New Delhi, Nov 7 (FN Agency) Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) in collaboration with TiE Delhi-NCR on Monday launched LEAP AHEAD initiative for startups to get access to investment, mentorship & global connect. Shri S. Krishnan launched the LEAP AHEAD initiative, a joint collaboration of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR, here at the LEAP AHEAD summit in the gracious presence of Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI; Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, MeitY; Dr Saurabh Shrivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR & Co Founder, Indian Angel Network; Shri Alok Mittal, Co-founder, Indifi Technologies & President, TiE Delhi-NCR; Shri Ashok Singh, Executive Vice President, Investor Relations, Mumbai Angels; Shri Prem Bharthasarathy, Managing Partner, Pontaq Ventures India LLP, Shri Devesh Tyagi, Senior Director, STPI; Shri Subodh Sachan, Director, Innovation and Startups, STPI and Ms. Manjusha Chourasia, Scientist ‘E’, MeitY.
This initiative will be a game-changer for tech Startups that are in the scaling stage, growth stage, product diversification or planning expansion into new geographical locations. They can benefit through funding support of up to Rs. 1 Crore and a comprehensive three-month mentorship program that combines virtual and in-person sessions for a well-rounded learning experience. Furthermore, the initiative will provide start-ups with access to an extensive network and personalized guidance through one-on-one mentorship sessions with seasoned investors and industry experts. Secretary MeitY, Shri S Krishnan said, “This LEAP AHEAD initiative is very timely in terms of emphasizing the opportunities that lie for entrepreneurship in India. Today, India is no longer known as a BPO destination, it has evolved into a global capability centre and R&D centre. India stands as a leader in digital public infrastructure and this can now be used in multiple ways by entrepreneurs to build successful enterprises.
Youth in smaller cities have the hunger to do and achieve more. That’s the fire in the belly we need to build on. We would like to also see more women and people from tier 2/3 cities coming as entrepreneurs.” Shri Arvind Kumar, DG, STPI said,” With this initiative, technology startups will gain entry into the market, experience rapid growth and diversify into new horizons. This program is focused mainly on two things – mentorship and co-investment. Besides Delhi, LEAP AHEAD Startup Summit is also planned to be held in Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada and Chandigarh.” Alok Mittal, President, TiE Delhi-NCR, said, “TiE’s mission has always been to foster ecosystems, and this program aligns perfectly with our goals. We’ll mentor 75 companies over three months, aiming to secure funding for about 15. We’ll also take these showcases to over 30 cities, expanding the impact.” This initiative will enable the startups to establish a product market fit, identify customer segments, grow hacking strategies, business compliance, leadership recruitment and fundraising.