Under its ongoing digital campaign , the Entrepreneurs’ Organization New Delhi organised a live interactive panel discussion where the panellists talked about the shift in the start-up ecosystem post pandemic and hot sectors that investors are scouting in 2022. A report by tehelka bureau
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization New Delhi Chapter (EO New Delhi) has launched its much-awaited Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) 2022 for student entrepreneurs.
Under its ongoing digital campaign to create awareness about the upcoming competition and their focus on mentorship, EO New Delhi, organised a live interactive panel discussion on the topic “Funding Scenario in 2022”.
The panel had prominent investors and venture capitalists, including Alex Kumar, Director at August One, Sameer Sood, Founder of Venture Highway and Sandro Stephen, VP of Indian Angel Network. The panel was moderated by Dilnawaz Khan, Founder of Power Deck. Dilnawaz initiated the session by talking about the apparent ‘funding winter’ that has deeply affected the funding process, prospects and criteria not only in India, but also globally.
Talking about the shift in the start-up ecosystem post the pandemic, Sandro shared how the recent changes had led to a correction in valuation. “Previously, the start-up entrepreneurs were quoting any number to the investors. Now the VCs are focusing more on clean tech and the sustainability of start-ups,” remarked Stephen.
Sameer Sood also chimed in his opinion and further added that “now the investors are not just looking at growth but also want founders to consider unit economics.”
The panellists also discussed the hot sectors that investors are scouting in 2022. Giving an international perspective, Alex shared, “Food tech, cyber security, and sustainability are definitely the sectors witnessing tremendous interest around the world.”
During the concluding statements, the panellists explained why investors look for honesty, team, timing, TAM (total addressable market), and domain expertise when assessing start-ups for funding.
“The panel provided direct insight into the pulse of the VC/ Seed investing market, with useful tips for student entrepreneurs on how to approach investors to raise seed capital,” said Anushka Kapoor, GSEA Chair for EO New Delhi.
“Such panels represent the true essence of EO’s Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards program that aims to guide student entrepreneurs towards success,” added Kapoor.
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is a premier global competition for student entrepreneurs providing them with mentorship, recognition and connections to help scale early stage businesses. At the EO GSEA Global Finals, students compete for a total cash prize of US$100,000. EO GSEA New Delhi has also announced cash rewards up to Rs 50,000 for the winner and runner-up of their chapter. Applications for GSEA Delhi 2022 are open for studentpreneurs from India.
About EO
The EO New Delhi’s website mentions that EO is the world’s only peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs. Founded in 1987, EO enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. As a member of EO, you gain access to a wide variety of tailor-made benefits designed to help you grow your business and become a better leader. Supporting the complete entrepreneur, EO offers numerous resources to help you excel in your business, family, community and personal life. You’ve made it this far as a business owner— let EO take you to the next level!
