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The entrepreneurial buzz is reaching new heights as the IIT Madras Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) takes its highly successful Startup Meetup 2024 on the road. After an electrifying edition in Chennai, the meetups are set to ignite the entrepreneurial ecosystems in Mumbai and Pune on December 7th and 8th, respectively, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

These meetups promise to bring together some of the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem, offering a unique blend of learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities. Whether you’re a startup founder looking to scale, an investor scouting for groundbreaking ideas, or a mentor eager to shape the next big thing, this is where you need to be.

What Happened in Chennai Stays in… Mumbai and Pune? Not Quite.

On October 19, 2024, the Chennai edition of Startup Meetup 2024 brought together over 200 startups, 15 venture capitalists, and 20 incubators in a single space buzzing with ideas and opportunities. Industry veterans like Peter Davison, co-founder of Godel Capital and an early investor in PayPal, and Natarajan Malupillai, Group CEO of IIT Madras Research Park, shared candid insights that left attendees inspired and energised.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. The Chennai meetup set a precedent for what’s coming next in Mumbai and Pune, promising to up the ante for startup enthusiasts and veterans alike.

Why These Meetups Are a Must-Attend

Open Networking Like Never Before

Forget the awkward business-card exchanges. These meetups are designed for organic, meaningful conversations among startups, investors, and mentors. The goal? Building connections that matter.

InvesTinder in Mumbai: Speed-Dating for Startups and Investors

Mumbai’s edition introduces InvesTinder, an innovative one-on-one session where select startups get exclusive closed-door access to top investors and VCs. If you’ve been dreaming of that elevator pitch moment, this is your chance.

Fireside Chats That Spark Ideas

Each meetup features a Guest of Honour, a seasoned entrepreneur who’s been through the grind. Expect unfiltered discussions about challenges, breakthroughs, and the unglamorous yet rewarding startup life.

Reverse Pitch: Flipping the Script

Ever wondered what VCs are really looking for? In this unique session, venture capitalists and angel investors pitch their investment theses, helping startups understand their preferences and priorities.

What’s In It for You?

Closed-Door VC Discussions: Startups gain direct access to top venture capitalists in their respective cities through InvesTinder, facilitating personalised discussions and potential investment opportunities.

Engagement with the IIT Madras Ecosystem: Attendees can connect with the cohesive startup ecosystem of IIT Madras, exploring opportunities for participation in various events, research collaborations, and incubation support.

Interaction with Leading Startups: Investors have the chance to engage with innovative startups across various sectors, broadening their investment horizons.

Industry Expertise: Participants can acquire valuable industry insights from seasoned veterans in the startup ecosystem, enhancing their entrepreneurial acumen.

Mumbai and Pune: More Than Just Venues

The startup ecosystems in Mumbai and Pune are burgeoning with potential. With their unique blend of established industries, vibrant talent pools, and growing investor interest, these cities are ideal hubs for fostering innovation. The upcoming meetups aim to tap into this energy, creating a melting pot of ideas and opportunities.

Not Just a Meetup—A Movement

The Startup Meetup series by IIT Madras E-Cell is more than just an event; it’s a platform that brings together dreamers, doers, and decision-makers. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or someone taking their first tentative steps into the startup world, these meetups offer a space to learn, connect, and grow.

So mark your calendars for December 7th (Mumbai) and December 8th (Pune). This isn’t just a networking event—it’s where your next big leap could begin.

Register here