Mahith 

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Time. Metaphorically, someone who never stops running, immortal, self-proclaimed, someone who is full of life, but is lifeless. Theoretically, it is another bewildering dimension, something that scientists understand, but the most confusing thing humans could ever grasp. Such a wide area to ever wonder about, is as fragile as the veins of a leaf, is just as important to entrepreneurs as the sun is to the earth.

Sudhanshu Ranjan, Founder of Innovative Machineries Agro India Pvt. Ltd., once said “At times, I keep staring at the clock and wonder how I have spent my whole day, working without accomplishing any goals. We can’t control time, but I want to make the best use of my 24 hours”.

Like an old folklore, there is a common saying that time is like money to entrepreneurs. Time is such a pivotal, climacteric thing, that managing it in the right way, in a wise way to put in words, would make you earn profits to a huge extent. Studies have shown that time management would in fact exert a fine and an upright influence in the minds of newbie entrepreneurs. Time management is a lesson that teaches entrepreneurs to prioritize their work in a proper way. As something found from profound statistics, it would in a way reduce stress. To all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, let’s dive into a rollercoaster ride of prominence of Mr.Time. 

Understanding the value of time is a crucial step in management of time. Time can be complex, complexity which is a multiple of quantum theory. But just as the devotion to God, once turned poison to nectar, a devotion to surrender yourself to managing time in the wisest way, could turn every second into a dollar. Everything has a pro and a con, just like how everyone has a face of good and evil. So does time management. Prioritizing things, would leave someone or something upset, but that is exactly when ‘management in a wise way’ steps in. With a goal oriented mind, and good ethics, time management has proved itself to be a damsel itself. Managing time as an entrepreneur is like orchestrating a symphony – each task is an instrument, and success comes from conducting them harmoniously to create a well-timed masterpiece.

The best way to predict the future is to create it.” - Peter Drucker

The aftermath of understanding the value of time management is that the person would feel it in their guts the need to prioritize tasks, set achievable deadlines, and delegate responsibilities. Next crucial step, that most people fight between heaven and earth, is eliminating distractions and everything else that would waste time. This actually needs a determined mentality. Unless the person is determined to his mindset, his ideology, he can never be a good entrepreneur. Next the person should schedule every event from head to toe, and then learn to handle  stress and failures. Because failures are inevitable in a journey of start-up. And one last point, and of course not the least, is that time management in a way will make you understand how to adapt for sudden changes, and makes you have instantaneous reflexes to sudden burnouts.

“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”
- Bill Gates

Managing time for entrepreneurs is akin to managing a budget. Each hour is a currency, and allocating it wisely can lead to a profitable outcome. Just as financial resources are budgeted for maximum returns, entrepreneurs allocate their time strategically to activities that yield the most significant impact on business growth. Prioritizing tasks becomes analogous to making wise investments, ensuring optimal returns on the limited resource of time.

Like Hades to Persephone, managing time would make the way clear, of all blurs, of all dust, to entrepreneurs. Once a second wasted, it would remain in the fossils of time, like an Achilles' heel. A simple topic, time management, most often people would take granted for, is like the midrib to a leaf. Just like how a leaf is about to fall off from a branch, and the midrib holds it as if it is the leaf’s last hope, time management is sometimes the last hope for a breakdown in an entrepreneur’s failure. Remember, time that is gone is gone forever. 

Time is indeed complex, and the sea would be so honest, only if you dare to drown in her.

Above The Fold : Money for Entrepreneurship - Time.

Aaradhya

Arjun

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Introduction to Politics, Entrepreneurship, and their connection:

In today's dynamic world, the realms of politics and entrepreneurship converge more than one might initially perceive. Politics, with its mechanisms of governance, and entrepreneurship, with its innovation and risk-taking, share an unexpected synergy. Both fields demand visionary leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to rally support toward a common goal.

Working of a Political Startup:

A political party cannot be imagined as a stodgy institution but rather as a dynamic startup brimming with ideas and potential. Similar to a revolutionary product, its platform promises a better tomorrow, crafted by a leadership team that acts as its executive board. This team formulates strategies to thrive in the ecosystem and inspire unwavering dedication. Building a robust campaign infrastructure necessitates efficient resource allocation, volunteer management, and data-driven decision-making – mirroring the challenges faced by scaling businesses.

How Parties get their funding:

Political parties, like startups, require a constant influx of resources to sustain their operations. Individual contributions act as investments, providing crucial support in the early stages. Membership fees become recurring revenue streams, while corporate donations resemble venture capital injections. However, unlike their private-sector counterparts, political parties operate under public scrutiny, demanding transparency and accountability in their fundraising efforts.

Conclusion:

The confluence of politics and entrepreneurship marks a pivotal shift in the way parties function and engage with the electorate. By embracing the spirit of innovation, agility, and resourcefulness, parties are unlocking new avenues for connecting with voters and shaping public discourse. Moving forward, the success of political parties will increasingly hinge on their ability to harness the power of entrepreneurial thinking and channel it into building a more engaged, responsive, and ultimately effective form of governance.


Above the Fold : Politics from an Entrepreneurial Approach

Nandhini S

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### Introduction

Entrepreneurship has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Once regarded as an exclusive club, accessible only to a privileged few, it has now become a topic that permeates dinner table conversations around the world. This shift is a testament to the changing dynamics of our society, driven by factors such as technological advancements, the influence of pop culture, and a growing emphasis on inclusivity. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the evolution of entrepreneurship, exploring how it has become a subject of fascination and inspiration for individuals from all walks of life.

### The Exclusive Club: A Distant Dream

Entrepreneurship, in its early days, seemed elusive and reserved for those with deep pockets, Ivy League connections, and a penchant for risk-taking. It resembled an ultra-exclusive club with a velvet rope, requiring a secret handshake to gain entry. The traditional career path, with its promise of stability, seemed to be the norm, and the idea of venturing into the unknown world of entrepreneurship was deemed too risky for the average individual.

### The Rise of the Entrepreneurial Superhero: Technology
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If entrepreneurship were a superhero, technology would undoubtedly be its trusty sidekick. The advent of the internet, smartphones, and online platforms has revolutionized the entrepreneurial landscape. E-commerce, social media, and digital marketing have democratized the game, allowing anyone with a laptop and a dream to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. The barriers to entry have been significantly lowered, empowering individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Gone are the days when aspiring entrepreneurs had to rely on traditional sources of information. The internet has become a treasure trove of knowledge, offering online courses, mentorship programs, and a plethora of YouTube tutorials. Aspiring entrepreneurs now have virtual mentors at their fingertips, guiding them through the intricacies of starting and growing a business.

### The Influence of Pop Culture: Entrepreneurship Takes Center Stage

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The rise of entrepreneurship as a dinner table topic can be attributed, in part, to the influence of pop culture. Television shows like "Shark Tank" and "The Profit" have not only entertained audiences but also provided a captivating gateway into the world of entrepreneurship. These shows showcase passionate entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas, pitching their businesses to seasoned investors in an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of a high-stakes poker game.

What sets these shows apart is their ability to make entrepreneurship trendy and buzzworthy. They have transformed dinner table discussions from mundane small talk to exciting conversations about the latest startup securing massive funding or the innovative business idea brewing in someone's garage. The struggles, triumphs, and nail-biting negotiations depicted on these shows have made entrepreneurship more relatable than ever before. It is no longer a subject reserved for an exclusive few with secret handshakes and exclusive networks.

In addition to television shows, other forms of entertainment media, such as Korean dramas, have also contributed to the mainstreaming of entrepreneurship. Korean dramas such as ‘START-UP’ feature storylines where characters pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, overcome challenges, and achieve success. These dramas showcase the dedication, perseverance, and creativity required to build a business, inspiring viewers to explore their entrepreneurial potential.

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### The Inclusive Continent: Joining the Entrepreneurial Tribe

Entrepreneurship has shifted from being an exclusive club to an inclusive and supportive community. It offers individuals an opportunity to blend their passion with work, turning their careers into something more than a means to an end. The beauty of inclusivity in entrepreneurship lies in finding a community that shares your enthusiasm and supports your journey.

Local business incubators, mentorship programs, and online networks have emerged as pillars of support for aspiring entrepreneurs. These platforms provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. Joining this vibrant community means joining a tribe of like-minded individuals, all striving to turn their dreams into reality. The dinner table discussions about entrepreneurial aspirations are no longer isolated conversations. They are part of a broader movement, where everyone is invited to participate and contribute.

### The Endless Possibilities: Innovation, Creation, and Making a Difference

Entrepreneurship is not solely about startups. It embodies the spirit of innovation, creation, and making a difference in the world. When sitting down for supper, be prepared for your conversation to turn into an exciting brainstorming session. Entrepreneurship is about exploring possibilities, challenging the status quo, and pursuing ideas that have the potential to change lives.
In this ever-evolving journey, your entrepreneurial dream may just be the next big idea. Entrepreneurship has become a topic that ignites curiosity and inspires individuals to take action. It encourages people to think beyond traditional career paths and consider the possibilities of creating their own ventures. The dinner table has become the breeding ground for innovative ideas, fostering a spirit of collaboration and creativity.

### Conclusion

Entrepreneurship has come a long way from its days as an exclusive club. It has evolved into a dinner table topic that captivates the imagination and sparks conversations about passion, innovation, and creativity. Technological advancements have made entrepreneurship more accessible, and pop culture has propelled it into the mainstream. The emphasis on inclusivity has created a supportive community where everyone is welcome to join and contribute.

So, the next time you find yourself discussing entrepreneurial aspirations over supper, remember that you are part of a global shift in how we view business, innovation, and the pursuit of our dreams. Entrepreneurship has become the new normal, and the dinner table is the stage where everyone can play a part. Raise your glass, savor your meal, and enjoy the exciting journey of entrepreneurship, where the possibilities are endless.





Above The Fold: An Exclusive Club to a Supper Time Topic

Shubhangi 

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The recent wave of business collaborations has shaken up the market for the better. Chiefly the fashion industry has come up with the most iconic collaborations such as that of Obetee and Shantanu & Nikhil for tapestry themed designer rugs. Collaboration is increasingly becoming a necessity for the entrepreneurs to thrive in the competitive market and is a great helping hand to their growth curve. Recently, India has seen a surge of business collaborations in the market particularly in the fields of e-commerce, FinTech, Health Tech and Ed-Tech. The strategies behind these collabs have worked successfully and helped the businesses to synergise their efforts and greatly scale up their companies all the while creating a profound base of customers. 

A business partnership benefits a company greatly. Most importantly it provides a new outlook to the company to help them think differently and approach their customers in a more distinct way which might help them grow. Moreover, a good association can greatly reduce costs and the time taken to finish a work as the task is now distributed over a greater number of employees and the workload of an individual is reduced. It also helps to smoothen the work procedures greatly, leads to a more centralized planning and cuts down the rework. Lastly, if the company is more popular among the public then its association helps the other company to become a common name among the people. 

