Events

The session focused on building foundational investor-readiness among student and faculty entrepreneurs by demystifying how early-stage startups raise money. It covered the complete startup funding ladder from bootstrapping to IPO, the key distinctions between angel investors and venture capital funds, and the criteria investors use to evaluate early-stage ventures, including team strength, market potential, traction, unit economics, defensibility and path to exit.

The session also introduced participants to practical tools such as the TAM/SAM/SOM framework for market sizing, the structure of a ten-slide investor pitch deck, and the mechanics of equity dilution across funding rounds. Participants were familiarised with essential funding vocabulary (SAFE, convertible note, valuation cap, ESOP pool, liquidation preference, vesting and pro-rata rights) and with Indian government support schemes such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme. To reinforce learning, participants took part in a 60-Second Pitch Sprint activity — before the session concluded with key takeaways encouraging participants to explore investor readiness and funding opportunities for their entrepreneurial ideas.