Thursday, March 26, 2015

Startup Incubators in India

“Why essentially incubate to outlast early-stage failure?”
DespiteIndia making itself the third largest base for start-ups in the world with over 3,000 start-ups running across the nation [1], and Mr. Barack Obama, President of United States Of America, quite rightly quoting, “Our Information age is rooted in India’s innovation”, is still fighting hard to make its place as a lucrative start-up ecosystem on a global platform.
                                                      
Over 50% tech start-ups are expected to move overseas in 2015[2].About 600 start-ups are born every year here, out of which half of them die in first year and the 30 % that are able to survive for 12-18 months eventually die within the next three years[3].

[4]                                      
Reasons are many.
·         Misalignment of founders
·         Running out of capital and infrastructure
·         Taxes and government regulations
·         Risk-averse culture
·         Lack of customer validation

Start-up failing is not abnormal especially in the technology sector. But what is required is an adequate assistance and aid. Business incubators provide technical assistance, management guidance, consulting and administrative assistance, legitimacy and credibility among both vendors and customersand an access to capital with shared basic operating costs to young businesses in order to increase their chances of survival in the competitive environment.

Incubation does not only lead to development of a well-fortified sustainable start-up ecosystem but also helps in developing a high-technology business in this era of globalization.

Funding is not just the ultimate benefit of incubators. Talking about technology start-ups, it has been seen in India that the major cause of their failure is lack of communication and clear ideas among the entrepreneurs regarding their business plan and their inability to bear the risks. If they have the right incubators, people who are really experienced, who are not just present side by side but are in regular contact talking through the business and ready to get their hands dirty, it would allow them to structure and think and get their boat very early-on headed towards the right direction.

Text Box: Image Credit: www.shutterstock.com
Indian start-ups like Ezetap took upon a proper incubation programme from day one andbrought experienced entrepreneurs into their business to really be hands on. Resulting to which it has become one of the most successful angel prime ventures in India. Abhijit Bose, Chief Executive OfficerEzetap, defines start-up incubation as, “it’s not about a space to do an activity or a space to sit but it’s about experienced entrepreneurs basically cofounding the company with you”. This also eradicates the problem of misalignment of co-founders which leads to failure of start-ups.

All start-ups running in India face the common fear of making too many mistakes while trying to expatiate on their business. Hiring high IQ entrepreneurswould help identify the big picture and the small picture yet remain distant enough to have an outside perspective on the business and helps them preparing for pitching.


When these businesses need an expansion, while in incubation they can very quickly go about it without any fear for their mentors will catch soon enough if anything goes wrong ,will brainstorm through the problem, chuck out multiple ideas for you and with just a single discussion can be down to what should be done about it without wasting time.

Incubator itself is a dynamic model of a sustainable efficient business operation.

Many start-ups in India are not able to achieve customer validation for they detest talking to customers. Benchmark incubators help them to get reference customers, validate their product and complete at least a minimum viable product.


India has a lot of grand opportunities for bootstrap businesses to riseand reinvent their potential and their markets is full of friction. Only what they require is a right kind of mentoring to find the wood for the trees and win the battle.

Angel investors in india

As business lovers we wish that startup lessons could be provided in any educational institution, but sadly, we aren’t lucky enough. Think of the most crucial, nerve-racking ordeal of startups in India. A major stumbling block for many entrepreneurial newcomers, before they attract the first bunch of customers and try their hands at a range of publicity stunts, is generally generating enough money to roll out preliminary operations such as market research and product development.
Many business enthusiasts are gifted with superb business ideas, but, the most common barriers that so often block them from realizing their dreams are more than often centred around finance.  A good dose of investment can inject life into a startup, and alter the entire business landscape of a community, with new talents coming to the surface and providing a boost to the economy.
Entrepreneurship in India was in need of rejuvenation, considering the sluggish economic growth, worn-out business ideas and drained resources. The business community stagnated, and needed to be revitalized.  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won last year's general elections on a promise to reform and revive the economy and attract much-needed investment.  One of the solutions that has been adopted to boost entrepreneurship is Angel Investing.  The Indian startup ecosystem is currently buzzing and optimism is growing.
Today, angel investment is a popular source of funding for startups, and has leveraged the Indianbusiness community. The budding startup sector, through angel investors in India, receives abundant support both financially and technically.
So far, it is pretty clear that angel investing has been encouraged by startups who have initiated the approach and support offered by angel Investment groups, Incubators and accelerators. Disillusioned by the financial institutions and other borrowing mechanisms, angel investors have come to the rescue of startup accelerators in India. But I hear you say, “what exactly is angel Investing?”  If investors are giving money for entrepreneurial development in India, what are they receiving in return?  Is Angel Investing a viable soluion to stimulate a large section of the Indian business sector? Let’s go through a few points and find out.

