investors, incubators, policy-makers, and founders, offering a comprehensive look at startup investment in Punjab.
A strong startup culture is the backbone of economic resilience. – Dr. J.K. Sharma, Chair, Startup & Entrepreneurship Forum, PHDCCI.
Key Insights from the Panel of Experts
Basics of Angel Investment – Mr. Amit Madaan
Mr. Madaan (CEO, A-Square Media & Co-Chair, PHDCCI) outlined foundational concepts every new angel investor must know:
- How to evaluate a startup’s potential
- Understanding pre-money/post-money valuation
- Legal due diligence
- Managing risk and exit strategy planning
Actionable Tip: Always back teams, not just ideas.
Government Initiatives & Startup Support – Mr. Salil Kaplash
As Startup Coordinator at Startup Punjab, Mr. Kaplash shared the funding schemes and policy frameworks that enable startups across districts such as Mohali, Ludhiana, and Amritsar.
Policy matters, but access and awareness matter more.
From Founder to Investor – Supreet Singh’s Journey
I had the opportunity to share my transition, from founding a pharmaceutical venture to becoming an angel investor. Key points discussed:
- How to evaluate product-market fit
- Emotional vs. strategic investment mindset
- Building a trusted network of startup mentors
- The real return: impact, not just equity
Role of Incubators – Dr. Ati Priye (CGC Jhanjeri)
Startup incubators, such as those at CGC, are the nurseries of future unicorns. Dr. Priye elaborated on:
- Infrastructure support
- Early-stage handholding
- Industry-academia collaboration
Startups nurtured at incubators have 2.5x higher success rates, as per industry benchmarks.
Long-Term Perspective on Startup Investment – Mr. Amitesh Singh & Mr. Vikrant Kapoor
- Mr. Singh (Director, Novelty Group) shared insights on measuring ROI in impact-driven ventures.
- Mr. Kapoor (Director, Angels Paradise) emphasized mentorship as capital.
The Call to Action: Local Investors Must Lead the Charge
The event concluded with CA Jaideep Singh’s call to local investors to actively support early-stage innovation in Punjab.
We need more than funds—we need faith in local entrepreneurs.
The event closed with a networking session involving 40+ investors, incubators, and young entrepreneurs—marking a new chapter in Punjab’s startup narrative.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Startup Investors
Evaluate startup founders’ grit and execution
Focus on problem-solution clarity
Partner with incubators and mentors
Leverage platforms like Startup Punjab & PHDCCI for deal flow
Always stay ethically aligned with your investment
