Exploring the Indian Culture: A Day trip to Agra || South India’s Royal City – Mysore
Agra, a city steeped in history and renowned for its architectural marvels, welcomed our delegation of investors from South Korea on a memorable day trip. With its rich cultural heritage and iconic monuments, Agra offered a glimpse into India’s glorious past and vibrant present.
The journey from Delhi to Agra was filled with lively conversations and the joy of getting to know one another. And at the destination, we were greeted by the majestic symbol of love, the Taj Mahal – designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. A complex mausoleum, the Taj Mahal is often considered to be the world’s best example of Mughal architecture This breathtaking monument, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, left us all awestruck with its timeless beauty and intricate marble craftsmanship. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, the white marble facade of the Taj Mahal shimmered in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing sight that will be etched in the memories of the delegation forever.
No visit to Agra is complete without savoring the city’s culinary delights, and the investors were treated to a sumptuous feast of Mughlai cuisine. From aromatic biryanis to succulent kebabs, they indulged in a gastronomic journey that showcased the culinary diversity of India.
In conclusion, the investor delegation’s day trip to Agra beautifully showcased the city’s enduring charm and cultural significance, offering a glimpse of the best that India has to offer.
Mysore –
After the conclusion of IMPART Summit 2023, our trip to Mysore with our South Korean investors was full of exciting discoveries and forging meaningful friendships as we set out to experience the essence of India’s heritage and warmth.
Mysore is a historic city and known for its cultural richness, old buildings, laid-back atmosphere and yoga!
The magnificent Mysore Palace, a symbol of the city’s royal past as its stunning architecture and royal charm, the palace showcases India’s rich history in a captivating way. The palace, especially beautiful when lit up at night, leaves a lasting impression on anyone, revealing the grandeur of Mysore.
The lively markets of Mysore aren’t something that one can miss – where colors, smells, and sounds filled the air. From spices to handicrafts, the markets are a vibrant reflection of the city’s culture. Our delegation enjoyed tasting local foods and shopping for souvenirs, immersing themselves in the heart of Mysore’s bustling life.
At Nilah Advisors, we take great pride in curating such enriching experiences and opportunities for our clients. It’s moments like these that reaffirm our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Insights from the IMPART Summit 2023 Roundtable Conference – Bengaluru, IN
Amidst the vibrant backdrop of Bengaluru, our five-day roadshow culminated in a pivotal event that captured the essence of Indo-Korean collaboration. Held on February 9th in association with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), this roundtable conference emerged as the highlight of the roadshow, bringing together a constellation of key stakeholders from both nations.
The conference boasted a distinguished lineup of participants, reflecting the depth and breadth of the global engagements. Among the attendees were the visiting investors delegation, representing a spectrum of interests and expertise. Joining them were established Korean investors in India, including Mirae Asset Global Investments, Samsung Ventures and Krafton India, lending their insights and experience to the discussions. Notable government agencies such as KOTRA and NIPA, alongside corporate giants AWS, added weight to the proceedings with their presence. At the helm of affairs were Mr. B.V Naidu, Chairman of KDEM, and Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of KDEM, who chaired and led the conference with finesse and expertise. Their guidance provided a steady anchor for the discussions that unfolded, steering the conversation towards meaningful outcomes and actionable insights.
The Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (IVCA) and Nilah Advisors rounded out the ensemble, contributing valuable perspectives on the investment landscape and opportunities for collaboration.
The conference served as a crucible for ideas, fostering dialogue and exchange on a range of topics from exploring investment opportunities in emerging sectors to discussing policy frameworks and regulatory considerations, the agenda was rich and diverse, reflecting the multifaceted nature of bilateral engagement.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the reaffirmation of the strong foundation of partnership between India and Korea. Participants highlighted the synergies between the two nations, underpinned by shared values, technological prowess, and a spirit of innovation. They underscored the importance of leveraging these synergies to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster greater prosperity for both societies. As the curtains drew on the roundtable conference, there was a palpable sense of optimism and momentum in the air. The deliberations had laid the groundwork for deeper collaborations and partnerships, setting the stage for a new chapter of growth and innovation. In the days and months ahead, the insights and connections forged at the conference are poised to catalyze tangible outcomes, propelling global collaborations to new heights. As we embark on this journey of mutual enrichment and progress, the roadshow stands as a testament to the power of partnership in driving positive change on a global scale.
Exploring Opportunities Across Emerging Growth Sectors in India: Insights from a Dynamic Panel Discussion – Bengaluru, IN
The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) office was buzzing with enthusiasm as it played host to a captivating panel discussion on the theme: “Opportunities across emerging growth sectors in India from a global perspective.” The event witnessed an impressive turnout, drawing in a diverse audience comprising investors, startup enthusiasts, and members of the corporate community, all eager to gain insights into India’s burgeoning landscape of opportunities.