There are a variety of methods to collaborate in the market but the most famous ones are internal collaboration, external collaboration, community cooperation, strategic alliance collaboration and network collaboration but they have one common goal: PROFIT. Businesses cooperate among themselves and with other entities for profit and to enhance their success rate. Collaboration brings in additional experience, exertion, and skills, which contribute to the company’s efficiency and, thereby, its growth. The modern market is merciless and business collaboration is an unique way to tackle the ruthless competition of the business industry and blossom.


Above The Fold: Business Collaborations Revolutionizing Today’s Market 

Yash 

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The federal funds rate is one of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s key tools for guiding U.S. monetary policy. It impacts everything from the annual percentage yields you earn on savings accounts to the rate you pay on credit card balances, which means the fed funds rate effectively dictates the cost of money in the U.S. economy. The Federal Open Markets Committee sets the federal funds rate—also known as the federal funds target rate or the fed funds rate—to guide overnight lending among U.S. banks. This target is the rate at which commercial banks borrow and lend their excess reserves to each other overnight. It’s set as a range between an upper and lower limit. The federal funds rate is currently 5.25% to 5.50%.

When the Fed raises the rate, it is aiming to boost shot-term borrowing cost, making loans expensive for everyone. This helps to subdue rising inflation by reducing the amount of money flowing through the economy. The opposite effect is achieved when the rates are lowered. As credit becomes available at cheaper rates, supply of money increases and hiring booms as companies are able to grow cheaply.

The rate actions of the US federal Reserve impact the Indian economy in several ways due to linkages of currency, investment and trade. A swing in either way can translate to many kinds of effects in India's economy. The US Fed cutting rates draws positive reaction from India due to an overall positive impact.

When the US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, it makes investing in the US less attractive. This prompts foreign investors to look for better returns elsewhere, like in India, where interest rates are comparatively higher. As a result, more foreign money flows into Indian markets, giving them a boost. Foreign institutional investors, who had left when US rates were rising, are now likely to come back to the Indian markets.
Lower US interest rates mean more dollars circulating globally. For India, this could mean a stronger rupee and a lower import bill, especially for oil. This is crucial for India, which imports over 80% of its oil. A stronger rupee helps control inflation by reducing transportation costs and makes it cheaper for India to repay foreign debt. If the US Fed continues to cut rates, India's central bank, the RBI, might also lower rates, benefiting the global economy and boosting demand.

The sign of lower US rates suggests more dollars coming in, pulling in investments to Indian markets. This boosts business activity as Indian companies receive more funds. The US Fed's shift to lower rates is positive for Indian startups, which struggled during rate hikes. A stronger rupee can impact exporters, but it benefits businesses reliant on imports, making raw materials and subsidiary goods cheaper. Additionally, foreign travel and education loans become more affordable. 
These rate cuts could be a portent of positive times ahead for the Indian Economy.



Above the Fold : US Fed Rates and their impact on Indian Markets

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#### Introduction:
In the digital age, data has emerged as a precious resource, often referred to as "the new oil." This analogy draws a compelling parallel between the value of data in today's world and the historical significance of oil in powering the industrial revolution. Just as oil fueled the growth and progress of the 20th century, data is now the driving force behind the 21st-century economy. Let us explore why data is the new oil and how it is shaping our world.

#### Data: Abundant, Ubiquitous and Valuable:
One of the key reasons behind the comparison of data to oil is its ubiquity and value. Just as oil was a critical resource that fueled industrialization, data is the lifeblood of the digital economy. It's generated everywhere – from your online interactions and social media posts to the sensors on your smartphone and the internet-connected devices in your home. This vast amount of data holds immense potential for those who can extract meaningful insights from it.

#### The Fuel of the Digital Economy:
Oil transformed the world by providing a source of energy that powered industries, transportation, and innovation. Similarly, data fuels the digital economy by powering the processes, services, and innovations that have become integral to our lives. Whether it's the recommendation algorithms on your favorite streaming platform, the personalized ads you see online, or the predictive maintenance of machinery in factories, data is at the heart of it all.

#### Data Privacy and Ethical Concerns:
While the analogy between data and oil is powerful, it's not without its challenges. The collection and use of data raise significant privacy and ethical concerns. Just as oil drilling and extraction can harm the environment, the indiscriminate collection and misuse of data can infringe on individuals' privacy and rights. Striking a balance between harnessing the power of data and protecting individuals' privacy is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and regulation. It is a point of concern not only for citizens of a nation but the nation and their governments as well, since there exists some classified information for each and every nation. Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States aim to protect individuals' data rights and hold companies accountable for how they handle data. These regulations are essential to ensure that the data-driven revolution benefits everyone while safeguarding individual privacy.

#### Conclusion:
In the digital age, data is indeed the new oil. It powers the digital revolution, drives innovation, and shapes the way we interact with technology and each other. Like oil, data is a valuable resource that requires responsible management and ethical considerations. As we navigate this data-rich landscape, it's crucial to strike a balance between harnessing its power and protecting individual rights and privacy. Just as oil has shaped the past, data is shaping the future, and understanding its value is key to thriving in the digital era.

Above The Fold: Data - The New 'Oil'?

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Digital nomadism is the most recent revolution in the workplace trends and has brought about a magnificent change by bringing the office to home. At the hands of technology the work culture has transformed to being more localized. 

Remote work was a rarity a decade ago. Slowly, the era of digital nomadism started gaining popularity and the pandemic fueled it to greater heights making it the most popular workplace trend. Digital nomadism is a type of work where the worker lives as a nomad. A huge percentage of the workforce willingly chose to work from home to keep several freelancing jobs. This also helps the established entrepreneurs by giving them more employment opportunities and also saves the expenditure over electricity, overhead costs and equipment upkeep. Oflate , the rest of the workforce was forced to take up this form of work as they were bound by health reasons. The work culture reached new heights after the pandemic hit. Before, it was a free choice to the employees but with the spread of the epidemic it became a necessity. 

The success of the work from home(WFH) culture can be greatly accredited to the development of remote technology. Earlier, technology made video conferences and meetings feasible only in a few places which confined the workers to the arena of office. But with the advancement of technology, high speed internet is available almost globally facilitating remote work. Along with this, various video conferencing tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc),project management software and collaboration platforms made the process of making the home an office much smoother. The evolution of communication technology and task management tools made the process much easier among the people who are physically dispersed. 

Teleworkers are the present and future of the workforce globally. The edge this work culture has over other work cultures makes it one of the most popular and fashionable ones. It greatly provides flexibility to the nine to fivers where they can set their own timings to accommodate personal commitments and enhance their work life balance. It also gives increased autonomy over their work timings. This gives them much greater job satisfaction and also increased productivity for workers who thrive under a more independent working atmosphere. One of the major problems of commutation can be solved with the means of work from home. Transportation takes up a major portion of a person’s earnings and also takes up at times a lot of time. Digital nomadism has eliminated this problem by giving the workers the opportunity to work from the comfort of their homes. This lessens the mental stress, leads to increased productivity and improved holistic well being of a person. It also allows the workers to keep several freelancing jobs and not just constraint themselves to a single job and branch out to other jobs, increase their experience and also explore the market opportunities. Moreover, during the pandemic hit this form of work maximized the safety of the general public and limited the spread of the virus. 

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Since, every revolution comes with pros and cons and the revolution in the work culture is no different and has a lot of disadvantages. The first and the most evident problem of work from home is communication. It is one of the most crucial elements for an effective remote work environment. Communication gaps can lead to things falling apart and also, workers being misinformed and as a result the task not being successful. Moreover, working at home can lead to the feeling of isolation and ultimately can lead to depression. Man is a social being and the work from home system isolates them from their peers and limits them to just their family. Also, as much as this culture supports work-life balance it also has the potential to disrupt it as many can find it difficult to differentiate their work and personal life. Additionally, the comfort of home comes with potential distractions and can lead to lack of seriousness to complete the assigned tasks. Furthermore, it is very difficult to maintain the company culture along with a threat to maintaining the procedures and also the company policies. Maintaining a strong and healthy company culture can be very challenging since the employees are not physically present. Building camaraderie and fostering strong connections can be very arduous and can create distance between employees. 


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WFH is likely to evolve more and more with time and become a natural part of the market. The overall assessment of its impact over productivity, employee morale and satisfaction and overall business operations is going on. It has changed the outlook of the people about the working environment and many industries are currently introducing the hybrid model or work environment which allows the employees to split their time between working in an office and working at home. It is slowly becoming a part of everyday life and not just limited to unforeseen circumstances which force us to take up this lifestyle.












ABOVE THE FOLD: FROM BRINGING WORK TO HOME TO MAKING HOME AN OFFICE

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### Introduction

Entering the fiercely competitive realm of Shark Tank is a testament to an entrepreneur's courage and ambition. Yet, behind the glamour of the show lies a reality that every aspiring startup faces: setbacks and failures. This blog delves into the unique world of Shark Tank startups, where the concept of "failing forward" takes center stage.

### Embracing Vulnerability: The Courage to Share Failures

Not every Shark Tank appearance ends in a deal. In the world of startups and business ventures, setbacks are inevitable, but how they are perceived and utilized can make all the difference. Rather than being discouraged by failures, successful entrepreneurs view them as valuable learning experiences. Each setback becomes an opportunity to reevaluate, innovate, and grow stronger.

As Thomas Edison famously said, 
> "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Embracing failure means having the courage to keep going, no matter how many attempts it takes, until success is finally achieved.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, where success often takes center stage, embracing vulnerability emerges as an unexpected yet potent tool. The courage to share failures, openly acknowledging setbacks and challenges, adds a unique layer to the entrepreneurial narrative.

It's a choice that transcends the polished image typically presented and instead invites authenticity into the spotlight. This act of vulnerability goes beyond seeking sympathy; it forges connections. It transforms the conversation from a calculated business transaction to a story of resilience, inspiring others to confront their own challenges and fostering a deeper understanding of the entrepreneur's journey.

### Flatheads:  The "NOT OUT" attitude

In the world of entrepreneurship, success often comes hand in hand with challenges and setbacks. Ganesh Balakrishnan, the co-founder of Flatheads, experienced this firsthand. After a disappointing run on the reality TV show Shark Tank, Ganesh faced a period of reevaluation. However, his determination, resilience, and passion for his brand led to a remarkable turnaround. This is the inspiring story of how Ganesh transformed obstacles into opportunities and emerged stronger than ever before.

Appearing on Shark Tank was meant to be a game-changer for Ganesh and Flatheads. However, the show's investors highlighted the struggles faced by the brand, including depleted funds and misplaced marketing strategies. It was a humbling experience for Ganesh, but it also served as a wake-up call. Instead of wallowing in defeat, he chose to view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Despite the challenges, Ganesh received overwhelming support from the startup ecosystem. The episode of Shark Tank sparked curiosity among potential customers, and all of Flatheads' unsold inventory was sold out. This surge of support and interest gave Ganesh the validation he needed to continue pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams.

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With newfound motivation, Ganesh returned to the drawing board to reassess the future of Flatheads. He recognized the need to test the brand's potential and hype. As a result, he launched a limited edition collection called "Not Out." This move not only allowed Ganesh to gauge the market demand but also showcased his willingness to innovate and adapt.

Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Ganesh has remained grateful to all those who have supported him. He took to social media to express his gratitude to his fans, the show makers, and the sharks who played a pivotal role in his success. This display of gratitude not only humanized him as an entrepreneur but also deepened the connection between the brand and its customers.

### Conclusion:

In the fiercely competitive arena of Shark Tank startups, the concept of "failing forward" takes on new dimensions. Setbacks aren't stumbling blocks; they're the stairs that lead to success. Ganesh's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Instead of being defeated by setbacks, he used them as stepping stones to success. His ability to adapt, learn from mistakes, and stay focused on his goals is truly inspiring. As we conclude this journey through the trials and triumphs of Shark Tank entrepreneurs, remember that embracing failures isn't a sign of weakness; it's a testament to the unyielding spirit that defines those who dare to dream big.

Above the Fold: Failing Forward on the Shark Tank Stage

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#### Introduction:
After hearing the word Space the very first question arises: Why Space? What's the need? After Using almost all means and ways of transport which are Air, Land, on the water and in fact Underwater, why does the need of space arise? Also it is not the case where we have used these means in a nature friendly way, we have heavily polluted all of them. But still nations and their citizens are trying to expand their physical reach. We will try to understand this term, its need in the modern world, the Indian and the Global point of view towards Space and SpaceTech, and the future scope of this sector.


#### About Space and Space Technology:
SpaceTech refers to the use of Scientific knowledge, engineering and technology to explore and utilize space beyond the Earth’s atmosphere and to harness the benefits from space and all about exploring space, improving our lives on Earth and advancing our understanding of the universe.

Here are some common applications of Space Technology:
- Communication
- Weather forecasting and Earth Observation
- Navigation
- Defense and National Security
- Space exploration and Research


#### History:
If we deep dive into the Global space race and its history we will be able to find the answer of ‘why?’. So it all began after world war 2 with the victory of the allied powers mainly Britain, France, United States of America and Soviet Union. Along with this two major powers came into existence that were the USA and USSR and thus the beginning of the cold war, in which both of them were competing with each other and one aspect of it was the space race. Both the powers were trying to expand their reach in space, there can be many reasons for why one country will launch satellites into the cosmos but one main factor was surveillance and national security. Both the USA and USSR got their initial space technology by capturing the Nazi Scientists like Wernher von Braun, Ernst Stuhlinger and hence catalyzed their respective space programs. Similarly Britain and other European nations and China got started with the help of United States’ and Soviet Union’s support on their sides respectively. So far many nations have started their own space program and India was one among them. On August 15th 1969 the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was created from scratch on its own and currently is one of the best space agencies in the world. Till now we have achieved a lot and we are looking for a better future in Space Technology.


#### Current Scenario and Changing India:
Now if we came so far in history, the question arises what now? It all started with the Communist-Capitalist competition but what actually is happening now? So the current scenario is completely different, the sector is commercialized and now not only the nations and governments but also the private individuals are entering into the market. ISRO is one of the most cost effective space organizations to conduct missions and satellite launches, but private players in India have only been involved in the missions as helpers for ISRO and they were not allowed to conduct the missions on their own till 2020. But in June 2020 the Indian Government decided to open the space industries and market for the private players as well and now they can conduct their own missions and launches and in fact they can even seek ISRO's help for the same. Because of that now there is new sector of SpaceTech Startups in India, where actually private individuals have taken the responsibilities to help big companies set up their satellite in earth’s orbit by providing them much more benefits, flexibilities and options in the market, at the same time it helps them to reduce their dependence on ISRO, and thus even ISRO can focus more on its future mission which includes Mangalyaan-2, Gaganyaan and Shukrayaan (Mission for exploring the outer atmosphere and surface of Venus). ISRO has already launched a 3D virtual Space park named SPARK, you can check it [here](https://spacepark.isro.gov.in/introduction.html). This will make the citizens aware and excited about the cause and potentials of space exploration.


#### Investments and Future scope of Space Startups in India:
From the past India had achieved a lot in Space and now on its way to become the next Space Super Power after the US, Russia and China. Indian Government have taken some Initiatives like Space Remote Sensing Policy of India - 2020 and Space communication Policy - 2020  both of these policies aims India to become Self Sufficient or ‘Atmanirbhar’ in Space by reducing the restrictions on entering the sector, due to these action there is significant rise in interest of private individuals for this sector and hence he number of new startups in space tech every year from 2020, from the past years the investments in the Indian Space Startups has almost been doubled and also a significant increase in Foreign Investments.

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Overall, it seems that the government is taking this sector seriously and feels that they will eventually increase the space budget as well in the upcoming years. The space sector in India is just in its starting phase but it seems to have a bright future ahead. However, the national competition is increasing with the increasing number of startups in Space Technology but the international competition has its unique story.


#### International Competition and Position In the World:
NASA being the dominator of the sector is currently leading the sector followed by Russian ROSCOSMOS, Chinese CNSA, Indian ISRO, SpaceX and  Europe’s ESA. Coming to the Indian point of view, ISRO is right now heading towards becoming the next Space Super Power but not particularly focusing on it. Currently since NASA, SpaceX and ESA is being busy to provide the space facilities to the overall western world, Russia and China being engaged in tough situations like war and depression and also a lack of trust among several nations, India after completely recovering from Covid pandemic and opening the space sector for private individuals is moving very rapidly to provide space facilities to the Eastern World and those who can’t afford the western services being the most cost effective agencies in the world and a trusted option for many. With improving technology, cheap prices and with the help of Other prominent sectors like IT Sector, Indian startups can actually take control of the Global market in their hands.


#### Conclusion: 
The space race is still going on, and the potential of space and space exploration is far more than it seems for a nation. The one who leads the space race will eventually lead the world, space is one way that leads to futuristic technology. There’s a lot to talk about like the negative effects of harnessing space, the defense point of view of a nation, but for now it is just the beginning. With the amazing Quote by Former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
> The Sky is not the Limit
 
India will try to push its limit furthermore in space for the betterment of its citizens.


Above the Fold: The Indian Interest in Space

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###  Introduction


Starting a business is an exhilarating journey that begins with a spark of inspiration and a burning desire to create something extraordinary. Entrepreneurs are driven by their passion and purpose to identify problems and envision unique solutions that can revolutionize industries and improve lives. It is the ultimate dream for many aspiring entrepreneurs to have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of seasoned investors, known as the Sharks. This blog post explores the interconnected world of startups and Shark Tank, highlighting the challenges and successes entrepreneurs face as they navigate the journey from startup dreams to Shark Tank success.


### Fueling the Entrepreneurial Fire: The Genesis of a Startup

Starting a business begins with a spark of inspiration that ignites the flames of entrepreneurship. It all starts with a simple yet powerful idea, born out of personal experiences, unmet needs, or a burning desire to create something extraordinary. This idea drives passionate founders to identify problems and envision unique solutions that can revolutionize industries and improve lives. As the vision takes shape, market research validates its potential, providing the confidence needed to step into the unknown. With unwavering determination and a strong support network, entrepreneurs embrace risks and uncertainties, channeling their passion and purpose into a compelling vision. The genesis of a startup marks the birth of a transformative journey, where resilience, creativity, and a burning desire to make a difference fuel the entrepreneurial fire, propelling founders towards success and making their dreams a reality.

### The Shark Tank Phenomenon: A Platform for Entrepreneurs

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The Shark Tank phenomenon has revolutionized the entrepreneurial landscape, providing a powerful platform for ambitious innovators to showcase their ideas. Serving as a launchpad for dreams, Shark Tank has captivated audiences worldwide with its high-stakes pitches and compelling negotiations. This iconic TV show offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to present their business concepts to some of the most successful business moguls in the world. The platform not only provides valuable exposure but also opens doors to potential partnerships, mentorship, and significant investment deals. Entrepreneurs who grace the Shark Tank stage are thrust into the spotlight, receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from industry titans. The Shark Tank phenomenon has not only become a source of inspiration and entertainment but also a catalyst for entrepreneurial success, propelling startups towards unprecedented growth and opportunities.

### Overcoming Obstacles: The Road to Shark Tank

The path to success is rarely a smooth one. Obstacles are an inherent part of the journey to Shark Tank – a crucible where entrepreneurs face their fears and challenges head-on. From securing funding to fine-tuning business plans, the journey is filled with moments of doubt and resilience. With passion as their driving force, they fine-tune their pitches, seeking to impress “The Sharks”. The process demands relentless preparation, unwavering belief in their products or services, and a deep understanding of their target audience. Despite the odds, those who conquer these obstacles may find themselves on the Shark Tank stage, where they have the opportunity to secure life-changing deals and propel their startups to new heights.

### Crafting the Perfect Pitch: The Art of Wooing the Sharks

Crafting the perfect pitch is an art that can make or break an entrepreneur's chance to woo the Sharks on the iconic show Shark Tank. It is a make-or-break moment where every word, gesture, and slide matters. Entrepreneurs must distill their passion, vision, and business acumen into a compelling narrative that captures the Sharks' attention from the start. The art lies in striking a delicate balance between showcasing the uniqueness of their product or service and addressing the Sharks' business acumen. When the Sharks on the TV show "Shark Tank" consider investing in a company, they evaluate several key factors to assess the business's potential and determine whether it aligns with their investment criteria. Some of the primary factors they consider includes the uniqueness of the business idea, market potential, financial performance, past sales records, proposed valuation and equity offered.

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One of the many examples of having a unique business idea is Unstop, formerly known as Dare2Compete. Founded by Ankit Aggrawal, UnStop enables talented individuals from unserved regions to gain a place in the job market through early talent recruitment and hiring. Unstop connects individuals with appropriate employers, helping them develop the skills and experience required for success.

The Sharks were drawn to his pitch as soon as Ankit appeared on the stage. At a point, they had to jolt out of the trance and one of the Sharks said, “Please stop Unstop!”

 Some say that the secret to win over Sharks is having strong numbers, communication skills, and charisma on point, and Ankit delivered on all three!

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Another brand that captivated the Sharks was Teafit, a healthy drinks startup.

Founded by Jyoti Bharadwaj in 2021, it secured a deal on Shark Tank India. The brand produces zero-calorie healthy drinks made with natural herbs and ingredients, without sugar or any sweetener. Since its launch, TeaFit has sold ₹15 lakh worth of products to over 20,000 customers online and offline. It all depends on the entrepreneur's understanding of the financials and the ability to articulate the numbers effectively that can secure the ball in the court.

Jyoti impressed the judges with her sharp presentation, spouting off brief details of product pricing and packaging during a pitch on Shark Tank India. The judges have taken an interest in TeaFit's potential and made several investment offers. Sugar Cosmetics' co-founder Vineeta Singh and Shaadi.com's founder Anupam Mittal jointly offered ₹50 lakhs for 25% equity, which valued the company at two crores. Lenskart's co-founder Peyush Bansal followed with an offer of ₹50 lakh for 20% equity, which raised its value to ₹2.5 crores. However, it was boAt co-founder Aman Gupta's offer of ₹50 lakh for 10% equity that immediately doubled the valuation to five crores. Bansal, Singh, and Mittal instantly responded that they would match Gupta's offer.

