It was quite an eventful day on 16th of January for all the budding startups and related entities, for it was the day honorable Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi launched the ‘Start Up India, Stand Up India’ initiative in New Delhi, a scheme that will help all the aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dream into reality. Back in Mumbai, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, endorsed the PM’s initiative and launched the Mumbai facility of Venture Catalysts, India’s first Seed Investment and Innovation platform.
Venture Catalysts aim to provide the most comprehensive solutions to start-ups through its unique, innovation-driven platform giving them access to the company’s vast angel network, venture fund, co-working facility and its invaluable post-investment support and strategic counsel. The company’s approach to seed investment and its unstinted focus on revitalizing the angel investment landscape in Mumbai will enable fostering entrepreneurship in India through lucrative ventures that are homegrown.
Venture Catalysts’ new centre in Andheri is spread across 5,000 sq ft of dedicated office space for the operational needs of newly incepted ventures. This brand new facility comprises of fully functional reception area, lounge, work desks, conference rooms, board rooms, private cabins, lockers and recreational spots. It plans to offer all amenities that can stand a start-up in good stead without having to invest capital in them. With the launch of this advanced facility centre in Mumbai, the company aims to cater to the needs of enterprising ventures in Mumbai.
At the time of the launch of Venture Catalysts’ Mumbai facility, Guest of Honour the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis said,
“As the PM unveils the Startup India- Standup India mission, I am privileged to inaugurate and dedicate this seed investment facility to the mission. It is a commendable step in creating a strong startup ecosystem in Mumbai. India is a country of powerful, aspiring youth with immense energy and innovative ideas of doing business. All they need is a little handholding to channelize their vast potential and turn their vision into reality. Facilities like Venture Catalysts play a strong role in helping the youth in achieving their goals. Also, it’s worthwhile to mention that Mumbai is the startup hub where there is a huge demand for personalized services.”
VCats will be looking to integrate services to address the various start-up requirements on a single platform. The company is looking to have about 800-1000 active angels on board its platform in the near future.
Dr. Apoorv Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder of Venture Catalysts, said,
“It gives us great pleasure in launching our Mumbai facility in conjunction with the Government’s initiative to give the necessary thrust to India’s Start Up ecosystem. We have built an extensive angel network by involving the country’s high net-worth individuals, and a unique, innovation-driven platform to offer the most comprehensive single-point start-up solutions for upcoming ventures. Moreover, VCats has also tied up with several prominent global start-up facilitators, such as Plug and Play, to expose the Indian start-ups to strategic opportunities from across the globe, and connect with potential partners, investors and mentors from around the world. This puts us in a good position to empower start-ups in India and propel them to register a global impact.”
Dr. Apoorv commenced the ceremony with an introductory note which was followed by the ‘Lighting of the Lamp’ ceremony at the hands of the honourable CM Fadnavis. There were also inspiring speeches by Vallabh Bhansali, Chairman & Co-founder of ENAM Securities Pvt. Ltd, and Ambareesh Murty, Co-founder – Pepperfry. Mr. FAdnavis was then called upon to deliver the keynote ‘Start-up Address’ which championed the cause of a self-reliant and prosperous India.
An ‘Investor Connect’ session was also held wherein 20 curated start-ups got a chance to speed date with Angels and Early Stage VCs to secure funding. With the launch of its facility in Mumbai, Venture Catalysts aim to give early-stage businesses an ideal office space to chart a bright future for themselves.
