Srinagar, July 15: A new initiative, “Launchpad Kashmir”, has been launched to support and accelerate the growth of early-stage startups in Jammu & Kashmir. Led by Vivek Raina, Co-founder and CEO of Excitel Broadband, alongside a team of experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders, Launchpad Kashmir aims to incubate 24 startups by the end of FY’25.
Launchpad Kashmir is a sector-agnostic early-stage startup incubator fund focused on Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative provides funding, mentorship, training, and workspace to support aspiring entrepreneurs in building and scaling their businesses.
According to a spokesperson of the initiative, the key objectives of the initiative are –
Focus on Funding and Beyond
Launchpad Kashmir goes beyond just funding. The initiative will provide a comprehensive support system for entrepreneurs, including:
Investment: Seed funding ranging from INR 20 lakh to INR 25 lakh per startup.
Mentorship: Guidance and support from experienced mentors to help startups navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
Training: Workshops and programs to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to build and scale their businesses.
Workspace: Dedicated co-working space to foster collaboration and community building.
Proof-of-Concept Funding: Financial assistance to validate startup ideas and develop prototypes.
Addressing Local Needs
Launchpad Kashmir recognizes the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Jammu & Kashmir. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between ideation and successful scaling, helping local businesses reach national and global markets.
Team at the Helm
Vivek Raina, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, leads Launchpad Kashmir alongside a team that brings deep expertise in various sectors. This diverse group is passionate about creating a thriving startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking about the launch, Vivek Raina, Co-founder & Mentor of Launchpad Kashmir, said, “We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers startups in Jammu and Kashmir. Launchpad Kashmir will provide the resources and guidance needed to transform local businesses into national and global success stories.”
Echoeing the views, Muheet Mehraj, Founder of Launchpad Kashmir, “Having worked in the J&K startup scene for over 13 years, I understand the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. Launchpad Kashmir, founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, aims to bridge this gap.”
Adding on, Namrata Kaul, Founding Member of Launchpad Kashmir said, “Attending the Kashmir Start-up conclave in Sept 23 was an eye opener for me. I was amazed by the diversity of start-up ideas being pursued by the youth of the valley and delighted to see many women entrepreneurs too. The confidence, grit, and passion with which they were trying to scale up were evident. The only thing missing piece was exposure and the lack of mentoring. I feel that if the right help in these areas is provided to the bright youngsters in the valley they can learn faster, scale up, get funding, and commercialize their ideas. It was with this thought that some of us got together to set up Kashmir Launchpad. We want to nurture the Startup ecosystem and provide incubation and mentoring facilities. The intent is to create a close-knit community of start-up entrepreneurs, academicians, and industry practitioners and provide a space where they can learn from each other, network, and flourish. I feel very excited about this initiative and look forward to seeing it flourish”.
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