Currently he mentors entrepreneurs and helps organizations set-up mentoring programs. VIKANT SAHAY talks to him on the ongoing Kaun Banega Udyogpati competition organised by CIBA
HERALD: Tell us about your association with CIBA.
RAJULA GUPTA: I am a passionate serial entrepreneur who has been teaching entrepreneurship at CIBA since moving to Goa from Canada in 2010. I am also the lead mentor for Kaun Banega Udyogpati event organised by CIBA this year. CIBA does a fantastic job of supporting entrepreneurship in Goa and I am privileged to be a part of their team.
HERALD: How was the semi-final round of KBU?
RG: We had 42 teams pitching for a spot in the finale. All the teams went through an intense four-day training programme to develop their basic entrepreneurial toolkit before pitching for the finale spot. The competition was fierce as more than 20 teams have aThe judges had a tough time and after a lot of intense discussions, we were able to select the 10 best teams for our finale on Saturday, May 14, 2016.
HERALD: What happens to the balance 32 teams?
RG: CIBA is committed to working with every team and incubating them at any one of our two centers in Verna and Assagao. We have already started the process of assisting a number of teams in getting funding for their start-ups and are in discussions with others for operating space at one of our centers. We have also selected 10 teams to present a two minute showcase at the finale as they have a great business idea which is worth sharing with the audience.
HERALD: What is the next step for the 10 finalists?
RG: We will be providing them with one-on-one mentoring sessions to sharpen their final presentation skills and pitch for the finale. Their profile will also be showcased in all our marketing and media initiatives leading up the finale. At the finale, each of them will be given five minutes to make a final pitch as well as additional time for question and answer with our judging panel.
HERALD: How does CIBA plan to connect KBU finalists with potential investors?
RG: At the finale, we are inviting a panel of potential investors, venture capitalists and high net worth individuals. Our top ten teams in addition to another ten teams will make a direct pitch to the investor panel and we are hoping for some of the teams to find investors at the finale itself. I would like to take this opportunity to invite your readers to join us at the finale, especially those who are investors. All our teams are domiciled in Goa and have unique business ideas that aim at solving some of Goa’s key problems and we would love to see local Goans investing in the business ideas to help shape a better Goa. Should any of your readers wish to be on our investor panel, they should get in touch with us at the earliest.
HERALD: Could you share with us some details about the finale?
RG: At the finale, there will be a panel of judges as well as a panel of investors listening to the final pitches of our selected teams. While there will be one team selected as the winner of the contest, we are hoping that all teams are able to connect with potential investors at the event, hence all teams will be winners. We are also inviting the general public to attend this event (entry is free) and support these amazing entrepreneurs and their unique business ideas. We are expecting an attendance of 400 to 500 people. The time and venue for the finale will be announced shortly.