Who Are Angel Investors?
Angel Investors truly are the angels, as they help those who are in desperate need of investment and possess a mind full of vibrant business ideas. Business Angels take the highest risk of any other investor and fund their investment out of their own pocket. They are the ones, who shell out a lump sum but in exchange for excellent benefits and a higher share percentage.  All of this is done in the early stages before the venture capatalists step in.
These investors invest a big chunk of money and expertise at a blossoming stage of a startup company, expecting an equity ownership interest in return. The trend of angel Investing in India is already on the roll and has been widely received and welcomed by government and businesses. The potential of receiving exponential returns ion investment has further encouraged angels to invest in startups.  For those who are fortunate enough to receive investment, a long-drawn out saga, and unachievable dream can quickly turn into a spectacular reality.

The Quantum of Investment
There is no specified monetary limit for securing and agreeing a deal between angels and entrepreneurs. Investors can earmark any amount depending upon the nature of the business, scale of operations and the size of their revenue reserve.  The amount is  dependant on the business spending needs.

What Angel Investors Must Look For?
Throwing the rule book out of the window and adopting a blind approach is risky, and will surely end negatively.  Like any business venture, angel Investors have to be cautious, and carry out due diligence before they hand over their wallets.
Angel Investors often lay out their hard-earned money to inexperienced individuals with colourful dreams of exponentially scaling their business to an expectant global audience. The business world is full of uncertainties and thus, they do not rely on hearsay. Startups! Do not expect a simplistic victory here. Angel investors do invest in people and passion, but you must possess a broader and well researched vision about your business aspirations and goals.
Know what you are looking for in an investment opportunity:
Before providing capital to startups, angels should carry out due dillingence and carefully evaluate the offer on hand, and determine how serious the startups are about their idea.  Do they have the passion, determination, conviction and the ability to execute the plan and hustle during times of difficulty and uncertainty?
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself
  • Have they targeted the right market and audience? 
  • Do you have the knowledge, skills, experience and connections to support them in this market?
  • Is this business genuinely needed?  Is it a solution to a genuine problem?  Will people actually pay for it  and help you secure a return on your investment?
  • Is their sales evaluation realistic or delusional?  Can you clearly determine the probability of success.  The idea might be appealing, but how likely is it to succeed?
  • Have they meticulously planned their operations, finances and money matters?  What is the roadmap to success and failure?  Yes businesses do fail, so how have they planned for it.  A dearth of planning suggests lack of gravity and professionalism.  Do you have the time and capacity to be both an investor and a mentor?
  • Does the proposed business idea and process bear viability and is it within the bounds of realism.
  • Is the valuation of the business realistic?  Don’t get caught up in the sentiment.  Sentiment won’t pay your bills.  Nobody has time for sentiment, especially in business.
  • Have they been honest about their legal and financial issues that are in the past or current?  Are you about to inherit some unplanned baggage?  Be certain and hire a third party agency to carry out a health check on the business and the business owners..

The Time That Goes
Multiplying the funds was never easy.  Like any business or negotiation process, angel investing is a time-consuming process.  Depending on your niche, suitable investors can be difficult to find.  And if you are an investor the same can be said about the startups that are available to invest in. This is because a lot of startups don’t put themselves out there.  You must be visible and contactable.  Startups have to do the rounds to generate funds.  You may be subjected to lengthy meetings, then more meetings and then more and more meetings.  But how much do you want it, and what does your business idea mean to you?

This is Where You Can Find Your Investor
A referral to angel investors through a family relative or a close friend is the most suitable method of finding angel investors. However, fellow entrepreneurs, marketing friends, lawyers and accountants, forums, investment bankers and social sites like LinkedIn and now Ten Innovte can furnish you with all the essential information that you need to understand angel investment.