The sharks expect a reasonable equity in the company and when it is too low, they hesitate to become a part of the company. There are multiple examples where a company failed to secure an investment owing to its unreasonable valuation proposed. The valuation proposed should be justified based on the business's performance and potential.

### The Impact of Social Missions: Making a Difference on Shark Tank

Entrepreneurs who can showcase how their business creates a positive impact on society or the community have a distinct advantage. Whether it's addressing environmental issues, social challenges, or empowering underprivileged communities, a strong social mission can resonate with both the Sharks and the show's viewers.

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A pitcher was given an open offer for the first time on Shark Tank India. Ajinkya Dhariya, who presented his brand PadCare, impressed sharks with his sanitary waste management product and his mission statement.  The young engineer-turned-entrepreneur from a small town in Maharashtra founded the startup in 2018, which works around waste collection at source to ensure environment-friendly disposal. Ajinkya mentioned that he wants to make sanitation workers, who must use their hands to pick up sanitary products such as diapers, feel more dignified. After Peyush Bansal had offered to write her a blank cheque, Ajinkya finally acceded to the joint offer of 1 Cr for 4 % equity from Peyush, Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal. The impact of social missions goes beyond securing investments, as it connects with the values and aspirations of the Sharks and the show's audience.

### Conclusion

The journey from startup dreams to Shark Tank success is a thrilling and transformative experience. It starts with a spark of inspiration that fuels passion and innovation, leading entrepreneurs to identify unique solutions that can revolutionize industries and change lives. Crafting the perfect pitch is an art that captivates the Sharks, and examples like Unstop, TeaFit, and PadCare demonstrate the power of strong numbers and charisma in securing life-changing deals. To all aspiring entrepreneurs, embrace the adventure ahead, believe in your vision, and let the entrepreneurial fire within you ignite the world. Your journey is a victory in itself, filled with endless possibilities and boundless potential. Here's to the dreamers, the doers, and the game-changers – may your entrepreneurial journey be marked by resounding success, one pitch at a time.





Above the Fold: From Startup Dreams to Shark Tank Success

Yash

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>" Received payment of, 20 Rupees, on Paytm. "

Have you ever wondered, before carelessly using UPI 20 times a day, how much money these UPI giants are actually making under the hood?
Since the government came up with UPI, huge companies have targeted market share for UPI transactions through their Apps and Payment gateways. Even to this day, Companies such as Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay fight for customers to make payments through their apps. But how are they making money when there is no cut taken by the app? Let us dive deep into how these UPI apps make money and if they are actually profitable…

- Subscription revenues: These apps charge a small transaction fee for each of the POS Devices (Point-of-sale systems enable retailers to manage inventory and employees and to process sales) that are installed at Kirana stores and allow customers to scan items and make payments.
- Data Collection: Data collected by these apps is sold to other businesses and marketing firms which helps them identify market trends and consumer preferences.
- Quick Loan Disbursements: These apps provide services like immediate loans, merchant loans, and personal loans which are convenient in comparison to the time-consuming processes followed by banks while giving out a loan. These loans enable them to earn 2.5-3 % of the loan amount upfront.
- Commission Income: These businesses have agreements with brands for a brand placement fee and with providers of everyday necessities like cell phone recharge, bill payment, DTH activation, etc. for commissions on spending.

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However, despite having such varied and creative sources of revenue generation, these apps function on small profit margins and are unable to earn significant revenues in our country. There are several reasons that keep the profits limited. Earlier, these apps used to charge an MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) to merchants to facilitate transactions. But this measure was scrapped in 2020 to boost and encourage UPI transactions across the nation. So, despite having a large client database, payment methods are unprofitable income sources for these businesses. Such a measure significantly impacts the revenue streams but has also helped these businesses gather large customer bases. All these companies offer no unique services to their customers in comparison to their competitors, and thus, to occupy a larger chunk of the market, these businesses need to spend more on their CAC (Customer Acquisition Costs).
 
Having such an enormous number of consumers, of these services, currently reflects upon increasing consumer confidence and readiness to accept digital payments. It may just be that these businesses are looking for the right moment to impose transaction fees on payments. However, it doesn’t seem like it would stop us from using UPI apps if we had an infinite amount of money …… 





Above the Fold: How UPI apps earn the Big Bucks?

Anika

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Social media platforms are particularly interesting because their market is especially volatile- meaning it's a hard road up and slick, easy path down. 

However, because their lives are so short, we can easily appreciate every part of a start-up's life. 

### Entering the Market: An unknown need 

 
To join the legacy of start-ups, it must first successfully enter the market.
The basic principles of any successful initiative haven't changed since its inception. 

- Be original: Meet the grandfather of social networking sites-Friendster (2003-2011, as a networking app). It was the first network where members could share media and converse with friends. 
- Or simply do it better: Naturally, Friendster did hit the grave at some point and was happily laid to rest by Myspace and Facebook. 
 
So you see, there are only two ways to enter a market. Either give people something they didn't know they needed; Or, make them realize they don't need something else. 
And if you manage to do neither, you'll end up like Google+, a service even Google doesn't understand

### Navigating the market: a volatile Market. 
 
Once you do successfully become popular, the ball has just begun. New challenges and in return, new characteristics define a successful start-up. 

- Scalability: The primary reason you now remember Facebook but not Friendster is that Facebook handled its growth better. When Friendster began to grow, their site became slow-leading to unsatisfied users. 
- Vigilance: A slightly unresponsive site for a short while wouldn't be such a big deal is what you'd think, but that is where the true volatility of social media networks shines. This wouldn't have been a problem if Friendster were the only established platform. ( Nobody quit WhatsApp because it was down for a day.) In markets with fierce competition such as these, every start-up has to be extremely vigilant. 

Because any slip-up you make might be the only slip-up you make. 
 
 > "A person's mind is more fickle than anything else in the world but a person's likes." 

### Surpassing the market: a different face. 
 
Once all of its said and done, we arrive at one of the most interesting phases of a start-up -it's maturity. 

- Lack of funding: Just like any start-up, social media platforms have run out of funding and have been bought by bigger players in the market. An easy example would be the purchase of Myspace by Facebook. 
- Irrelevance: The speedily evolving landscape in this market leads to a loss of old players just as it leads to new ones. We can see that happening right now as the growth of Facebook stagnates-and they try to retaliate by offering what people like now, rather than what people liked before. 
- Organisational Acumen: Finally, a start-up might successfully redefine its identity. This is the case with LinkedIn- a superior, professional Facebook. 


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> "Social Media platforms are short-lived stars. They burn bright and burn fast." 

So that was it for social media start-ups; they did their best to make it, and we've done our best to explain it!

Above the fold: The Legacy of Social Media startups 

Janani

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Indian products are of great demand in other parts of the world. Shazar Stone is obtained from Ken river which flows in the west of Banda district Bundelkhand region. From obtaining the Shazar stone to trimming and shaping it, the craft involves a lot of hard-work and expenditure. This stone is used for making jewellery and other decorative items. It is considered sacred by Muslims as it is mentioned in Holy QURAN as the ‘healing stone’ so it is of great demand in Arab countries.  It is just one among the many. 

In this blog, we take a closer look at the government scheme ONE DISTRICT ONE PRODUCT that aims to promote a product from each district.

The ODOP initiative aims to select, brand and promote One product from each district of India.
It was launched by the UP government on January 24, 2018. Later, due to its success it was adopted by the central government.


ODOP was put forward  
 
- 	For enabling holistic socioeconomic growth across all regions
- 	To attract investment in the district to boost manufacturing and exports
- 	To generate employment in the district
- 	To provide ecosystem for Innovation/ use of Technology at District level to make them competitive with domestic as well as international market


## Some of the products are:

### Kannuaj Attar 
![kanaauj attar.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/e-cell-iitm/image/upload/v1677304023/kanaauj_attar_db2538f114.png)


Kannauaj district in Uttar Pradesh is popularly known as ‘Perfume city’. It is famous for its Attar. Attar is a traditional oil-based perfume. It is an eco-friendly alternative to modern day perfumes. It lacked proper branding and packaging. To attract the people, packaging was improved, wooden boxes similar to jewellery boxes were used. With proper branding from local stores, sales increased by 96% increase in weekly sales.

### GI- Tagged Molela clay work Rajasthan
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Terracotta work from the Molela village in Rajsamand district is famously known as “Molela clay work” across the world. Major countries like Australia, UK, Poland have high demand for tile , kitchenware , tableware made by this clay. ODOP has set up workshops to train the craftsmen with new tools, it is also planning to set up an e-commerce platform for these craftsmen. 

### Kalanamak rice
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Kalanamak rice grown in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh is known for its nutrient value around the world. Due to less profits, farmers stopped growing it. Kalanamak rice was rebranded as Buddha Rice and sold in various countries.

## Success story:

The partnership of the UP government and Flipkart led to a 52% quarterly growth in revenue for UP's ODOP products and generated over ₹1000 crores by selling over 2 crores products including leather products from Agra, aluminum utensils from Kanpur, toys from Varanasi, wheat stalk craft from Bahraich, and wood-carved crafts from Saharanpur, among many others. It has had a huge impact in aggrotech for storing, harvesting crops and improving the technology.

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### Conclusion:

ODOP is one such government scheme that supports technological advancements in traditional methods of manufacturing products providing room for new start-ups. The Indian crafts, agriculture, and food product have the potential to dominate the global market if provided with the opportunity for systemic growth and recognition. The ODOP aims to do that by providing the right support and business environment.

The scheme envisages increased access to credit by existing micro food processing entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs in the aspirational districts.

The main aim of this scheme is to improve the economy of the Tier IV cities by improving the market for the product . It supports innovations in the traditional methods. Thus developing the region.












Above the Fold: One district one product initiative

Pranav

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### What are MSMEs?

The informal economy consists of activities that contribute to the GDP of a nation, but are not formally registered. The sector contributes to over half the GDP of the country and employs almost 90 percent of the Indian workforce. As a result, modernizing and upgrading the infrastructure of the various players in this sector has become of utmost importance. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, or MSMEs, which contribute to around 30 percent of India’s GDP, are important constituents of the informal sector. These are set up with a low capital requirement and have limited operations. They play a crucial role in reducing inequalities and complementing large industries. 


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### What can MSMEs do better?

However, they are scattered, unorganized entities, which makes optimization of their operations en masse a challenge. MSMEs need to be equipped with the latest technology for their growth, and as a consequence, for the overall health and growth of the Indian economy. There is a pressing need for products and services catering to the 6.3 crore strong MSME sector in India. 


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### The role of startups in optimizing MSMEs

There have been several interesting startups targeted at MSMEs, primarily Fin-Tech startups, which provide solutions using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain,  to streamline their daily operations. They help in important activities such as


- GST collection and bill generation
- Loans for working capital requirements and invoice discounting
- Digitalisation of brick and mortar stores and automation
- Supply Chain optimization
- Monitoring and recording credit
- Improving access to government services
- Digital Maintenance of inventory and stock


One startup which is particularly unique in this space is **Khatabook**. Founded by four IIT-Bombay alumni, Khatabook is led by Ravish Naresh, Co-founder and COO Housing.com, along with Dhanesh Kumar, Ashish Sonone and Jaideep Poonia. Khatabook enables micro, small and medium merchants to track business transactions safely and securely. It also offers features such as online payment collection through UPI and QR; sending periodic reminders to creditors via messages and report generation. It has more than 10 million monthly active users. 

