In today’s dynamic economy, entrepreneurship panel discussion events are essential for shaping future innovators. ISBR Business School hosted “Behind the Startup: Real Stories from Founders and Enablers,” a day entrepreneurship panel discussion designed to inspire students and faculty with startup journeys, innovation strategies, and VC funding insights.
Inspiring Startup Journeys and Entrepreneurial Insights
The event brought together leading voices from India’s startup ecosystem, offering students a front-row seat to entrepreneurial realities:
- Moderator: Mr. Santhosh SS, Founder & CEO, Dhiyo.ai – spoke about leveraging AI to empower blue-collar workers.
- Panelist 1: Ms. Pallavi Shekar, Founder & Director, GIBCO – shared her journey of empowering underrepresented communities through tech.
- Panelist 2: Ms. Rekha Rao, CEO, Tribe of Trees – highlighted sustainability and social entrepreneurship in scaling impact-driven ventures.
- Panelist 3: Mr. Pramod MP, Founding Partner, Aarambh Ventures Fund – offered deep insights into what investors expect from early-stage startups.
Their stories underscored resilience, innovation, and the ability to pivot as hallmarks of successful entrepreneurs.
Funding Insights: Angel Investors and Venture Capital
One of the most engaging aspects of the entrepreneurship panel discussion was the detailed breakdown of how funding works in the Indian startup ecosystem. Participants learned about:
- Building an effective pitch deck for investors.
- Funding stages from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.
- Key evaluation metrics used by VCs.
- Digital platforms like AngelList India, LetsVenture, PitchBook.
- Government schemes such as Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), SIDBI initiatives, and state-led innovation hubs.
These VC funding insights gave students a clear roadmap for approaching investors with confidence.
Outcomes: Strengthening ISBR’s Startup Ecosystem
Key outcomes included:
- Exposure to real challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship.
- Insights into funding readiness, team building, and value articulation.
- Clarity on the venture capital process with references to credible schemes.
- Student demand for follow-up workshops on pitching and networking.
This entrepreneurship panel discussion also strengthened ISBR’s ties with Dhiyo.ai, Tribe of Trees, Aarambh Ventures, and GIBCO, paving the way for future collaborations.
Why Entrepreneurship Events Matter
Events like “Behind the Startup: Real Stories from Founders and Enablers” bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world entrepreneurship. They equip students and faculty with startup stories and VC funding insights that spark innovation, resilience, and actionable strategies for building ventures.
By bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers, ISBR Business School continues to foster a thriving innovation culture, empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students