Invest in women: Accelerate progress; Shiprocket Launches Aarambh 2024 for Women-Led SMEs Nationwide

New Delhi, 27 February 2024: Shiprocket, India’s leading e-commerce enablement platform, announces the 5th edition of ‘Aarambh,’ its flagship initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. Aligned with Shiprocket’s vision to redefine India’s e-commerce landscape, Aarambh 2024 seeks to empower aspiring women entrepreneurs by providing a platform to pitch their innovative business ideas to a distinguished panel of investors and venture capitalists.

Commencing from 26 February 2024, Aarambh 2024 extends a warm invitation to women entrepreneurs nationwide, encouraging them to register and nominate themselves for an opportunity to present their ideas before the esteemed jury. In India, women constitute just 14% of entrepreneurs, overseeing 20% of MSMEs among 58.5 million enterprises. In line with this year’s theme of “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, Shiprocket’s primary focus is to create a platform for women-led SMEs in India to showcase their entrepreneurial brilliance, catalyzing the growth of dynamic enterprises.

Beyond the competitive aspect, Aarambh 2024 offers participants a unique chance to network with experienced professionals, investors, and potential business partners. In addition to coveted cash prizes, participants also have the opportunity to receive Shiprocket shipping credits, providing valuable support on their journey to business success.

Saahil Goel, MD & CEO of Shiprocket, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Aarambh initiative has been a resounding success over the years, and it is heartening to witness the impactful contributions of women entrepreneurs to the growth of India’s commerce. Our nation’s women have extraordinary potential, and we are excited to see what new and disruptive ideas will be presented during Aarambh 2024.”

Entries for the Aarambh 2024 edition are now open, and Indian shepreneurs can apply for the shortlisting process on the Shiprocket website – https://www.shiprocket.in/aarambh/. Shortlisted pitches will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to the jury panel in a virtual event. The best business idea will have the opportunity to earn up to 2 lakh Shiprocket credits from a total pool of 4 lakh Shiprocket credits for winners along with additional benefits from Shiprocket and other sister concern companies. With Aarambh 2024, participants will also get an opportunity to network with industry leaders, access capital for building their businesses (opportunity to get flexible capital up to INR 5 Crores through Shiprocket Capital), and garner visibility for their brands through the Shiprocket platform. The jury for this year consists of three seasoned business leaders- Trisha Vaidya, Angel Investor & Ex-COO Dr. Vaidya’s, Malika Sadani,  Founder and CEO, The Moms Co. and Divyanshi Chowdhary, Investment Professional, DeVC India.

Last year’s winners were: Rashi Bahel Mehra, Founder & CEO, Alanna, Oshi Kumari, COO, Inside FPV (1st Runner up),  and Nisha Ramasamy, Co-Founder, Ariro Toys (2nd Runner up)