● Jumpstart 2024 is focused on the theme “Funding India’s Future” and aims to provide a platform for the exchange of real-world challenges and solutions.
● The two-day event unlocked direct fundraising opportunities, insightful discussions, networking, and more.
22nd January 2024, Bengaluru: WeWork Labs, the investment and acceleration arm of WeWork India, the largest and leading flex workspace provider in the country, launched the first edition of their flagship event – Jumpstart. The industry-first, two-day event aimed at bridging the gap between startup founders, experts, and investor community in India. With a dedicated focus on ‘Funding India’s Future’, the event provided a platform for the exchange of real-world challenges and solutions, empowering startups to thrive. Jumpstart further opened avenues for early-stage startups to access direct fundraising opportunities and exposure to global markets, enabling early-stage founders and budding entrepreneurs to launch and scale their startups.
Jumpstart 2024 comprised six distinctive tracks, including Investor Sprints, Product Sprints, Startup Showcases, Fireside Chats and Panel Discussions, each designed to cater to a specific facet of the startup ecosystem. Notable speakers included Anjali Sosale, Partner, Waterbridge Ventures; Rajiv Srivatsa, Partner & Investor, Antler India; Kailash Nath, AVP, Chiratae Ventures; Pearl Agarwal, Founder and Managing Partner, Eximius Ventures; Gaurav Thareja, Assistant Manager, Invest India among others. The event saw attendance of over 1000+ startup founders, 360+ 1:1 Investor Meets, 220+ Product Reviews, 25+ Startup Showcases, and $1M Tech Credits & Savings
Commenting about Jumpstart 2024, Karan Virwani, CEO, WeWork India said, “With diverse talent and a spirit of resilience, India has emerged as a key player in the global startup ecosystem. Jumpstart stands as a testament to WeWork India’s commitment to fostering the startup ecosystem. We are determined to provide early-stage founders and entrepreneurs with direct fundraising opportunities, insightful discussions, and networking events to help scale their business. In the coming years, we will continue to remain at the forefront, helping startups create the next wave of innovations that will shape the dynamic start up landscape.”
With a mission to foster innovation and drive entrepreneurship, WeWork Labs has catalysed numerous success stories across the country. Speaking at the event, Anjali Sosale, Partner, Waterbridge Ventures added, “We need to open more opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Initiatives like Jumpstart are a step in the right direction as they ensure accessibility to funding, mentorship, enabling new businesses to overcome the challenges faced as they look to enter the startup ecosystem.“
With Jumpstart, WeWork India has seamlessly bridged the gap between startup innovators, industry leaders, and investors, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, and direct fundraising opportunities. Since inception, over 500+ startups have gone through WeWork Labs as part of the incubator and accelerator programme, with 330+ active startup members being accelerated currently across India. With a steadfast mission to foster innovation and drive entrepreneurship, WeWork Labs serves as a nurturing ground for entrepreneurs and early-stage startups, offering them resources, mentorship, and a thriving community.