Several other growing startups in the field include **QPe**(a platform for MSMEs to create online stores),  **Haqdarshak**(a platform which helps in accessing government welfare schemes) and **Treflo**(E-Way bill generation and GST collection). 

### Conclusion


All in all, there is still scope for several new and enterprising ideas in this space simply because of the sheer volume and diversity of the MSME sector. The growth and development of the MSME sector is vital for our economy, and these startups play a pivotal role in the same. 








Above the fold: MSME-oriented startups– catering to the heartbeat of the Indian economy– 

Jyothiraditya

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Many of the world’s most pressing problems — from addressing climate change, developing sustainable food and water systems, and improving human health and wellbeing — depend critically on the successful commercialisation of fundamental science and engineering innovations that are often referred to collectively as “Deep Tech”. 

Deep Tech is a new chapter in the innovation story, bringing together science, engineering and design thinking. Imagine technologies like Artificial intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, Synthetic Biology, Quantum computing and many others, when combined with each other and blended with engineering and design science, are making what’s seemingly impossible, possible.

This is the story of deep tech.

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Deep tech innovations are defined as disruptive solutions built around unique, protected or hard-to-reproduce technological or scientific advances. Deep tech companies have a strong research base. They focus on fundamental issues, identifying physical constraints in industries not solved for decades. Too many disciplines are needed for a single venture to go forward. Deep Tech is about cooperation, not competition.

### Why does Deep Tech matter to you, the reader?
It matters because it is happening now, all around us. This approach is changing what was once considered impossible into something actively possible today. 
There are a plethora of sectors that benefit from deep tech’s enabling capabilities. 

### 1.Aerospace
Consider SpaceX, a deep tech pioneer, who disrupted this industry by building reusable rockets and spaceships. They were able to achieve this by combining advanced materials and chemicals developed in the last 20 years with vertical integration and the modular approach of modern software engineering.

### 2. Life sciences
According to the Boston Consulting Group, the health market accounted for the biggest proportion of deep tech startups (51%) in 2020. 
The life sciences and biotech ecosystem has a clear path to commercialization, well-defined growth trajectories and milestones, significantly more capital than most, and better-established pathways to liquidity.
 Applications for deep tech within this field include AI diagnosis, wearables for health tracking and diagnostics, electronic health records that allow healthcare givers to personalise treatments, and virtual appointments.

### 3. Processing and computing
The computer has changed little in its essential design since it was first invented. With deep tech, computers can be custom-built to tackle specific areas or problems.
Quantum computing is one such example of how deep tech could advance computing and processing capabilities—the necessity of which is driven by the adoption of other cutting-edge technologies, like machine learning, which have their own computing and processing requirements. 
Consider PASQAL for instance, which creatively uses fundamental physics combined with software engineering and data science to create an analog quantum processor. 

### 4. Food and AgriTech
Using cutting-edge technologies like big data, blockchain, and biotech, startups in these sectors are enabling farmers to grow and harvest their crops for maximum efficiency, resilience, and yield.
Synthetic biology is another frontier being explored and is, according to The Business Research Company, predicted to reach $27 billion by 2023. It’s hoped that, with it, we’ll be able to bring about the rapid evolution of natural systems and the creation of new, more sustainable ones.


So some of you might be thinking: What are the challenges for deep tech? Are there any technological risks? How can they be mitigated? Are investors ready to play the deep tech game?

The R&D cycle for deep tech firms is longer than regular startups, which means they’re more time and resource-consuming to set up.
Deep tech startups find it challenging to secure investments—even from forward-thinking angel investors—because they find it hard to understand the potential of an idea which may not have been explored.
But developing deep tech requires us to rethink our innovation approach.

 Antoine Gourévitch says that these are four rules that govern successful deep tech ventures

- Be problem oriented, not technology focused.
- Deep Tech is about combining, intersecting and converging. It is about building and playing with the strengths of a cross disciplinary ecosystem.
- Adopt a design thinking approach powered by deep tech.
- Adopt a ruthless design to cost approach. Merging science with engineering requires having economics in mind.

### Epilogue

Deep tech is quickly maturing now. Investors believe that 2022 is the “Year of deeptech” with many firms and VC’s changing their ideologies and jumping in to fund startups in these nascent sectors.
Deep Tech is an ever growing opportunity in front of us waiting to be scaled further more than ever before.
















Above the fold: The next big revolution

Laasya

Tanisha

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After college, we have several options; honestly, it can all be confusing. But in today’s world, one option that stands out and attracts most students is entrepreneurship.
In India, startups have significantly increased during the past six years. From just 733 in 2016–17, the number of newly recognized start-ups has climbed to over 70,000 in 2021–22. India currently boasts the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world, behind the United States and China. Youngsters are not the only ones interested in entrepreneurship, even people with many years of work experience are dreaming of their startups.

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## But why exactly has it become a trend?


### The Proliferation of Technology:

People may now start and operate businesses more easily because of the broad acceptance of technology, especially when it comes to e-commerce and digital services. Moreover, technological developments have paved the way for innovation due to its application in several fields like education, food, shopping, and travel to name a few.
With the rise of the internet, it has become extremely easy and convenient for entrepreneurs to access the information and resources that they need. Not to forget Social media acts as a catalyst. From spreading awareness about government schemes and other programs to networking and digital marketing it has endless applications for entrepreneurs.
The digital revolution is also slowly making its way into the rural areas of the country thus opening up new avenues that we didn't know existed.


### Economic Shifts:

Entrepreneurship may be significantly impacted by economic changes. People may be more likely to launch their enterprises during periods of economic expansion since there is a higher demand for goods and services and it is simpler to obtain finance and clients. Economic changes might open up new business prospects. For instance, there can be a need for new goods or services that can benefit from emerging technology during periods of technological progress. Similar to how consumer tastes or company practices might change in response to economic developments, this can present chances for entrepreneurs to offer novel goods or services that address these shifting demands. Economic shifts may make funding easily available in some sectors and influence the overall level of risk and uncertainty associated with entrepreneurship.

### Entrepreneurship programs and Government schemes:

Many countries have programs that provide financial support to entrepreneurs, such as grants, loans, and tax credits. This can help people with covering startup and running expenses, such as buying inventory, recruiting staff, and advertising their goods or services. Numerous entrepreneurial initiatives, including incubators and accelerators, have also been developed to provide expanding firms with a variety of services. These initiatives provide individuals with the coaching and mentoring they need to acquire the information and abilities required for professional success. This might involve things like financial management, marketing, and company planning. Entrepreneurship programs frequently give participants the chance to network with other company owners and subject-matter experts, which may help foster partnerships and networking that will promote the expansion of their enterprises.

### Change in Public Perception:

The success stories of entrepreneurs and their startups have captivated the minds of Indians, this has led to a change in public perception. A certain stigma that existed around the idea of entrepreneurship has now dissolved. Earlier most people preferred government jobs or jobs in MNCs as they were the safest and more stable options, now however the willingness to take risks has increased.
With easy access to funding and mentorship, it is now possible for everyone to take the chance and step into the entrepreneurial world without any hesitation.

### Acceptance of failure:

New entrepreneurs have accepted that failure is a huge possibility in this line of work. Taking up various risks is necessary for corporate development. Financial risks, like spending time and money on a project that could not succeed, market risks, like competition or shifting customer tastes, and operational risks, like the possibility of having issues with suppliers or staff, are a few examples.  A person should be willing to face challenges and failures throughout their journey toward success. Now various safety nets ensure that even if the startup does not perform as planned, the person is still able to meet their basic necessities. Education and the booming job market are a few examples.

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In conclusion, entrepreneurship has several advantages. But the real reason that the idea of entrepreneurship attracts so many of us is rather simple, throughout history people have hated working under others and entrepreneurship is the perfect solution to this. Apart from freedom comes the sense of fulfillment, the satisfaction of knowing that our ideas are making a difference in the world and solving some of its problems. 


But it is very important that newer entrepreneurs know that it comes at a very heavy toll and they make informed decisions and use the resources available to them. 

>  “Solve a real problem. You don't start a company because you want to be an entrepreneur or the fame and glory that comes along with it. You become an entrepreneur to solve a real problem.” Aaron Patzer, Founder of Mint





















Above the fold: Why do we start(up)?

Ashmitha

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Based on statistics, 90% of the new startups fail!

1. 21.5% of startups fail in the first year
2. 30% fail in the second year
3. 50% fail in the fifth year
4. 70% fail in the tenth year

So many aspire to establish their own startup, but this data is not giving any sort of comfort. Fear not! This blog will give you a foresight on the possible scenarios in which a startup falls. 

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### Unfit Market:
There are three possible scenarios 
-  Customers have no reason to buy the product.
-  The product may be ahead of its time.
- The number of people requiring the product (and having necessary funds) might not be sufficient to gain a profit.

#### CardBack:
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This startup gave recommendations to multiple cardholders about which credit card, debit card or wallet service to opt for based on the rewards and points it provided. But, they had to shut down its operations after 5 years of working. Its last funding round was in 2014. The thing is, at that time the number of people with multiple cards in India were less than what the fintech startup had expected (over-expectation on market growth). They even tried shifting to Singapore where a multiple credit card culture was prevalent. But they lacked the funds.

The key takeaway is that, before making the product, understand the number of users you will be serving and whether this number tends to increase with time. 

### Lack of Profitable Growth Model:
Some startups get really enthusiastic about their idea. But sometimes, they fail to realize that the money they put in to get one customer (customer acquisition cost-CAC) is way larger than the customer’s lifetime value (LTV). This clearly results in tremendous losses.

#### PepperTap:
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PepperTap was a marketplace to get groceries at a cheaper price. It was started in 2014 and forced to shut down after 2 years. The reason behind this was that a huge amount of money was dumped into marketing to acquire customers. It provided heavy discounts which gave no profit in return. The costs they had to bear were much larger than the profits they made. 

One other reason behind why they lost customers was that they had several technical glitches. They failed to weigh their scalability before going for a full-scale expansion. Hence, the startup could not retain its customer and had no profit.

### High Cash Burn Rate:
Funding is a vital part of a startup. It is important to secure money and at the same time know how to spend it optimally.  What goes wrong is that the management team fails to reach the next milestone before they are drained of cash. Raising cash is an option, but the valuation will be much lower.

#### Grocshop:
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Grocshop, founded in 2014,  was an online retail platform for essentials and various grocery brands. It was even selected for Microsoft’s program, Bizspark, which provides free software, support and visibility to the startup for 3 years. Moreover, in 2015 it was amongst the 16 startups to get selected for Google Launchpad. Although they had the support, it crashed in 2016. It couldn’t tackle the high costs of customer acquisition and outsourcing services. Therefore, with the lack of fresh funding, it had to close down. 

