70 startups seek Rs 1,500 crore investments at ASSOCHAM Investor Connect
New Delhi, July 25
Around 70 startups sought investments worth nearly Rs 1,500 crore at the second edition of ASSOCHAM Investor Connect, which brought together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and policymakers to strengthen India's innovation-driven startup ecosystem, the industry body said on Saturday.
More than 450 startups from across the country applied for the programme, out of which 200 were shortlisted after a rigorous evaluation process aligned with the investment priorities of participating investors.
A key highlight of this year's event was the sharp rise in participation by young innovators, whose share increased to around 30 per cent from nearly 15 per cent in the inaugural edition, reflecting growing entrepreneurial aspirations among India's youth.
Addressing the event, Dr Priyanka Shukla, CEO of MY Bharat under the Department of Youth Affairs, said India's entrepreneurial future extends well beyond metropolitan cities.
"India's youth do not lack ideas -- they need access, exposure, mentorship and opportunities. The next generation of founders will emerge not only from metros but also from Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV cities, villages and aspirational districts," she said.
Dr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, said stronger partnerships between startups, industry and investors would shape the next generation of technology-led enterprises.
He said startups solving real-world problems, building intellectual property and creating sustainable businesses with strong governance would play a key role in driving India's innovation-led growth.
ASSOCHAM Assistant Secretary General Dr Ambika Sharma said the chamber remains committed to creating an ecosystem where promising startups receive not only access to capital but also mentorship, market linkages and strategic partnerships.
"We are endeavouring to extend our reach to Tier II and Tier III towns and cities while fostering meaningful collaborations that transform innovation into scalable enterprises," she said.
Additionally, the event saw participation from 28 leading investors who interacted with shortlisted startups through curated one-on-one pitching sessions across sectors such as defence tech, space tech, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, cybersecurity, fintech, SaaS, consumer tech, EV and mobility, health tech, clean tech, agritech and IT/ITeS.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from a Tier II city, I can vouch that the entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive here. We don't need handouts, we need proper mentorship and market access like they mentioned. ASSOCHAM should track how many of these 70 actually get funded and scale up - that's the real metric.
Good initiative but typical Indian event - lots of speeches, photo ops, but ground reality is different. I know founders who applied but weren't even shortlisted despite having solid products. The selection criteria should be more transparent. Still, any platform helping startups is welcome.
Really impressed that defence tech, space tech, and climate tech are getting attention now! These are the sectors where India needs homegrown innovation. My cousin runs an agritech startup and such investor connects are a lifeline. Hope the government also reduces red tape for these founders 🙏
The 15% to 30% jump in young innovators is the real story here. Our Gen Z is not just about social media - they're building real businesses in cybersecurity, fintech, and clean tech. Just wish the 1,500 crore figure was higher given the potential. Better than nothing though!
Great news but I have mixed feelings. My startup was among the 450 that applied but didn't make the final cut. The process felt opaque - no feedback on why we were rejected. If ASSOCHAM really wants to build an ecosystem, they should provide constructive feedback to all applicants, not just the chosen ones. That's how you truly mentor.
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