Panaji, Sep 3 (Agency) It was a power packed day as investors, entrepreneurs, founders, policy makers and industry stakeholders came together to network, deliberate and exchange knowledge on a common platform on the concluding day of Antha Prerna 2021, a Startup Conclave and Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by the Startup Promotion Cell, Government of Goa, in collaboration with AIC-GIM (Atal Incubation Centre- Goa Institute of Management) and Info Tech Corporation of Goa Limited. Through the day-long event, one thought echoed through the various sessions – Goa is an ideal state for the startup ecosystem to flourish and thrive. Tej Kapoor, Partner, RZ Capital, explained how he has witnessed unicorn founders wanting to move to Goa. Several established companies like 91 Springboard and others have already made the shift. Drawing a parallel with Silicon Valley he said, “Goa can be another Silicon Valley.
The cost of living is considerably lower in comparison to the metros, the quality of life is better and one is able to attain a sense of balance. The state is setting up new infrastructure in terms of an airport and better road connectivity. The future seems bright.” Anurag Agrawal Partner, Aavishkaar Capital agreed but added that a key ingredient to be able to scale up and grow is availability of skilled talent. He said, “While the state is attractive to startups and venture capitalists, one needs access to talent. There is a severe skilled talent shortage across the globe. Goa has a well developed education system. It has the potential to develop a talent pool of skilled professionals. For that Goa needs to make the state attractive to talent so that it can be a hub.” Parixit Pai Fondekar, Founder of FIERCE Kitchens, India’s only culinary incubator spoke at the session where he articulated the potential the state has in the culinary industry. He said,”Goa is a tourist hub. The state has a vast skilled workforce in the hospitality sector, many of whom are working beyond the state.
Now is an opportunity for some of them to return and start a venture of their own. The pandemic also saw the emergence of foodpreneurs across verticals.” Culinary as a business is not capital intensive, one can start off right from their own kitchens at home he explained. “With culinary, one can start simple. What’s key is innovation. I see immense potential in Goa. I forecast that the next 2 years will witness an even bigger boom in foodpreneurs.