The esteemed panelists, each a stalwart in their respective fields, lent their expertise and vision to the discussion:
1. Mr. B.V Naidu: Chairman of KDEM, brought his extensive experience and strategic insights to the table.
2. Mr. Sunil Rao: Country Head for Strategy & Business Development at Amazon, provided valuable perspectives on the intersection of technology and business.
3. Mr. Madan Padaki: Founder & CEO of 1BRIDGE, shared his entrepreneurial journey and perspectives on fostering innovation.
4. Ms. Sowmya Keshava: Founder & CEO of Nilah Advisors, offered insights into the evolving landscape of investment opportunities in India.
5. Mr. Sidhartha Anand: VP at KDEM, contributed his expertise in driving initiatives for digital growth.
The event, organized by Nilah Advisors in collaboration with KDEM, saw an impressive turnout of over 250 attendees, comprising startup founders, venture capitalists, and corporate representatives. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions around innovation, growth potential, and strategies for attracting investments into India’s vibrant ecosystem. One of the central themes that emerged from the discussion was the immense potential for innovation across various sectors in India. The panelists highlighted the country’s robust startup ecosystem, backed by a pool of talented entrepreneurs and a supportive regulatory environment. They emphasized the need for continued focus on fostering innovation and creating an enabling ecosystem for startups to thrive.
Moreover, the discussion delved into the role of technology in driving growth and transformation across industries. With India emerging as a global hub for technology and digital innovation, there was consensus among the panelists on the need for collaborative efforts to harness the full potential of emerging technologies. The event also provided a platform for networking and collaboration, allowing attendees to connect with industry peers, explore potential partnerships, and exchange ideas.
In conclusion, the panel discussion served as a timely reminder of India’s vast potential and the opportunities that lie ahead in its journey towards becoming a global powerhouse. As the country continues to chart its path of growth and innovation, forums like these play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, driving collaboration, and shaping the future of India’s digital economy.
A Visit to Bhive, Asia’s Largest Co-Working Space – Bengaluru, IN
Bhive in Bengaluru isn’t just any office space—it’s a bustling hive of activity where ideas, buzz and collaborations thrive. This Bhive Workspaces – HSR Layout campus was recently inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Karnataka – Mr. Basavaraj Bommai and has a capacity of more than 8000 seats and we explored this vibrant community to understand why it’s Asia’s largest co-working space.
As soon as you step in, you’re greeted by a lively atmosphere. From the modern setup to the diverse crowd, Bhive is designed for startups, freelancers, and businesses to work, connect, and grow together. We hosted some of the startup pitch sessions which was very well organised and the sessions went on smoothly.
The strong sense of community stands out as you are in the space. Whether it’s sharing ideas over coffee or joining in on workshops and events, Bhive fosters a supportive environment where everyone’s encouraged to succeed.
In a world where work is evolving, places like Bhive offer a glimpse into the future—a future where creativity knows no bounds and success is shared by all.
Bhive isn’t just a workspace—it’s a hive of possibilities, buzzing with opportunities for anyone ready to make their mark.
Exploring Innovation: A Visit to KOSME Office – Delhi, IN
A scheduled visit to the Korea Small and Medium Business Administration’s (KOSME) office in Gurgaon left us invigorated and inspired by the dynamic ecosystem they’ve cultivated in support of Korean SMEs. As we reflect on our time spent there, we can’t help but marvel at the impactful work being done to foster innovation and growth within the startup community in India for Korean SMEs.
From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm—a testament to KOSME’s commitment to collaboration and partnership. Their dedication to supporting Korean SMEs was palpable, and it was evident that every member of the team was deeply invested in the success of the startups they worked with.
The highlight of our visit was the startups pitch their ideas to our investor delegation. From tech-driven solutions to social impact ventures, each presentation showcased the immense potential that exists for Korean startups in India.
Bridging Korean Investors with Indian Startups for Global Collaboration – Delhi, IN
Impart Summit 2023 served as a pivotal bridge between Korean investors and Indian startups, paving the way for broader opportunities for global collaboration. As we neared the conclusion of the panel discussion in Delhi, the impact felt was profound. With a gathering of some of the brightest minds in AI/ML, the discussion resonated powerfully, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
The panel, titled ‘Scaling AI/ML Startups in India,’ provided a platform to highlight the emerging startups leveraging AI/ML technologies that have the potential to revolutionize various business sectors and drive growth in India. The diverse audience, comprising startup founders, CEOs, members of the Korean investor delegation, and enthusiasts, added depth and energy to the event, enriching the discussion with diverse perspectives and insights.
Moderated by Mr. Sairee Chahal, Founder of Sheroes, the session delved into the intricacies of scaling AI/ML startups in India, fostering awareness about the transformative potential of these technologies. Through engaging dialogue and thought-provoking discourse, attendees gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI/ML startups and their role in shaping the future of business in India.
