Welcome to the ever-evolving ecosystem of startups in India. As we dive into the first half of 2024, the startup scene is thriving with energy and fresh ideas which goes to show that India isn't just keeping up, it's setting the pace globally.

In recent years, India has been a magnet for investment in startups with the numbers taking a hit in 2023 amidst the funding winter. Billions of dollars have been invested into innovative ventures, setting records, and making headlines globally. India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups globally with over 1,12,718 DPIIT-recognized startups as of 3rd October 2023. If you are an entrepreneur, investor, or just a startup enthusiast, this blog is your guide to some of the best startup events that you must attend pan India in the first half of 2024.

List of must-attend Indian Startup Events -

i. Venture Capital World Summit 2024 Bengaluru - This event is a goldmine for startups with great ideas looking to get more capital and those who can help turn those ideas into reality. Here businesses can grow and go international with support from a group of trusted investors. That's what this summit is all about – helping businesses get the money and know-how they need to succeed.

Why Attend?

• Networking Hub: Connect with a diverse global community of investors and investees, fostering collaborations that transcend borders.
• Capital and Expertise: Gain insights on securing capital and expertise crucial for business growth, directly from experienced investors and industry leaders.
• International Opportunities: Discover pathways to international growth with support from a trusted network of investors willing to guide and invest in your venture.
• Early Engagement: The summit encourages early engagement, urging international businesses and entrepreneurs to attend and connect well before the event. This proactive approach ensures ample time for cultivating relationships and exploring potential opportunities.
• Community Prosperity: Embrace the belief that when businesses and communities prosper, everyone benefits. The summit is a catalyst for shared success, emphasizing the collective growth of businesses and communities.

Date: February 12, 2024

Location: Monarch Luxur, 67 Infantry Road, Bengaluru, India

ii. 2nd National Startup Day Festival 2024 - It is a convergence point for innovators, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and startup enthusiasts. This dynamic festival is designed to inspire, connect, and catapult the next wave of groundbreaking ideas into the business stratosphere.

The National Startup Day Festival 2024 is not just an event, it's a celebration of innovation, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business leader, there's something for everyone to learn, share, and experience. States, union territories, industry giants, and international delegates are all invited to collaborate, ensuring representation from every corner of India. The festival is poised to be a landmark event in India's entrepreneurial journey, with International Brand Equity leading the charge to make it a grand success.

Key Highlights:

• Pitch Arena by Super Pitchers: Witness startups from across India compete for seed funding and mentorship from industry leaders.
• Startup to Scaleup and Tech Summit: Delve into crucial startup topics like gaining initial traction, building a brand on a budget, and navigating the investor landscape.
• Bharat Startup Awards: Recognizing startups that align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, these awards serve as both recognition and inspiration.
• B2B Expo: A vibrant platform showcasing emerging technologies, groundbreaking business solutions, and innovative products to the startup community.
• Networking Lunch: Forge valuable connections with peers, mentors, and investors.
• Keynote Speakers: Gain insights from world-renowned entrepreneurs and tech giants about their journeys, the future of technology, and emerging markets.

Date: February 23, 2024

Location: Bengaluru, India

iii. Techsparks 2024 Mumbai - The renowned event, organized by YourStory, promises an immersive experience for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders alike. TechSparks is a beacon for the startup community, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. The Mumbai edition in 2024 is set to bring together a diverse array of thought leaders, startups, and tech enthusiasts under one roof.

Key Highlights:

Startup Showcases: Witness groundbreaking startups demonstrating their innovations and tech prowess. Tech Talks and Panels: Engage with industry experts as they delve into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Pitch Sessions: Startups get the spotlight to pitch their ideas, potentially attracting investments and collaborations. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals during dedicated networking sessions. Workshops and Masterclasses: Deep dive into specific tech domains through hands-on workshops and expert-led masterclasses.

Date: February 29-1st March, 2024

Location: Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

iv. ET Entrepreneur Summit 2024 Delhi - Prepare for a grand celebration of entrepreneurial brilliance at the ET Entrepreneur Summit 2024 in Delhi. This summit stands as a testament to the remarkable contributions and innovations made by entrepreneurs across diverse industries. It is a platform to honor and recognize outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship. It goes beyond acknowledgment; it's a salute to the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and noteworthy accomplishments of both individuals and companies.

