ASSOCHAM to launch platform for startups to raise funding: Here is what you must know

 Apex trade body ASSOCHAM is going to launch "Startup Elevator Pitch Series", an initiative and a platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch for funding and technology partners for their dream projects, from September 7, 2019.  The ASSOCHAM Startup Elevator Pitch Series would be rolled out in 12 cities between September 7 and January-end 2020. The cities are Jaipur, Pune, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Raipur, Indore, Guwahati, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, New Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.

The format of Elevator Pitch will be such that the entrepreneurs and founders will be given 300 seconds to explain the concept and idea about a service or product to jury members, a statement from ASSOCHAM said.

Besides Google Cloud vouchers for the selected ideas, there will an opportunity to get a direct entry into the accelerator programme with IncubateIND, a technology community network.
 
“Through this unique initiative, Startups or potential Startups would be able to network with high net worth individuals and top of the line professionals and generate business or funding opportunities for themselves,” said Anil Khaitan, chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Startups.

 Khaitan said that the opportunity would be available for early-stage startups between 0-2 years of operations. Those aspiring to scale up would also get an opportunity for raising finance and/ or acquiring technology or even stitching a marketing partnership with venture capitalists, mentors or independent professionals of global repute. The Elevator programme is also open for the established startups between 2–5 years of operations.

 The statement said that the programme is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet initiative Startup India.