Panelists :
Mr. Anurag Seth – Principal AI/ML Advisor, AWS Startups
Mr. Sanjay Varnwal – Founder and CEO, Spyne.ai
Dr. Harindar Keer – CEO and Founder, Flixstock
Ms. Anuja Dhawan – Co-Founder, Dubverse
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, Echai Ventures and Nasscom, for their unwavering support throughout the event. Their collaboration and assistance were instrumental in making the summit a resounding success. The overwhelming response from participants underscored the significance of initiatives like IMPART Summit in fostering collaboration and driving innovation in the global startup ecosystem.
As we reflect on the success of Impart Summit 2023, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating even greater opportunities for collaboration and growth in the dynamic landscape of AI/ML startups. With the continued support of our partners and the collective effort of the startup community, and our ability to drive positive change and unlock new possibilities for innovation and progress.
Engaging with top Indian VC Firms – Delhi & Bengaluru, IN
In the pulsating heart of India’s entrepreneurial landscape, Venture Capital (VC) firms stand as pivotal gatekeepers of innovation, guiding the trajectory of nascent startups and disruptive ideas.
Our visiting delegation had the privilege of delving into this captivating realm through an introduction and discussion with some of India’s most prominent VC firms as part of IMPART Summit 2023 in Delhi & Bengaluru, India. The experience not only provided profound insights into the inner workings of the startup ecosystem but also underscored the transformative power of strategic investments in driving societal progress and economic prosperity.
3One4 Capital, Bengaluru
3One4 Capital works in select market categories and in the intersection of adjacencies that are large, growing and ready for unique products and services.
Antler India, Bengaluru
Antler India is one of the most active early stage investors in India. Antler India has a diverse portfolio, investing in a range of startups.
According to Tracxn, Antler has a portfolio of over 950 companies, and 468 investors have invested with Antler. This ecosystem includes other institutional investors and angel investors, indicating a robust network of financial support for startups.
BEENEXT
BEENEXT is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology startups from India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and USA.
Ideaspring Capital, Bengaluru
Ideaspring Capital is dedicated to backing early-stage technology product companies in India, particularly those with disruptive ideas. Their mission is to provide funding and support to help ventures achieve both commercial viability and scalability, empowering them to make a lasting impact in the market.
Meet with Startup India and the Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (IVCA) Roundtable – Delhi, IN
The investor delegation from South Korea graced the halls of the Startup India office in Delhi. This meeting of minds brought together teams from Invest India and Korea Plus, marking an important step in the journey towards building robust ties in the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation.
At the heart of this gathering lies Startup India – a flagship initiative of the Indian government, that aims to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem in the country. They provide assistance, support, and resources, and encourage entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.
The visit provided us with an opportunity to explore partnerships with Indian startups. By tapping into India’s talent and dynamic startup scene, Korean investors can find new avenues for growth and expansion.
Likewise, for India, the visit reaffirmed its position as a global hub for innovation. By welcoming the delegations, India thus shows its openness to collaboration.
Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (IVCA) Roundtable
The roundtable conference brought together representatives from IVCA and Startup India and offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Venture Capital and alternate capital in India.
Their expertise shed light on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the investment landscape, and emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support for startups.
Exploring Magicpin & Balance Hero Through Startup Showcases and Office Visits – Delhi, IN
IMPART Summit 2023: Our Korean Investors delegation visited two trailblazing startups, Magicpin and Balance Hero. The experience not only offered a firsthand glimpse into their work but also underscored the transformative power of visionary entrepreneurship in shaping our collective future.
Magicpin: Redefining Consumer Engagement
Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of India’s bustling cities lies Magicpin, a dynamic platform revolutionizing the way consumers engage with local businesses. The startup showcase offered a fascinating insight into Magicpin’s innovative approach to consumer engagement. Through a seamless blend of technology and gamification, they have created a platform that incentivizes users to discover and engage with local businesses, while simultaneously empowering merchants to attract and retain loyal customers. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the impact Magicpin is having on local economies, driving foot traffic, boosting sales, and fostering a sense of community in the process.
Balance Hero: Empowering Financial Wellness
From consumer engagement, next up was Balance Hero, a pioneering fintech startup on a mission to empower financial wellness for all. The delegation was greeted by a sense of purpose and determination that permeated the atmosphere. From the hustle and bustle of engineers coding away to the brainstorming sessions in full swing, it was clear that Balance Hero was on a mission to democratize access to financial services and revolutionize the way people manage their money.
The startup showcase provided a fascinating glimpse into Balance Hero’s innovative suite of financial products, designed to simplify banking, streamline payments, and promote responsible financial habits. From their flagship app offering digital banking solutions to their innovative AI-powered financial management tools, Balance Hero is leveraging technology to break down barriers and empower individuals to take control of their financial futures. It was truly inspiring to witness the transformative potential of fintech in action, as Balance Hero works tirelessly to create a more inclusive and equitable financial ecosystem for all.
