TiE-ISB Connect shortlists 36 ideas

The third edition of TiE-ISB Connect, a three-day meet to bring entrepreneurs with new business ideas, venture capitalists and experts on to a single platform would be held here from November 14, 2007.

Jointly organised by The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and the Indian School of Business (ISB)'s Wadhwani Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (WCED), this year's event would feature 36 companies with new business ideas, which would be lined up for funding before close to 40 venture capital firms that are expected to take part in the event.

Speaking to the media, V Chandrasekar, executive director, WCED, said the 36 ideas identified were selected after filtering as many as 200 ideas received by the centre.

Of them, 24 companies are in the 'Start Connect' category, as they are looking for first round of funding and 12 are in the 'Growth Connect' category, which are typically looking for second or third round of investment.

Besides, 20 ideas have been shortlisted under the 'elevated pitch' category where each entrepreneur will have to convince in a 5- minute direct interaction with the VCs that his/her plan is investable.

According to JA Chowdary, president TiE-Hyderabad chapter, about 6 new sunrise areas of business, including retail, internet, mobile, media and entertainment will be introduced at the event.

The event will begin with a one-day conference where Prime Minister's economic adviser C Rangarajan, K Anji Reddy, chairman, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, among others are expected to speak.