### Poor Management Team:
A strong management team would have avoided the above failure points! A poor team might make mistakes in the following areas:
- A weak strategy would be deployed and the ideas wouldn’t have been validated. It might result in building a product that no one wants.  
- Poor execution resulting in an incorrect product or a delayed one.  

### Unbearable Competition:
Startups are often kicked out of the race because of the presence of a more efficient, well-funded and promising alternative startups. The lack of major differentiating factors from the others is one major cause for having a disadvantage in the race. 

#### AUTOnCAB:
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This startup allowed customers to avail rickshaws from their doorstep and was founded in 2014. It faced heavy competition from Uber, Ola and Jugnoo which had a similar model. Ola and Uber are well-funded and hence to retain its place in the market, it gave many discounts, incentives and deals. Whereas AUTOnCAB did not have the liberty to burn cash unnecessarily and hence fell out of the market. 

### Legal Issues:

This may arise due to a variety of reasons:
- Choosing a name that has trademark issues and domain name problems.
- Not taking into account tax considerations.
- Hiring inexperienced legal counsel in the effort of lowering costs.
- Improper Documentation.
- Lack of a good “Terms of Use” Agreement and “Privacy Policy” for the website.
- Unclear Employment agreements

#### Koinex:
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This is a real-time trading platform for multiple cryptocurrencies in one place. It started in 2017 and all was going well till the Reserve Bank of India issued a statement which brought the end to all.  The statement declared that all  government-regulated exchange platforms had to stop trading with and exit relationships with any individual or organization that dealt with cryptocurrency transactions and block such transactions from taking place. Koinex took it to the court, but the progress was very slow and therefore Koinex made it to the list of failed Indian startups. 

All this may sound demotivating. 

But remember it’s not about winning or losing, rather it's about how you played the game. The learning you get from the journey is immense. Know your opponents, measure your obstacles and have a mighty strategy! 

A wise man once said…”What's the worst possibility? I'll probably fail but that's it! Won’t regret not trying”



Above the Fold: Why do we Trip?

Sudarshana

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 Great performance by Indian cricketers not only helps India clinch titles. It also raises the demand for advertising time. It has been reported that just a 10 seconds of run time during the Ind-Pak match has cost around 15-16 lakh. Roping in pan India stars to a soothing Docomo ringtone, firms climb greater heights to grab all your attention into their products. There's a huge industry that controls what you see, what you perceive and what you buy finally. 

Do you know that “Sponsored Listing” isn’t a validation by a digital platform or a first hand review? It’s also a brand marketing, precisely another advertisement. The revenue generated by such “Bestseller” advertisements is shooting up. Almost 53% of global ad revenues of 2021 was shared by 5 global tech giants - Google, Meta, Alibaba, Bytedance and Amazon. Also, smaller companies like Swiggy and Zomato account for more than 70% of their revenues through advertising. 

With over 222 million paid users, Netflix has revolutionized the entertainment industry with it’s video streaming service. But in the recent Q2, Netflix has reportedly lost 970,000 subscribers with a dip in profits. Right from the beginning, Netflix distanced itself from advertisements. But now Netflix has turned to Advertising to bring back its lost fortunes and compete with close rivals like Amazon Prime and Disney Hotstar. Netflix will soon unleash subsidized ad based plans, with 4-5 minutes of advertisements per hour.

This is how pivotal the advertising industry is. We have recently seen many heartwarming advertisements like Amazon’s “Deliver the Love” and Cadbury’s “Shop for Shopless”. The standards of an advertisement have risen above par as they blend a little societal advice with the products. 

Customer’s needs and choices evolve rapidly and it's at times difficult for companies to keep pace with the change and to identify and capture its target audience. Today’s startups have begun acquiring the advertising sector by utilising modern day technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Digital marketing firms provide technology platforms using mobile intelligence to create new paths and help the firms attract its audience. 

One of the leading players in the industry is InMobi, well known for bringing in personalization in advertisements. It uses data analytics to understand the consumer’s lifestyle and behaviour. In a browser search, though many relevant content would be available, it’s more often that some web pages appear more frequently than the others. Higher visibility ensures higher conversion rates from viewers to consumers. Aristoma is one such startup that works on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media planning and brand marketing to help businesses expand their niches in the ecosystem. With browsers like Google removing third party cookies, startups have begun hunting for alternatives. There are a huge number of startups working to bring in Cookie-less tracking, Contextual Targeting and Predictive Analysis.

Advertising can be best described as a controversial art that deals with emotions. Collecting user data to analyze product outreach should also protect the privacy of an individual. Also, the advertisements posted shouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings. As more challenges are pouring in, the scope for growth in ad-tech is high! 



Adtech - An Industry that controls Industries

Amit

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Vanakkam Readers!
Before jumping into the needs ,we must address the proper explanation of what a
An exit happens when an owner decides to withdraw from a business. Typically, such a leave is followed by the sale of the owner's stock in the firm, but this is not a must. For example, an entrepreneur may employ a management team to run the firm while retaining ownership of the company.

## Need ##
Before going to various options to limit the losses, startups generally look for suitable exit options to flourish their growth multi-dimensionally. Startups typically seek an exit to produce investment returns for their investors and shareholders (sometimes including their workers), or to limit losses. It is critical for entrepreneurs to maintain the prospect of an exit in the back of their minds at various phases of the business' growth. Exits offer financing to startup investors, who can later return the funds to their limited partners (in the case of Venture Capitalists) or the investors themselves (in the case of business angels). Developing an exit plan assists business owners in deciding whether to pursue short-, medium-or long-term income opportunities. If a person wants to leave the firm within the next few months, he might concentrate on tasks that generate revenue rapidly. 
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## Key-Elements in exiting ##
Not only will the motivation accomplish the fulfilment. Imagine how dismaying it is, being the person with the motivation to do something but not knowing the procedure to do the work is. Well,..not to worry.  Here are some key elements which you must keep in  mind before going on exiting.
Firstly you should make a detailed statement of your objectives in terms of price, expected dates, minimum requirements and deal-breaker terms on your plate. Cause with the vision being clear, you get more clarity on your plans. Then assess the value business by observing the opportunities to increase it. If the exit strategy is more than 2-3 years away, certain portions will be quite general and will inevitably lack some depth. An exit strategy plan, like all effective business plans, should be evaluated and updated regularly, with new information incorporated as it becomes relevant and accessible.

In certain circumstances, the preparation for a sale will also involve an assessment of transaction readiness. A company may be ready for sale in terms of solid financial performance, processes in place, and effective reporting, but there may be papers that are not ready for due diligence, legal structures that need to be updated, and other transaction considerations that need to be reviewed.

## Various Options ##
Having the motivation and precautions clear, let’s dig out the various options we have.

>No one gets into the startup game with modest ambitions: founders and their financial backers always harbor dreams of outsized success. The reality, however, is that entrepreneurial home-runs are rare and happy outcomes often come in singles or doubles. To understand when to pursue those, you need to honestly assess your startup’s potential and limitations — and consider the life circumstances of all your stakeholders.

First, let’s talk about the most famous exit option. It’s the **IPO**(Initial Public Offering).
The term "IPO" refers to an "initial public offering," and it simply indicates that a firm begins trading on a stock exchange, selling a large number of its shares to institutional and non-institutional investors. These enormous enterprises are what venture capitalists dream about, as they frequently deliver large quantities of cash to all parties involved (founders, early employees and investors). For a long time, the NASDAQ and Wall Street were the primary marketplaces for European firms seeking to go public. However, in recent years, eDreams Odigeo, Zalando, and Rocket Internet have decided to go public on the Madrid, Frankfurt, or London stock markets. According to Tech.eu, there were 11 IPOs in Europe in the first six months of 2014.
  
Next, another option we have is **Merger & Acquisition**. These deals, often known as mergers and acquisitions, generally indicate a merger with a similar and larger organization. This sort of exit is frequently selected by large corporations searching for complementary capabilities in the market. Buying a smaller company is a better approach to building a product than developing it in-house. M&As are less common than IPOs and straight purchases; there were just four mergers and acquisitions in Europe in the first half of 2014.
For example , we can consider the acquisition of World Famous **MARVEL STUDIOS** by Disney. Disney bought Marvel in 2009, securing rights to Marvel Entertainment's plentiful realm of superheroes. 

![Why-Disney-Does-Not-Show-Its-Logo-Before-Marvel-Films-1.avif](https://res.cloudinary.com/e-cell-iitm/image/upload/v1667481986/Why_Disney_Does_Not_Show_Its_Logo_Before_Marvel_Films_1_3ab2795eb4.avif)


Another example we can take of **DC** being acquired by Warner Bros. DC was purchased by Warner Bros. in 1969. Due to the drop in interest in reading comic books, the firm suffered some losses. They were able to recover, though, by infiltrating television screens (much like Disney Channel) and presenting movies in theatres (just like its main competitor, Marvel).

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Some famous exits are Makemytrip and Justdial.
MakeMyTrip is said to have had a successful NASDAQ launch. According to reports, MakeMyTrip was valued at over $480 million and had an offer price of $14 per share. And, following a boom in the stock price, the valuation had risen to almost $800 million.
JustDial has seen ups and downs. Mani began his commercial adventure in 1989 as 'Askme.' However, became bankrupt, and the firm was forced to close.

After learning from his mistakes, it reappeared in 1996, and the rest, as they say, is history. According to one venture capitalist, he was uninterested in their business but would assist them if they shifted to a BPO. JustDial's IPO exit is recognized as one of the most significant sorts of exit for a company.




Above the Fold: Isn't an exit really an entrance?

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We have all heard of venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital and WestBridge capital investing in startups during funding rounds. But what exactly are these firms?

Venture capitalists are essentially people or companies who invest in business ventures at a certain rate of return. Venture capitalist firms consist of a team of analysts who decide which industry and startup to invest in to get maximum returns.

Venture capitalists are not usually looking for stable companies, they are looking for high growth potential which leads them to take significant risks which is why they expect exponential returns.

They invest in companies in exchange for equity (which is a part of the ownership of the company) this gives the VCs a degree of control over the company. For some entrepreneurs who have great ideas but lack business experience, this becomes a boon as many VCs are business experts who can use their experience to guide startups to the path of profit.

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Venture capitalism has become very popular as conventional methods like traditional banks may not be viable for many early-stage, innovation-based startups. This is because the possibility of negative economic results for some time is very real and it's difficult to predict the success of any venture right at the beginning.

### So where does the money invested by these venture capitalists go?

Capital provided by venture capitalists is not for long-term investment.
A large portion of the investment is used to improve the infrastructure of the company and therefore help it reach sufficient size. After this, the company often enters public equity markets or is bought by corporations. 

The need for venture capital has only risen in the past few years as the Indian startup ecosystem has kicked off to greater heights. While some startups avoid VCs to retain the ownership of their company, others benefit from both the capital and the expertise of the venture capitalists. Needless to say, VCs have become an integral part of India's startup ecosystem.






