In a landmark moment for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ideabaaz—the country’s first integrated marketplace connecting startups and investors—was officially launched recently at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).
The launch was graced by Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of NSE, along with an eminent line-up of business leaders, investing titans, innovators, and dignitaries. The choice of NSE as the launchpad, symbolises the journey that every startup aspires to take—growing from an idea into a listed enterprise that creates jobs, wealth, and impact for the nation.
Ideabaaz is more than a platform—it is a movement to democratize access to capital, mentorship, and growth opportunities, especially for startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Built with a vision to empower a billion dreams and fuel India’s economy, the marketplace will provide startups with:
- Access to investors and funding opportunities
- Professional services including legal, accounting, digital marketing, and GTM strategy
- Mentorship from industry leaders and innovators
- Transparent quarterly update and tracking systems
Rukam Capital since its inception has been working towards fueling and pillaring the Indian start-up ecosystem. With aligned synergies, Rukam Capital’s contribution towards Ideabaaz underscores Rukam Capital’s continued efforts towards the growing Indian start-up ecosystem, extending mentorship to consumer-first brands as well as extending opportunities.
The platform is complemented by a first-of-its-kind entrepreneurial reality show that will air globally on Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.’s (‘Z’) leading Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV and stream worldwide on the digital entertainment platform Zee 5. For the first time in the history of Indian television, the show will also be dubbed and broadcast in multiple regional languages, leveraging the vast linear network strength of ‘Z’ and making the world of entrepreneurship accessible to audiences in every corner of the country.
The show will be hosted by acclaimed actor Pratik Gandhi. A household name with immense popularity across cinema, OTT, and television, Pratik brings credibility, warmth, and relatability to the entrepreneurial stories Ideabaaz will showcase. As the narrator and anchor of the journey, he will connect audiences to the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of India’s startup ecosystem, ensuring the spirit of entrepreneurship resonates with millions across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, said, “NSE has always been a catalyst in India’s growth journey. By hosting the launch of Ideabaaz, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of the country. We look forward to the day when many startups born on this platform will stand here, ringing the bell as listed companies.”
Pratik Gandhi, Actor & Host of Ideabaaz, shares, “India has always been a land of ideas, but what makes Ideabaaz unique is how it gives those ideas a stage and a real chance to grow. For me, being part of this journey is more than just hosting a show— it’s about connecting with dreamers from every corner of the country and amplifying their voice. I believe Ideabaaz will inspire a generation to not only imagine big but also to make those dreams real.”
Commenting on the show, Punit Goenka, CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., added, “As the pioneers of entertainment, we at ‘Z’ continue to believe in the unmatched power of culturally rooted storytelling that stems from the heart of Bharat. We are proud to present ‘Ideabaaz’ that brings alive the unheard stories of India’s start-ups into every household. In order to further fuel the innovative spirit of our Nation, we are leveraging the strength and reach of our linear and digital platforms to build scale and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by giving them a robust platform to showcase Bharat’s start-up economy.”
Jeet Wagh, Founder & CEO of Ideabaaz, said, “Our mission is simple—to bridge the gap between startups and investors, while providing the tools and ecosystem support required to scale. Ideabaaz is India’s apna startup manch, where every dream has a chance to find its wings.”
Archana Jahagirdar, Managing Partner and Founder, Rukam Capital shared, “ A few founders get access to capital, networks, and the right information. This is why Ideabaaz goes beyond being a business show, it is an endeavor towards democratizing entrepreneurship, putting every founder, every idea, every dream on the same stage. It’s time we shine the spotlight on the founders who dare to dream, not just the investors who fund them. Ideabaaz is more than a platform – it’s a celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
With IIT Madras as its Knowledge Partner and Turbo Start as a Strategic Partner, Ideabaaz is positioned to become the launchpad for India’s next wave of unicorns, job creators, and changemakers.
