On 31st July 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the Interactive Session on How to Invest in Startups, held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. This insightful event was organized by the Startup & Entrepreneurship Forum, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI, in collaboration with Startup Punjab, under the banner of the ‘4E Initiative – Engage & Encourage: Ecosystem Enablers’.
The session aimed to educate and empower ecosystem enablers across Punjab by shedding light on the latest trends, challenges, and investment opportunities in the startup space. It brought together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, and government stakeholders committed to strengthening Punjab’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Building a Strong Startup Ecosystem
The session was opened by Dr. J.K. Sharma, Chair of the Startup & Entrepreneurship Forum, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI, who emphasized the need for a resilient and vibrant startup ecosystem in the state. He highlighted the pivotal role played by ecosystem enablers and the long-term impact they can have on innovation and job creation.
Mr. Amit Madaan, Co-Chair of the Forum and CEO of A-square Media, delivered a compelling presentation on the fundamentals of angel investing. He walked the audience through essential topics such as startup evaluation, due diligence, investment strategies, and exit planning. His practical tips offered valuable clarity to aspiring investors looking to support early-stage ventures.
Government Support and Institutional Backing
Representing the government’s efforts, Mr. Salil Kaplash, Startup Coordinator from Startup Punjab, elaborated on current policies and schemes designed to foster a pro-startup environment. His insights into funding opportunities and regulatory support were well-received by attendees seeking a deeper understanding of public-private collaboration.
I had the honor of sharing my journey—from founding a startup to becoming an angel investor. I discussed the mindset shift required to move from building a company to backing others, offering real-world lessons and actionable advice to the new generation of investors.
Role of Incubators and Mentors
The importance of incubation support was highlighted by Dr. Ati Priye, CEO – Incubator & Startups at Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri. He explained how incubators can play a foundational role in guiding early-stage startups through critical phases of development, including product validation, team building, and funding.
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Amitesh Singh, Director of Novelty Group, shared his long-term vision for startup investments. He emphasized how strategic funding can lead to substantial returns while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in underserved regions.
Mr. Vikrant Kapoor, Director of Angels Paradise, Amritsar, talked about the irreplaceable value of mentorship. He stressed that while funding is important, mentorship often makes the difference between success and failure for young entrepreneurs.
A Vibrant Culture of Innovation
Dr. P.K. Pati, Coordinator of the Golden Jubilee Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (GJCEI) at GNDU, showcased some of the center’s outstanding achievements. His presentation highlighted the university’s commitment to building a culture of innovation and practical learning.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by CA Jaideep Singh, Convener of the Amritsar Zone, PHDCCI. He urged local investors to step forward and take an active role in nurturing the region’s promising startup talent.