Significance of the Awards:

• Inspiration for All: The ET Entrepreneur Awards serve as an annual source of inspiration and learning for the entire entrepreneurial community. It's not just an event; it's a showcase of what's possible and an encouragement for others to dream big.
• Recognition for Excellence: Playing a pivotal role in recognizing and promoting excellence in entrepreneurship, the awards spotlight those who have not just succeeded but have excelled in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Connections and Collaboration: The awards ceremony creates an environment for valuable connections among entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders. It's not just about individual achievements; it's about building a network that propels the entire entrepreneurial community forward.

Date: 13th March, 2024

Location: Hyatt Regency, New Delhi

v. Global Startup Summit 2024 Bangalore - The Global Startup Summit is not just an event, it's a dynamic platform fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth for the entire startup community. With diverse panels, startup battles, and networking opportunities, it promises to be a pioneering stage in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Save the date for a day filled with insights, connections, and the celebration of startup brilliance.

Key Highlights:

• MOJO TALKS: Insights on dealing with startup failures, networking activities, and discussions on the success of Indian entrepreneurs abroad.
• Fireside Chats and Panel Discussions: Explore topics like debt financing, the luxury segment for startups, raising the first round of funding, and managing growing startup teams.
• Global Startup Battles:* Witness 20 startup founders pitching their ideas, evaluated by a panel of experienced judges.
• Lunch & Networking: A chance for attendees to connect and network.
• Afternoon Panel Discussions: Dive into discussions on funding strategies, the outlook for India's creator economy, and the intersection of blockchain and sustainability in fintech.
• Global Startups Battle Finale: A culmination of the startup battles with a judging panel determining the winners.
• Content to Commerce Evolution: Explore the evolution of tech companies into content and its inevitable impact on commerce.
• Tea Breaks & Networking Sessions: Opportunities for participants to engage and build valuable connections.

Date: 30th March, 2024

Location: Hotel Royal Orchid, Bengaluru

vi. 21by72 Startup Summit Surat - The 21by72 Startup Summit in Surat, organized by Ivy Growth Associates, is a three-day event that encapsulates the spirit of entrepreneurship. With dynamic panel discussions, live pitching, a startup exhibition, and networking sessions, it promises to be a hotspot of ideas, innovation, and collaboration. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and shapes the future of startups in India.

Key Features:

• Panel Discussions (100+ Speakers): Engage in insightful discussions led by over 100 speakers, offering diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry trends.

• Live Pitching and Fundraising Platform: Startups get the opportunity to pitch their ideas live, providing a platform for fundraising. Investors can discover new and promising ventures.

• Startup Exhibition (100+ Startups): Explore a vibrant exhibition showcasing over 100 startups, offering a glimpse into the latest innovations across various industries.

• Networking Sessions: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts in dedicated networking sessions, fostering collaboration and idea exchange.

Date: June 17-18, 2024

Location: Avadh Utopia, Surat

Startup events aren't just gatherings; they're places filled with chances to learn, meet people, and grow. Here are some simple tips to make sure you get the most out of your time:

1. Get Ready for Talks:

• Check Out Speakers and Topics: Know who's speaking and what topics will be discussed. This helps you choose sessions that interest you.
• Bring Something to Take Notes: Have a notebook or use an app to write down important points during talks.

2. Learn to Connect with People:

• Create a Short Introduction: Be ready to quickly share who you are and what you do. A good introduction gets people interested.
• Join Networking Sessions: Take part in networking sessions, talk to others, and don't be shy to start conversations.

3. Use Pitching Opportunities:

• Practice Your Pitch: If there's a chance to pitch your idea, make sure your pitch is short, interesting, and shows what makes your idea special.
• Talk to Investors: Be open to questions and feedback. Treat every chat with potential investors as a chance to build relationships.

4. Check Out Startup Exhibitions:

• Pick Who You Want to Meet: Decide on startups or exhibitors you want to talk to beforehand. This way, you use your time wisely.
• Ask Questions: Talk to exhibitors by asking questions about what they do and how they started.

5. Keep in Touch After the Event:

• Organize Your Contacts: Sort and organize the contacts you've collected. Group them based on potential collaborations or partnerships.
• Send Thank You Emails: Reach out to people with emails thanking them for chatting with you and expressing your interest in working together.

Conclusion: Startup events are where new ideas come to life, bringing together people with big dreams. Being part of these events not only grows your connections but also opens doors to exciting opportunities.