TiE Kerala organised a capital pitch-fest with the aim to provide funding opportunity for startups and connect entrepreneurs to angel investors and VCs. Capital Cafe 2019 was held preliminary to TiEcon Kerala 2019, Kerala’s largest entrepreneurs’ summit. The 20 finalists that pitched in front of the investors at Capital Cafe 2019 were selected from the regional pitch fests held at Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kottayam, and Trivandrum. Entrepreneurs pitched their startups to investors that came from different part of India.
Getting startups funded
Startups across the globe are facing the challenges of getting funded. The event was christened ‘Capital Cafe’ aptly since it was organised with an aim to find capital, said Charter member of TiE Kerala & MD of Kynadi plantations, Roshan Kynadi.
An initiative of TiE Kerala, Capital Cafe is a platform for startups to raise capital and connect with investors. Best startups and investors were part of it this year, added Roshan Kynadi.
Some serious investments
The startup ecosystem in Kerala is witnessing rapid growth. Compared to the situation that had prevailed two years before, matured and serious investments are taking place in the state, said Nashid Ninar, senior manager of Brand Capital.
Over 20 investors take part in fest
Over 20 investors including Unicorn India Ventures, Malpani Ventures, Mumbai Angels, Ankur capitals, IAN and Chennai Angels were part of the pitch fest. Startups need boundless support to grow. It is a good sign that the ecosystem and the government in the state are providing assistance for startups, opined Balram Nair of Chennai Angels. Capital Cafe is the finest platform for entrepreneurs, said Ragini Chaudhary of Caspians Investment.
20 startups pitch for funding
Besides bringing investors from outside the state, Capital Cafe could curate the investors in the state as well, said Anil Joshi from Unicorn India Ventures. Digvijay Singh of Indian Angel Network hailed the state government for the initiative. Startups working on sectors like sustainable energy solutions, waste management, gaming, food, AI and VR pitched to investors. The pitch fest was organised in association with the Kerala Startup Mission.
Encouraging entrepreneurship
CEO of Kerala Startup Mission Dr Saji Gopinath said the aim was to provide diversified funds for startups and create a strong and local ecosystem for the startups. TiE Kerala President-designate Ajit Mooppan said the organisation is aiming to encourage
entrepreneurship through mentoring, education, networking, incubation and funding.
The winners of Capital Cafe will be announced during the TiEcon Kerala summit to be held on October 4 and 5.