Teninnovate

What Is Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding, as its name suggests, is a funding method where common people like you and me, henceforth the crowd, fund a creative project (for instance, music, film, book publication), a benevolent or public-interest cause (for instance, a community based social or co-operative initiative) or a business venture.
These contributions are sought through an online crowdfunding platform, while the offer may also be promoted through social media.

Crowdfunding Platform

Different crowdfunding site can have different purpose or approach, but overall the concept is simple – you post your project to a large group of site users, or "potential investors", and they will fund your project with money, if they are interested in the project. You can start a crowdfunding exercise for free and you will only be charged when your project has raised some funds or the full amount. There’s nothing to lose and this is great for publicity.

THE TOP THREE CROWDFUNDING PLATFORM ARE

top 3 crowdfunding platforms.png

 

TYPES OF CROWDFUNDING:

1. Rewards Crowdfunding
Rewards-based crowdfunding is the most common type of crowdfunding option available. This type of crowdfunding involves setting varying levels of rewards that correspond to pledge amounts. A standard rewards campaign offers at least three levels of pledges/rewards

2. Equity Crowdfunding
Equity crowdfunding is the exchange of actual shares in a private company for capital. In this form of crowdfunding, entrepreneurs can set investor caps, minimum pledge amounts, etc. as well as approve or deny investors who wish to view their business documents.

3. Donation Crowdfunding
Donation crowdfunding is exactly what it sounds like - the campaigns amass donations without being required to provide anything of value in return. This type of campaign serves social causes and charities best.

4. Lending Crowdfunding
Lending based crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to raise funds in the form of loans that they will pay back to the lenders over a pre-determined timeline with a set interest rate.Lending campaigns tend to take place over a shorter timespan of around five weeks and works well for entrepreneurs who don’t want to give up equity in their startup immediately.

Benefits of Crowdfunding

Traditionally, Start-ups are funded through private equity, angel investor or loan arrangements with a financial institution. These Financial Institute have become increasingly constrained in their ability to lend money to the ventures or start-ups which may have high risk element.
Crowdfunding is a great alternative way to fund a venture, and it can be done without giving up equity or accumulating debt.

Crowdfunding in India

While it is still in nascent stage in India, compared to large markets like the US, China and the UK, the trend is catching up fast especially in the wake of emergence of social media as a key platform for such activities.
In a new report, the research department of IOSCO, of which Indian capital markets regulator SEBI is a key member, has said that the 'financial return crowdfunding market' has doubled year-on-year for the last five years to an estimated USD 6.4 billion in 2013.
This has been mainly driven by annual growth of 90 per cent in peer-to-peer lending.

Major Crowdfunding Platforms in India

 

RANGDE.ORG
The idea of Rang De was sown in the year 2006.Rang De began its operations on 26 January 2008. The inspiration for starting Rang De was the thought that the peer-to-peer lending model could be transformed to lower the cost of micro-credit. Rang De is a non-profit organisation. They earn a nominal commission of 2% on all the loans repaid by the borrowers.

IGNITEINTENT.COM
Ignite Intent was formed in April 2012. It is a platform where people can showcase their creative, innovative and brave ideas and subsequently Get funded.

WISGBERRY.IN
wishberry.png
Wishberry.in began its operations in the year 2012. It is a crowdfunding platform for anything creative and out of the box. Their 15 defined categories are: Alumni, App, Arts, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film, Food, Game, Music, Photography, Publishing, Sports, Technology and Theatre.

MILAAP.ORG
Milaap was formed in June 2010. Milaap provides a platform for the poor, hard-working individuals in the country to raise funds. It does not charge any commission from the funds you lend on Milaap. Instead, Milaap charges its field partners a 5% fee for the funds raised.

KETTO.ORG
Ketto was launched on 15 August 2012. Ketto provides a platform where you can provide support for the causes you think are important. It was launched with the idea to bring a positive change in the society.  
There are many Indian Crowdfunding start-up’s like Fundmypitch, PikAVenture and Funduzz, which are in a nascent stage. We have seen quite few Indian hardware startup raise funds on foriegn crowdfunding platforms such as Project Fin. The Indian Crowdfunding platforms operate more with the non-tech part of the Industry, and we wish to see this changed over a period of time.