Pune is fast emerging as the biggest software exporter after Bangalore.
The start-up companies in the city will get a new ray of hope with Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP) extending a much needed help to them for overcoming the problems of early stage with its initiative 'PuneConnect 2011'.
SEAP is being ably supported by TiE (The Indus Entrepreneur), PuneTech and Pune Open Coffee Club in this endeavour.
Gaurav Mehra, president SEAP said, "The primary objective of 'PuneConnect2011' is to jump start the Pune Startup eco system and to help it grow. Here, we will attempt to connect startup companies with established organisations, which will not only provide an opportunity for start-ups to get experienced advisers and mentors from mid and large companies but will also help them to get early adopters and beta customers."
"We felt that most of the members of SEAP and TiE can step in for the cause and contribute in early nurturing that is an essential ingredient to foster innovation through new start ups and in turn also get benefited by getting exposure to new bright and revolutionary ideas and interaction with brilliant young minds," he added.
At the SEAP end, this initiative is being led by Suhas Kelkar, CTO Asia-Pacific, BMC Software, Moti Thadani, head of R&D, Sas, and Gaurav Mehra, President SEAP and managing director, Saba India. From TiE, Vishwas Mahajan, president-elect Tie and co-founder of Compulink are driving the initiative. The companies short listed for 'PuneConnect2011' are AdMogul, ApplyEzee, BizPorto, CoTrakr, Déjà vu 3D, DroidCloud, InnovizeTech, Kpoint, Reliscore, Vaultize, World Without Me and intouchid.
According to Thadani, Pune is becoming a hub for many product based companies and have set up development centres in Pune. It is the biggest software exporter after Bangalore. To kick start the initiative a special event is being organised on Saturday, November 5, where a dozen of selected startup companies will get a chance to showcase their product or concept to the SEAP and the TiE members along with the world at large.
SEAP will take efforts to sustain the exposure the startups get at this event, and the introductions that get made between established companies and startups, through a series of smaller and more 1:1 activities throughout the year in partnership with TiE.