Above the fold: Venture Capitalists- Fueling the startup dream

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All economic news channels warn of high inflation rates in some of the world's biggest economies. In India, prices of fuel and other essential commodities have been skyrocketing. Due to the combined effect of the pandemic slump and international tensions caused due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the supply chain has been disrupted across the globe, causing a rapid increase in the rate of inflation.
Let's look at how inflation works and what effects it has on the economy:

## What exactly is inflation?
In a very crude sense, it is the increase in prices of goods and services. More specifically due to inflation, a unit of the currency ( say ₹1000 ) now buys fewer commodities than it did a year ago. This causes a dip in purchasing power and increases the cost of living.
Inflation is caused when the money supply exceeds the economic growth i.e the amount of money circulating in the market increases, thus the value of the money decreases, and the prices of commonly used goods rise.
![inflstats.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/e-cell-iitm/image/upload/v1664605671/inflstats_90f272d672.png)

## These are the major ways in which inflation happens:

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### Demand-Pull Effect:

In any economy, the relationship between the demand and supply of goods is a deciding factor in prices. As the money supply increases, the demand for goods may increase faster than the production rate of the economy. This creates a demand-supply gap which leads to an increase in prices. When people earn more income, they will spend more, thus the increase in demand is often caused by a booming economy.
In this case, the demand increases but the supply either remains the same or decreases creating an imbalance.

Companies that manufacture the goods might take some time to complement the supply to the increasing market demand. This may cause shortfalls( like the beginning of covid when it was almost impossible to find a single bottle of sanitizer at a reasonable price as everyone across the country was suddenly buying it.



### Cost-Push effect:

When there is a disruption in the supply, while the demand either remains the same or increases, companies increase the prices of goods and services causing inflation. It is therefore the converse of Demand-Pull inflation.

Cost-push inflation is relatively rare but very relevant for commodities like fuel, which people can't avoid buying even when the prices are high.

The most relevant example of this would be the EU’s dependency on Russian oil and natural gas. The decline in the supply of pipeline gas from Russia has severely disrupted the supply, however, the demand remained almost constant and will only increase as winter approaches. This has caused an Energy Crisis.

### Built-in Inflation:

This type of inflation is caused due to future expectations of inflation and is influenced by either of the above two types. When prices of goods increase workers demand higher pay to maintain living costs, however, an increase in their pay leads to a rise in production value. To maintain their profits, the companies then increase the price of goods. And therefore the spiral of built-in inflation is generated.

## How does it affect us?

Inflation, be it of any kind, increases the cost of living, and unless people’s wages are incremented at the same rate, they will have to spend a higher percentage of their incomes on necessary day-to-day expenses, eating away at their savings.

## Why then is inflation needed?

Despite the common perception that inflation has a negative impact on the lives of the common people, it is, in fact, essential up to a certain level.

Inflation encourages spending over saving. People expect the value of money to fall in the future, this gives them an incentive to spend the money today instead of saving today and spending later when its purchasing power will have reduced.

Suppose the inflation percentage per year exceeds the interest rate of savings accounts in banks, in that case, year after year the value of the money deposited in savings accounts declines, driving people towards high-yielding investments (like the start-up ecosystem) thus providing funds to the sectors of the economy where growth potential is evident.

## How can a country control inflation?

The RBI maintains something called the Repo Rate which is essentially the rate of interest the other banks have to pay on the money they borrow from it, these banks then lend the money to the people at a slightly higher interest rate to gain profits. 
When the repo rate is low, the banks reduce their interest rates and it becomes easier for people to borrow money, this increases the liquidity and the money supply in the economy becomes higher.
In case of undesirably high inflation, the RBI can increase its repo rate, subsequently, the interest rates of banks increase thus discouraging people from borrowing and reducing the money in circulation. This finally causes a reduction in the prices of consumer goods. And that's how the Reserve Bank of India can keep the inflation rates under check.
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The most recent change in the repo rate was on 5th August 2022 when the RBI increased the repo rate to 5.4% to ensure that inflation remains within the target limit while still promoting economic development.

## Conclusion

The introduction of numerous policies by the government to support small businesses and encourage the use of indigenous goods has made India a startup hub. India has surpassed the UK to become the 5th largest economy, and predictions suggest that it is expected to trump Germany by 2027 and Japan by 2029. Will India be able to maintain this sustainable GDP growth in the future? And how will this affect unemployment, poverty, and other related issues in the country?






















Above the fold: Empty wallets and soaring prices

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Last night, my friend asked me if I would go for campus placements two years from now. I lamely replied that I had enough to worry about in the present to actually think about the future. So then, I threw the question back at him (expecting an answer better than mine), and his reply is what brought me here to write this blog.  

Like some of you, he intends to have his own startup one day. But the dilemma which keeps him up all night is whether he should go for a full-time work experience and then move on to his startup or begin with it while in college. Well obviously, I had no solid answer. But after surfing the net, I realized there were a good number of pros and cons for each side of the case.

Let me take you through the story of Steve Wozniak. He was Apple’s co-founder. During the time he and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Company, he was working under HP. After a day's work at HP, he would work on his Apple I which was the stepping stone of Apple. So from here it is evident that your entrepreneurial journey can have a rigid start along with a daytime job.

> “So, when I finished designing calculators at HP in the daytime, I went home, watched Star Trek and then (worked on his computer projects.)"

But, what could you possibly gain from side hustling with a 5 to 9 job? Here is your answer:
1. Gain a financial footing
2. A backup plan in the unfortunate case of your startup failing
3. Networking with people in a variety of roles (recruiter, founder, accountant, co-workers, etc.)
4. Test new ideas through the company you are working for 

It is important to take a job in the same field as your startup. By which you would be gaining experience that can be applied to your startup as well. But along the way you must not forget your ultimate goal which is to be your own boss in your own startup! You must not fall for the satisfaction of an average life which  gives you money on a monthly basis.  Most importantly, you must not lose the analytical, risk-taking entrepreneur in you.  

You would be temporarily embedded in a corporate world with no problem solving or curious minds. Don't let that rub onto you! Just take what you need and leave when the time is right.

Now consider the case where you directly leap into the entrepreneurial world post-graduation. This is actually the time where your life has the highest risk tolerance. So, you can go ahead and do what you love the most. 

But there are some things you must consider:
1. You should have a validated business model
2. You must have obtained all the necessary contacts and resources in your college time
3. There should be a plan B

The worst scenario that must be considered is the failure of your startup. This might lead you to search for a 9 to 5 job. The disadvantage you would have is that your resume will contain no work experience and to top that a failed startup. But needn't worry! We have Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates to tell us that this is a viable path. 
There were a few things that these guys had in common. One, was that they dropped out of college (Harvard!). Two, they were from a rich background ensuring them financial stability and the freedom to take risks. 

Going a bit more deeper into Bill Gates' story, the idea of starting a computer software company came to him after working the summer at Honeywell. After some serious considerations, he decided to leave Harvard. But he always knew he could go back to school in the case of his idea failing. We all know what happened after this, his idea came to life (strong and healthy) in the form of Microsoft.

At the end of the day, it is you who has to decide what is best for you based on your background and ability. Analyze your assets. Make not one, but several plans with a timeline. Document all the steps. Keep talking to people and finally the day will come where the path seems clear and everything will soon be settled. 



Above the Fold: What's After College?

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Bengaluru, Karnataka is every startup’s dream location. It has been ranked India's strongest startup ecosystem, 8th worldwide. How could it not be? Bangalore integrates the best of the spheres a startup might need in its initial stages like investors, access to new ideas and talent, and other perks like climate and infrastructure. But maintaining a reputation like this is no easy feat and the government of Karnataka understands this fact well. 

SBI has recently declared that they are launching a branch in Bangalore to focus solely on start-ups. It is a hub for startups to obtain the necessary financial help they need for starting their journey till the time they are financially stable. Situated in Koramangala, the prime location of startups, it is easily accessible to an increasing number of growing startups. The exclusive branch will provide services like loans, trading, deposits, transaction banking, cash management, foreign exchange, insurance, custody services, structuring, capital market and legal advising. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and SBI was established in order to strengthen the state's current startup environment. The branch will work very closely with the initiatives taken by Karnataka to encourage startups.

Bangalore is not the only city SBI plans to set up such branches in, with the second being established in Gurugram and third in Hyderabad. Furthermore, SBI has already funded more than 100 startups all over the country.

This branch is an attempt to reduce startups from selling their stakes cheaply in return for money when they are unable to get a loan from the bank directly. India is a developing nation, and new ideas are what drives a country forward. SBI's initiative to fund upcoming startups is the best way the government can support the country's progress.


Above the Fold: Strengthening Financial Foundations

Shiv

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ONDC is one of those terms that you would have lately encountered as frequently as you breathe. Are you left scratching your heads witnessing the omnipresence of this term?

Even if it’s a no, this blog is for you.

I demand your attention for the next hundred seconds

**You are a buyer**

It’s my blog you have to agree. One fine Sunday morning you miss your breakfast and decide to compensate for it by getting a particular protein bar that you only get in a small shop in your locality. However, laziness has dawned upon you, and you don’t have the courage to get out of your bed. How frustrating and helpless would you feel?

Now just imagine a situation in which your favorite seller, like many others is registered to a network that provides him with logistics like delivery and transportation that allow you to place orders online. Wouldn’t that just provide you with a plethora of online shopping options from sellers that are not established enough to get registered with e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon.

> " On the top of that it would also save your Sunday."

*A wise man*



**You are a seller**

It’s my blog you have to agree. You are doing good. People in your locality absolutely love the special Cranberry Chikki you sell. However human beings in the next-to-next colony don’t know about your chikkies. You crave for discoverability. You want to attract new customers as you know that the quality of the goods you provide is greater than what other popular retailers provide.

**Enter ONDC- Open Network for Digital Commerce.**


You no longer have to register yourself on multiple e-commerce platforms. You just connect with one network via a seller registration app that you consciously select; and your products are on sale on all the e-commerce platforms. This lets you compete with online retailers and gives you an increased consumer market as Chikki lovers all over the place have discovered your existence.

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**The UPI juxtaposition**


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You don’t have a Phone Pe account.
 
It’s my blog you have to agree. You can still send money to your friend on that app using Google Pay. It's because both of you are using the common Unified Payments Interface or UPI platform.

	
This is what ONDC aims at- centralizing the e-commerce platform, breaking the big player monopoly and promising a play field to small merchants.

**The Question**

How am I blessed with this knowledge?

Because this is what the government told me and million others. 

Only time will tell will ONDC actually revolutionize the digital commerce in India or is it only a fairy tale pitched to us that doesn’t live up to the expectations.





 

Above the fold: ONDC in 2 minutes

Swathi

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What do you need to build a successful startup? Does having a great idea and a strong will to succeed suffice? What sets a successful startup apart from the rest? Although an innovative solution to a prevalent problem is fundamental for the success of any startup, there is more for a startup to thrive in today's world. 

Every year over 305 million startups are created. Surprisingly, 20% of these startups run out of business in their first year (source: Business Employment Dynamics report). And it turns out that one of the most common reasons is the unavailability of funds. 

