It’s that time of the year! The 21st Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF) is hosting the fourth edition of its prestigious Startup Competition and this time it’s themed on ‘Navigating Growth vs Profitability: India and the Next Unicorn.’
And once again, we are very pleased to announce that WIEF has associated with TheRodinhoods! As Outreach Partner, TheRodinhoods will reach out to startups and audiences in India for active participation in the entire event. Which means Rodinhooders – this is your opportunity to participate in this magnificent startup competition, get some awesome exposure and even win a trip to Philadelphia!
WIEF 2016
Last year over 750 applications were received. 20 semifinalists were shortlisted and 10 finalists pitched at the Forum in Mumbai. They include: Ketto (Grand Prize Winner), Kheyti (People’s Choice Award), Pratilipi (Powerhouse Winner), Trebene (Powerhouse Runners Up), Acuity, FRS Labs, Greensole, LoanMeet, iFreedom and Art & Found.
[This is Rodinhooder Ranjeet, Co-founder Pratilipi – Powerhouse Winner – making us all proud!]
Past judges at the competition include eminent CEOs, entrepreneurs and VCs including Ravi Gururaj, Kirthiga Reddy, Rajan Mehra, Sanjeev Bhikchandani, Sunny B Rao, Arihant Patni and Alok Kejriwal.
So what’s new this time?
This year WIEF will organise two events – first in Mumbai in the first week of January 2017 which will focus on the startup competition and startup ecosystem in India followed by a full day conference. The second event will be the annual full day conference in Philadelphia, in March 2017.
Prizes!!
The competition will be far bigger than previous years, with prizes of over $25,000 in multiple categories, including:
Best emerging startup – For the most promising startup with growth and scalability potential
Best social impact startup – For the startup that has achieved or has the potential to achieve large scale social impact
Apart from this kitty of cash prizes, the winners and finalists will receive mentorships from leading VCs/Incubators, legal advice from leading law firms and a lot more!
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to any early-stage entrepreneur, in any industry from anywhere in the world with business ideas focused on a product and/or service targeting the Indian market. This means:
The startup is in product development stage; or
Has been rolled out a beta product; or
Sought and collected data on customer validation (beyond conducting surveys); and
Does not exceed $1M in equity-based investment or $1M in annual revenue
All teams will have to submit a pitch deck along with the online application form.
Finalists will pitch to top Indian entrepreneurs and venture capitalists on January 7, 2017 in Mumbai. The pitch will consist of a 5-minute presentation and a 3-minute Q&A session.
IMPORTANT!
You can find more details about The Startup Competition HERE.
INTERESTED STARTUPS CAN APPLY HERE.
Do read the eligibility & rules carefully before applying.
The last date to apply is October 15th.
UPDATE! THE LAST DATE TO APPLY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 23RD!!
May the force be with you!
think.do.be.at.wief.