Kanara Entrepreneurs Launches ‘Elevate by KE’ Incubation Program to Boost Startups

• ByStartupStory     |    November 14, 2023

Kanara Entrepreneurs (KE), a dedicated platform fostering entrepreneurship, has unveiled its latest initiative, the ‘Elevate by KE’ incubation programme. Ivan Fernandes, the global chairman of KE, who also serves as an angel investor and a serial entrepreneur, recently introduced this flagship programme.

Fernandes explained the annual nature of the initiative, stating, “It’s an annual programme where we select two startups for a ten months incubation, where our experienced mentors will support these promoters to leverage the power of the KE network and build the business on a sound foundation, including the initial seed capital that is so essential for any startup to elevate to the next level.”

KE received applications from startups based in India and the United Arab Emirates, where it has established chapters. The Incubation committee, comprising Mark D’Souza (chartered accountant and past president of KE Bangalore Chapter), Lloyd Mathias (angel investor and business strategist), and Rohit Fernandes (serial entrepreneur), met earlier this week to review all applications and shortlist four startups. These startups will participate in a pitch session scheduled for November 17 at Hotel Grand Magrath in Bengaluru.

The four shortlisted startups are GoDigitag, MadVR, Iconic Office Furniture, and Yacht Inventory Management, founded by Vinod Philips, Vincent Anthony DSouza, Nixon Lobo, and Prince Preetham Pinto, respectively.

Representatives from KE’s Dubai and Bangalore chapters will be present at the pitch session on November 17 to collectively evaluate and select two startups among the shortlisted candidates.

Pramod DSouza, associate director – Mentoring at KE Bangalore chapter, expressed satisfaction with the quality of startups and believes the programme will empower founders to elevate their businesses to the next level. He also highlighted the potential of the programme to inspire more youth from the community to venture into startups.

Claudius Pereira, president of KE Bangalore chapter, participated in the initial pitch session over a conference call earlier this week, alongside Ivan Fernandes. Both expressed their delight with the shortlisted startups and their innovative business models. They are particularly excited about the market opportunities these startups could explore with successful execution.

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