Vy Talks – A Prelude to Goa Avinya

Vy Talks was a one-hour session held on April 11, 2023 at the Don Bosco College of Engineering -Fatorda, Goa. The session was moderated by Sonam Bhagat, Founder & CEO of Vygr. The key speaker and lead panellist was Gauri Kuchhal, Principal at Artha Venture Fund. The panel also featured student entrepreneur panellists from the college itself who have started their own startups, or are in the process.

The session commenced with Sonam Bhagat leading a discussion with Gauri Kuchhal, focusing on investment in student entrepreneur-led businesses, the significance of an IIT/IIM degree, the typical process for a young startup to seek funding, reasons for startup failure, and business pivots.

The session also included a discussion with the student entrepreneur panellists, focusing on their projects, exploring non-tech startup ideas, innovation in India, focusing on diversity, inclusion, sustainable development, and responsible consumption, and setting up businesses in India or abroad.

During the discussion, Gauri Kuchhal shared her insights and experiences as a Principal at Artha Venture Fund. She emphasized that investing in a student entrepreneur-led business depends on the idea, execution, and the team behind it. While an IIT/IIM degree may be a plus, it is not mandatory for her as a VC. She outlined the typical process for young startups to seek funding, stating that a well-defined idea and execution plan are crucial. She also highlighted the common reasons for startup failure, which include lack of market understanding, poor management, and lack of funding.

The student entrepreneur panellists shared their projects and why they were serious about their ideas. They also discussed non-tech startup ideas and the need for innovation in India. They emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusion, sustainable development, and responsible consumption in their business models. They discussed the advantages and disadvantages of setting up businesses in India or abroad.

In conclusion, Vy Talks was an excellent platform for the student entrepreneur panellists to showcase their ideas and receive feedback from Gauri Kuchhal. The session provided valuable insights into the investment process for young startups, reasons for startup failure, and the importance of diversity, inclusion, sustainable development, and responsible consumption. The session was a prelude to Goa Avinya, which promises to be an exciting event for entrepreneurs and investors alike.