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iStart Inspire Udaipur 2023, organised by the Department of IT and Communication, Government of Rajasthan, in association with YourStory, successfully combined innovation and inspiration. The event, held on September 8 in Udaipur, featured sessions on women in entrepreneurship and funding pathways, with keynote speakers Gunjan Taneja, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing & Product at UClean, and Ruchi Pandiya, Chief Revenue Officer at Inflection Point Ventures, providing valuable insights.

Attendees left the event inspired, highlighting the significance of women-led startups and the collaborative spirit of the entrepreneurial community.

The event’s impact was tangible as it promoted empowerment and innovation, backed by the Government of Rajasthan that is steadfast in its support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem. iStart Inspire Udaipur is committed to sustaining its mission of inspiring and nurturing entrepreneurial dreams.

The pathway to funding

The event kicked off with a session titled, “Fuelling Your Entrepreneurial Journey: The Pathway to Funding,” delved into the intricacies of funding and nurturing entrepreneurial endeavours. Pandiyacaptivated the audience with her expertise. After showing a presentation about funding, making the right pitch and strategies to approach investors, she engaged with the audience in an interactive Q&A session. Her insights were invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders alike.

Talking about the factors that investors consider before investing in a company, Pandiya said, “Investors will always evaluate a company based on Porter’s Five Forces framework.”

Porter’s Five Forces model offers a systematic framework for examining the dynamics that influence an industry’s profitability and competitive landscape.

The model assists in evaluating a company’s competitive surroundings by considering elements such as the possibility of new competitors entering the market, the bargaining power of suppliers, the bargaining power of customers, and the threat of alternative products.

“Think about what kind of problem you’re solving. Build your product or startup around that problem-solving area,” suggested Pandiya to entrepreneurs and aspiring founders.

The audience’s enthusiastic response to the session was evident as they bombarded the speaker with questions even after it had concluded. They were particularly eager to seek her advice on specific pointers to remember when pitching for funding.

Breaking stereotypes and setting new milestones

The second session was titled “Women in Charge: Breaking Stereotypes and Setting New Milestones.” In a world where funding can be elusive, this session celebrated the remarkable resilience of women-led startups.

Tanejatook centre stage as a true pioneer in entrepreneurship. Her journey served as a beacon of inspiration, particularly for those aiming to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Taneja shared the inception story of UClean, shedding light on her path to becoming an industry leader in the laundry sector. She discussed how she brought organisation to a previously unstructured sector, revolutionising the laundry process in India. Furthermore, she highlighted the various issues that UClean is tackling, emphasising the need for unique solutions to each problem – insights that can offer guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs in developing their business models.

During the session, she emphasised the significance of technology in the contemporary era, how it can enhance both discovery and product development while also addressing problems. She also elucidated the advantages and disadvantages associated with factors such as pioneering a segment-specific business and operating as a franchise model.

Taneja’s insights were a breath of fresh air, and illustrated the power of determination and innovation. Her journey exemplified breaking stereotypes and setting new milestones.

Empowering minds and igniting spirits

After these enriching sessions, attendees expressed gratitude to the Department of IT and Communication, the Government of Rajasthan, for the initiative in bringing the entrepreneurial community together.

As the event concluded, participants connected with fellow entrepreneurs and insightful speakers during the networking session. This provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Attendees also enjoyed a delightful high tea, rounding off a day filled with inspiration and camaraderie.

A day to remember

iStart Inspire Udaipur was more than just an event; it was a celebration of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and breaking barriers. Gunjan Taneja and Ruchi Pandiya, as the keynote speakers, left an indelible mark on the attendees with their stories, insights, and expertise.

The event’s success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of iStart Nest Incubator, the speakers, and enthusiastic participants who came together to make it a day to remember. It served as a reminder that entrepreneurship knows no gender, and determination, innovation, and strategic thinking are the keys to success in the world of startups.

As participants departed with new knowledge, connections, and inspiration, iStart Inspire Udaipur left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape, fostering a spirit of innovation and empowerment that will continue to shine brightly in the years to come.