 

![failure reasons.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/e-cell-iitm/image/upload/v1663417881/failure_reasons_5fe18d5b58.png)

 

Acquiring funds is crucial for the growth of a startup at any stage. Startups need capital at all stages from developing products and hiring talent to expand and reaching markets. 
New founders, unlike well-established companies, need to look for alternative sources of capital as they neither have access to stock markets nor do they have enough cash flow to take debts from traditional institutions. The startup ecosystem today has a number of funding options to facilitate the growth and development of startups. 


 
 

### THE STORY OF ZOHO

 

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Zoho is a well-known name in the world of web-based business tools. But what is interesting about Zoho, is that it reached a valuation of **$ 1 billion** without a dime of external investment!


The founders started the company, then known as AdventNet Inc., from scratch, fully funded from their savings and later from the revenue it generated. This process of growing a company with minimal or zero investment from the outside is what we call **bootstrapping**.
Bootstrapping means that the founders own 100% of their business, as opposed to external investments which place a certain share of the company in the investors’ hands. It also allows for greater flexibility and complete control over the direction that the startup would take. 

> “If VC funding is the fabled hare, then bootstrapping is the tortoise. It’s slow and steady, but it keeps on going…”

Aytekin Tank, Founder and CEO of Jotform



Although bootstrapping comes with a host of benefits and is considered extremely desirable in the early stages of a startup, not all startups are able to go about without external funding. More so is the case when it comes to deep tech startups, which spend most of their early years in R&D before taking it to the market and generating revenue. In such cases, startups look for external funding to accelerate their growth and meet their needs.

 
 

### ANGELS OF INVESTMENT

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A startup takes off, with a validated idea, and a market to it can provide value. But venture funds are still out of reach at this stage without a proof of concept. This is where angel funding comes in. It bridges the gap between venture capital funding and bootstrapping. **Angel Investors** are wealthy individuals who invest their own money in early-stage startups which pique their interest, even those with just an idea. In return, they obtain shares in the company. 
Along with the funding, angel investors also bring with them a large pool of business knowledge and experience. They provide startups with invaluable mentorship for development and growth and access to a huge network of investors and market opportunities.

The equity that angel investors look for in startups is high, about 20-30%, and the funding amount they provide is quite small. This is because hardly one in ten companies that angel invests in gives returns.

While investments from angels typically range from $25,000 to $100,000, startups could look for higher amounts, an average of $7 million, from venture capitalist firms.
Venture capitalists are private equity investors, part of a venture capital firm, who provide funding to companies that show potential for growth, in exchange for equity in the company and typically exit as the revenue grows stronger and the profit margin widens.

 
 

### FUNDING - A ONE TIME JACKPOT?

 

Contrary to what one may believe, startups don’t raise these funds in a lump sum. Rather they go through multiple rounds of funding, each with a specific goal, diluting their equity (or their ownership of the company) in each round. There is usually a six to nine months gap between each funding round, during which it achieves its set goals. 

 

Let’s go over the most common funding rounds...

 

Series A($2 million to $15 million funds, with a valuation of $10 million to $15 million) 
In this round, startups look for funds to implement their big ideas and strategies for developing their business model.

Series B($7 million to $10 million funds, with a valuation of $30 million to $60 million)
 The startups participating in this round, are usually looking forward to expanding their product or service. 

Series C (average of $26 million funds, with valuation $100 million to $120 million)
Typically these startups are looking to expand their business beyond their home base to new markets.

![funding stages.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/e-cell-iitm/image/upload/v1663417881/funding_stages_1779423f91.png)

 
 

#### There's more... 
Accelerators and incubators offer an avenue for startups to attain exponential growth. Along with funding, they also offer curated programs and mentorship.
Some programs available to startups today are - Nirmaan incubator at IIT Madras Research Park for startups at the idea valuation stage, Surge by Sequoia Capital, Google’s startup accelerator program, and more.

Contemporary governments have come up with multiple schemes and policies to promote entrepreneurship in the country. In India, startups can receive financial help from the government through schemes like the Atal Innovation Mission, GoI’s flagship initiative to create and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship all across the country.

In recent times, crowdfunding has been gaining popularity as a source of capital. Crowdfunding is when entrepreneurs pitch to a large pool of investors, in contrast to a few VCs, who give small amounts of money in return for goods or services. For example, pre-order of products or sale of items at a discount. There are multiple online platforms that facilitate crowdfunding across the world. Popular crowdfunding platforms in India include Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Start51, and GoFundMe among others.


 

![accelerators.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/e-cell-iitm/image/upload/v1663417881/accelerators_56248f21ac.png)

 



Startups also have the opportunity to acquire funds by participating in competitions. Apart from the funds that these competitions reward, they could also help startups gain recognition and open windows to markets. 

 
 

### CONCLUSION
Investing in a startup is a risky endeavor that does not always guarantee profits. To put things in perspective, only 3 out of every 5,000,000 companies become unicorns. 
Over the years multiple funding methods have evolved to overcome the challenges. Although startups today can acquire funds more quickly from diverse options today than ever before, it is still a tricky task that requires great proficiency and competence. 

No matter what challenges come across, the startup funding ecosystem will continue to evolve into something diverse!

Above the Fold: Funding Guide 101

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As our epics and scriptures convey, India has a rich tradition of respect and honor for its teachers. In the new era of digital learning imposed by COVID, teaching continued online and became one of the business sectors that saw a major boom. 
The recent funding in FY3 suggests that the boom could be short-lived. 

 The fiscal year (FY) is the period organizations use for recording their business activities, income, and expenses. It has a time frame of 365 days, 12 months, or 52/53 weeks.

### Skimming through the Data

The startup ecosystem has been disrupted by a decrease in funding in FY3 with edtech startups being the worst hit. As per a recent report, the funding for edtech startups stands at $2 billion, a decline of 41% from H2 2021 (July to December). This has also been reflected in the number of employees offered a pink slip. Over 4000 employees were laid off by edtech startups alone. Surprisingly, even Unicorns like Unacademy, Vedantu, and WhitehatJr, have laid off over 3000 employees collectively. Even some companies have shut operations in lieu of facing losses. 

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### What’s causing this funding steep?

Though we saw many edtech companies minting into the elite list of unicorns this year, what has been their challenge in FY3? With students returning to school, the number of students enrolled in online platforms is decreasing. Hence, the revenues of these startups and their funding are falling. Though sponsoring star sports events such as IPL and FIFA lead to a market capture, it can also prove costly during losses. 
The policies of the Indian government have also limited their scope. The government is also keen on curbing some of the unrealistic proclamations about students’ performances by online platforms. Another major setback is the UGC’s order that prevents Universities from offering degree courses in partnership with edtech players. 

### Flexibility to Sustainability

Given the numerous hardships faced by the whole sector, some companies have managed to maintain their riches. Well, what makes the difference? It is quite convincing that the big and established brands have retained to be favorites. The companies that drifted with the changing pace of the scenario have outperformed others. For instance, companies like Byju’s and the new unicorn PhysicsWallah have turned to hybrid modes of teaching, by acquiring existing offline institutions. 

> “ Enhancing adaptability in this challenging time is vital to sustaining the competition. “

-Nikhil Barshikar,  Founder & CEO, Imarticus Learning

Many industry experts express the importance of flexibility of ideas in this rapidly changing market condition. It is important to connect with the customers and review their insights regularly. This “Customer Building”, by suiting the customers’ flavors can be vital in keeping your brand name fresh in their minds. Same as we expect individual attention in in-person classes, personalized content and assignments are expected from online platforms also. This goes in hand with technological developments. Blending your ideas with new-age ideas like ML, AI, and Gamification can elevate the platform’s brand. 

### The decline in learning principles

The edtech startups seem to provide an easy solution for the students through their homework help and quick learning revision sheets. But these features also demotivate students from preparing their own notes and pondering on their work on their own. Coding has also evolved into tender kids, who code over play in their leisure time. 

### Digital University - A Welcome Note

> “We are expecting that the Digital University will start offering some certificate and diploma courses from January 2023 onwards. We are aiming to start full-fledged degrees from next June-July onwards”

-Prof. M. Jagdish Kumar, Director of UGC 

Though the government has imposed restrictions on edtech startups, it has been reviewing ways to promote the booming sector. The government is aiming to launch a “Digital University”, in a “Hub and Spoke model” wherein the government has centralized control. Through this, the universities can provide online courses to a wide range of students from Class 12 pass-outs to Graduates independently or in coalition with edtech companies. 

### Conclusion

It’s expected that the edtech industry will reach $30 billion in the coming decade. Also, Indian parents leave no stone unturned regarding quality education for their wards. This is high time for startups and startup enthusiasts to rethink and revise their ideas to accommodate today’s hybrid learning needs. The scope is high! Evolve to Uphold!





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Above the Fold: Startup Lessons-EdTech teaches

ASHMITHA

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Trade and business prevailed in India even in ancient times. Some Indian historians believe that the Barter system appeared in India as early as the Vedic era. Toys, pots, utensils, and corps were found in various archaeological excavations which served as evidence for the trade of handicrafts between Harrapan civilization and the Mesopotamia society (3200-2600 BCE).

In the pre-colonial era, entrepreneurship was limited to trade and money lending. After the establishment of the East India Company in 1673, industrialization found its place in India. It was the catalyst in the improvement of the quality of trade export and import. Unfortunately, there wasn't much further growth for the purely Indian establishments. Here is why:
1. Unfavorable laws 
2. Lack of political unity and stability
3. Absence of an effective communication system
4. Oppressive tax policies
5. Custom barriers
6. Education system worked to produce lower-ranked clerks and nothing more

But we faced the odds and slowly started to level up. To start with, we had the Swadeshi campaign which urged locals to use indigenous products which promoted Indian entrepreneurs. A major growth was spotted between the two World Wars. What changed in this time frame?
1. Establishment of Managing Agency System
2. Encouragement of joint-stock companies
3. Society's attitude broadened

Even amongst these unpredictable situations, we can proudly claim to have some stunning pre-Independence companies. 

### GODREJ

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This was the central piece of the Swadeshi movement. It was founded by Ardeshir Godrej in 1897. The company produced a variety of stuff even at that time. To name a few, they had locks with lever technology and vegetable oil soap. After Independence, they played a vital role in the first democratic moments of the country (by making 1.7 million ballot boxes).

### BRITANNIA

![unnamed.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/e-cell-iitm/image/upload/v1660923754/unnamed_8e43c2c6b8.png)

Britannia (then under the name VK Enterprise) was a small biscuit manufacturing company established in 1892, in Kolkata. Their journey started with the investment of Rs. 265 by a group of Britishers.

### HALDIRAM’s

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Haldiram was first a sweet and snacks shop in Bikaner. It was founded by Shri Ganga Bhisen Agarwal in 1937. 

Coming to the present day, India has become a hotspot for startups. It has the world’s third largest startup ecosystem. Having such growth in 75 years is miraculous! Independence clearly unlocked the true potential of India. The freedom fighters in the past had struggled to give us this free India. Let us do right by them, and take India to an unreachable place. 
Jai Hind!



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