When we initially conceptualized The Smart CEO-Startup50 Awards in January 2015, we designed it carefully, keeping in mind our need to differentiate ourselves from the numerous award properties run by other media companies.
Prem Sivakumaran
This drove us to conceptualize, design and implement an awards property that would last for a number of years, and over time, play a critical role in shaping up India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem for the better. And hence, the mission for Startup50 is based on three core beliefs:
► Startups have the power to make India a better place
► Some good startups often go unnoticed, in the rigmarole of mega funding announcements
► Recognizing & awarding enterprises is not enough; we also need to play the role of an enabler of growth for the winning companies
Of course, The Smart CEO-Startup50 Awards is only in its second year, and we’re taking carefully planned baby steps, to fulfil our core beliefs. For our nominee companies, award winners and sponsors, I have culled out five features of Startup50 that make it unique.
►Comprehensive: We’re building India’s most comprehensive awards brand for the early-stage ecosystem. Fifty companies from across sectors – consumer & enterprise tech, healthcare & medical devices, retail, financial services & inclusion, education and consumer brands – will be recognized.
►Nuanced: We’re putting together a jury that analyses nominee companies with access to deeply researched information. We’re very serious about picking the right companies in a fair and transparent fashion.
►Not all tech: Startup50 recognizes startups across the board. We hope to discover the best startups not only from the technology ecosystem, but also across several sectors.
►Startup50 Alumni Community: This year, we’re launching the Startup50 Alumni community for winners from last year and this year to engage with each other. ‘Startup50 Alumni Community’ will host specialized events, enable access to global investors and offer many useful privileges.
►Reach beyond the startup ecosystem: Thanks to the reach of Smart CEO, the Startup50 platform will reach a wide network of India’s leading professional CEOs and leaders. Your startup will also be introduced to CEOs in manufacturing, in power & energy, in family owned business groups, government leaders in North and South Block, and leading bankers, lawyers and accountants, among other segments.
Our sincere goal is to deliver effectively on these five unique features. Please visitwww.startup50.in for more information. The last date to nominate your venture is August 5th, 2016.
We hope you enjoy reading this edition, especially the cover story on Chitra Ramakrishna, MD & CEO of National Stock Exchange.
