Gwalior, August 25, 2024 – The historic Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior once again served as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship, hosting the second edition of the Shining MP Conclave 2024 on August 23rd and 24th. Organized by Fluid Ventures and Easy Knowledge Club in association with Jai Vilas Palace, the event reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the startup ecosystem, particularly in India’s tier II and tier III cities.
With a clear mission to nurture and uplift startups from emerging regions, Shining MP Conclave 2024 brought together a diverse and influential mix of established entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and mentors for two days filled with inspiration, education, and networking. The event saw participation from over 80 startups, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and empowerment.
The grand event was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp lighting by H.H. Priyadarshini Raje Scindia, Mrs. Gayatri Singh, Ms. Rakhee Singal, Mr. Amit Singal, Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Mr. Manoj Patwardhan, and Mr. Rohit Chanana. This symbolic start set the tone for two days of dynamic discussions and strategic networking.
In her opening remarks, Priyadarshini Raje Scindia emphasized the immense potential of Madhya Pradesh, particularly Gwalior, for startups. She stated, “We are opening our gates for limitless opportunities to uplift the startup ecosystem. We are providing a platform for Madhya Pradesh, especially Gwalior, to come forward and seize the opportunity for growth.”
During the welcome note, CA Amit Singal echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of focusing on smaller towns and villages. He remarked, “Real Bharat lives in small towns and villages, and real growth can be achieved with the upliftment of Real Bharat. Tier II and Tier III cities are the true new emerging hubs in the ecosystem.”
The event featured a compelling keynote address by Mr. Abhishek Gupta, who shared his personal journey from ideation to IPO, underscoring the crucial role of compliance in preparing a company for public listing. His insights resonated deeply with the audience, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Mr. Rohit Chanana and Mr. Pranav Marwah led a thought-provoking discussion on the critical role of family offices in the startup journey, highlighting how strategic investments can significantly impact a startup’s growth trajectory.
One of the event’s highlights was a session by Akash Gupta, founder of Zypp Electric, who elaborated on the pivotal role of electric vehicles in achieving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. His presentation underscored the intersection of sustainability and technological innovation, demonstrating the potential for startups to drive meaningful change.
Throughout the two-day event, a series of panel discussions offered deep insights into various aspects of the startup ecosystem, including Success Stories in Tier II and III Cities, The Impact of AI on Startup Investment Trends, The Science Behind the Art of Pitching, and Hurdles and Opportunities in International Markets for Startups.
On the second day, CA Rakhee Singal addressed the attendees, explaining the role of Easy Knowledge Club in providing community-driven learning for entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers. Gayatri Singh briefed attendees about the endless opportunities available in MP and the support provided by Jai Vilas Palace in skill development.
Mr. Manoj Patwardhan highlighted the crucial role of management in the organizational journey, while Mr. Arjun Vaidya (founder of Dr. Vaidya) shared insights on leveraging experience for startup success, transitioning from a visionary to a savvy investor. Mr. Jignesh Kenia, Mr. Saharad Bansal, and Mr. Manish Aggarwal were also part of this panel.
Dr. Abha Rishi, Dr. Atul Gupta, Mr. Ajay Singhal, Mr. Ravi Shankar, and Mr. Srinivas Maddali highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the startup ecosystem.
A standout moment was the announcement of Stylox, a startup from the first cohort of Easy Knowledge, securing funding of Rs. 2 crores from Avid Capital & Realtime Angel Fund.
Gwalior business tycoon Mr. Puneet Davar also graced the occasion, discussing the right timing for seeking investment. Mr. Rajesh Sawhney and Mr. Amit Singal provided crucial insights on what every startup should know before approaching investors.
Shark Tank sensations, Momo Mami, Quirky Nari, Insurance Samadhan, and Amrutam also drew attention, illustrating the importance of understanding consumer behavior. Mr. Dhianu Das, Mr. Shashikant Choudhary, Mr. Anil Gupta, and Mr. Ankit Saraf emphasized the role of startups and MSMEs in India’s growth.
The session on government policies and available grants was particularly praised. Mr. Rohit Gupta (Program Director of Niti Aayog), Mr. Dipan Sahu (Niti Aayog), Mr. Durga Prasad (CEO, AIC Nalanda), and Mr. Hiranmay Mahanta (CEO, iHub) graced the occasion.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Priyadarshini Raje Scindia to all the attendees who joined from across India.
