Srinagar Jan 9: Archana Jahagirdar, founder and managing partner of Rukam Capital, hosted ‘Startup Table with AJ’, to highlight the often-overlooked struggles of early-stage Indian startup founders.
The series features candid video conversations with early-stage startup founders from various sectors.
The initiative provides a platform for founders to share their authentic stories, highlighting how they overcome setbacks, leverage creativity, and turn challenges into growth opportunities.
‘Startup Table with AJ’ seeks to inspire and provide valuable insights for emerging business leaders in India’s competitive startup ecosystem.
“It is heartening to see very promising startups emerging out of the valley anchored by passionate founders. They are creating solutions for the global audience and I am sure some of them will excel and grow into big ventures with the right mentorship,” said Archana.
She also complimented the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir government for facilitating an evolving startup ecosystem pegged on a comprehensive startup policy.
The interactions were hosted in 2 cohorts covering 12 promising startups including 2 led by female entrepreneurs. The two cohorts represented startups from legacy and emerging sectors including handicrafts, agriculture, hospitality, bat manufacturing, CA storage, organic skincare, IT, retail-tech, and fintech.
The series was attended by the following startup founders.
Asrar Durrani – Durrien Tea
Dr Fayaaz Muhammad – HelpRush
Faseeh Khan – Wildfloc Adventures
Fawzul Kabir – Gr8 Sports
Malik Danish Gulzar – Zerothware Technologies
Niyaz Chapoo – Pace Kashmir
Reyaz Ahmed Beigh – Insta Repricer
Rouhan Rafiq – South Coast CA Cold Store
Sana Aftab – Qohh Wellness
Shazia Sadaf – Bizbuoy Consulting
Syed Ashfaq – CRED Integrated Agro
Vipin Raj Singh – Jinko Mage
Fawzul Kabir, CEO of Gr8 Sports India Limited said, “This first-of-its-kind initiative has not only instilled a sense of positivity and home among startups in Kashmir but is also pivotal in shaping a brighter future for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kashmir.”
Managing Partner of Rukam Capital also had detailed interaction with key stakeholders of J&K’s startup ecosystem that included CEOs / senior functionaries of CIED Foundation-IUST, Kashmir Angel Network, Growth Guru Foundation, and SIDBI.