Says IIM Calcutta, "This is the only Business Plan contest of its type in India, which provides an ideal platform for budding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams as we connect them to ideas, money and people who matter. The legacy of i2i has grown in proportions in a short span of time. While i2I' 08 became a springboard for 4 finalists to launch their own firm successfully, i2I'09 promises to raise the bar further."
Canaan Partners, Indavest Starter Fund & Indian Angel Network, are the investment partners who will be looking for opportunities at the contest. Eminent panel of industry experts and patrons from TiE and NEN will provide expert reviews and mentoring to improve and fine-tune B-plans.
The short-listing process will be spread broadly over 3 stages, beginning with submission of an executive summary from 15th October onwards. Short-listed teams will have to present the detailed version in the Pitch round. The best entries will be invited to present the plan at the Grand Finale which would be held alongside TiE Conference at Kolkata. The details of the event are as follows
Padmaja Ruparel of Indian Angel Network says, "Entrepreneurship is the engine for growth – and angel investing is the fuel. Angel investors look at start up / early stage ventures for investing money, strategic advice and leveraging their networks. Indian Angel Network (IAN), the first and now the largest angel group has invested in 16 ventures across multiple sectors. IAN is delighted to partner with i2I, one of the most active entrepreneurship cells in the country and hope to see some high quality entrepreneurial teams / plans from this business plan."
Ganesh Rengaswamy at Indavest Starter Fund said, "We, at Indavest Starter Fund (ISF), are excited to be associated with i2I as a flagship event to celebrate entrepreneurship, and support high potential companies and entrepreneurs especially at early stages of their journey. The last year saw over 150 entries in i2I and out of the 9 finalists, 4 have started their businesses. i2I is a powerful national platform for entrepreneurs to access high quality mentors and Investment partners. We look forward to working closely with the i2I team and the participating companies to help develop their businesses. ISF will consider funding exciting opportunities coming out of the i2I platform this year."
Sharon Bamford, CEO of UK India Business Council said, "The UK India Business Council is delighted to partner with E-Cell IIM Calcutta. India is a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent and this is a great opportunity for us. We want to provide support and opportunity for India"s next generation of entrepreneurs to capitalise on their ideas and provide knowledge and networks to ensure the UK is a partner of choice for their global ambitions."
Laura Parkin of NEN said, "i2I plays a critical role in spurring entrepreneurship in Eastern India, and even nationally. Over the past years, several of the winners have gone on to start their businesses. And perhaps more importantly, the large scale of the event brings attention to entrepreneurial opportunities and helps inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. At NEN, we are delighted to partner with IIM Calcutta to support them in this event."
