World Startup Expo 2016, Asia's largest congregation, brought together the most happening and disruptive start-ups and SMEs, the expo saw a global convergence of over 50 confirmed partnerships from leading incubators, accelerators (public and private), associations and government bodies.
The event set the stage for a curated set of startups to present themselves in front of an audience comprising of investors, early stage adopters, mentors, potential co-founders and partners. The exhibition area was spread across 10000 sq/mts with more than 500+ startups, technology companies, educational institutions, free trade zones and banks. The expo also conducted a coding challenge with over 2000 students and corporate. This challenge gave students an opportunity to win the regional cup to compete for US$ 1M at the Startup World Cup. Various Panel discussion and knowledge sessions were held on all three days at the summit with high profile National and International speakers. The last day of the summit will host an award ceremony acknowledging the work done by startups.
International delegated and speakers at the event included Baybars Altuntas, Global Guru of Entrepreneurship, Bestselling Author, Angel Investor, Dragon of the Dargon's Den, George Molakal, CEO, Alcor Fund, Ravi Belani, MD, Alchemist Accelerator, Harry Tomi Davis, President, African Business Angels Network, Her Excellency Sara Al Madani, UAE SME and Enterprise Counsel, Kunal Kapoor, Actor & Co-Founder, Ketto to name a few.
The World Startup Expo 2016 is powered by Middle East based Venture Capital firm, Cocoon Ventures, who plan to bring a global network of investors to invest in India; thus aligning their mission with the government's vision of making India a global manufacturing and investment hub. The company aims to invest USD 20 million in Indian startups in the next few months. Commenting on this initiative, Nebu K Abraham, Co - founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cocoon Ventures and Director - World Startup Expo said, "Our aim was connecting startups with national and global investors and startup gurus. We created a common link merging the dynamic startup ecosystem, leveraging brands and empowering them to get financed.
We are positive that together we can nurture and strengthen the global startup ecosystem in the long run," he added. Delegates also got a chance to be a part of the mentorship programme by Cocoon Ventures, giving them an opportunity to pitch their idea to global investors at the Investors Summit.
The World Startup Expo was conceptualised by global business events and consulting firm, Trescon.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
