Invasion, a seven-week business programme offered by BITS Pilani, aims to assist startup businesses grow by giving them access to business contact, coaching, and equity-free grants.
Launched in Gurugram on April 13, the 20th edition consists of two stages: an online prelim and an offline phase lasting one week. Conquest, which is run by 25 students, provides customised coaching and assistance.
Programme Overview and Important Stages :
a.Registration and the Launch Event :
On April 13, 2024, Conquest had its kickoff event in Gurugram to begin its 20th edition. For numerous entrepreneurs, the registration period began on April 15 and ended on May 31, signalling the start of an exciting journey. The stage was set for what seems to be a life-changing occasion for those who attended.
Phase Online (June 10, 2024 – July 25, 2024) :
The internet-based phase, which is scheduled to begin on June 10 and end on July 25, 2024, is intended to give companies first support. For individualised one-on-one mentoring sessions, each founder is matched with a committed trainer.
Exciting fireside conversations with accomplished founders and workshops covering crucial startup issues like product-market fit and customer acquisition are part of this phase. Startups must have a strong plan and direction throughout the online phase in order to be ready for the more involved offline phase.
Phase Offline (July 29, 2024 – August 3, 2024) :
The offline phase provides special networking chances and will take place in Bengaluru from July 29 to August 3, 2024. This rigorous week, which includes information sessions and investment workshops led by senior officials from investment firms like Accel and WestBridge Capital, will see participation from the best online startups.
Office tours and networking mixers will also be beneficial to participants, giving them access to important business contacts and insights.
Mentoring and Exposure to Business :
b.Well-known Mentors :
Renowned mentors who have participated in past iterations of Conquest include Amit Agarwal of NoBroker and Abhijeet Kane of Postman. Their knowledge and direction aid in forming the futures of the participating startups, providing priceless counsel and mentorship that can significantly alter the course of these fledgling companies.
Workshops and Establishing Communities :
The program’s workshops centre on vital facets of managing a company, including establishing product-market fit and attracting clients. Conquest also creates a vibrant network for resource exchange and teamwork, allowing startups to grow together and establish enduring business ties.
Finalisation and Acknowledgment :
c.Demo Day :
On “Demo Day,” the accelerator program’s culmination, businesses showcase their advancements and make funding pitches. Glovatrix, the champions of the previous season, and Verdant, the runner-up, both received grants over INR 10 Lakh. Industry leaders like Ashish Singhal, the CEO of PeepalCo group, Pranav Pai, the founding partner of 3one4 Capital, and Vishesh Khurana, the co-founder of Shiprocket, are among the keynote speakers at Demo Day. They offer the cohort insightful and motivating speeches.
Prominent Alums :
d.Achievements :
Conquest has experience with prosperous start-ups. Notable alumni include Atlan, currently valued at over $500 million, and Thinkerbell Labs, which was highlighted on Shark Tank India for its creative solutions for the visually handicapped. These programme success stories demonstrate the program’s influence and the substantial chances it provides to companies in their early stages.
The Urgent Need for Additional Conquest-Style Programmes :
e.Zero-Equity, Zero-Cost Model :
Conquest uses a “zero-cost, zero-equity” business model to guarantee that entrepreneurs don’t pay anything and may access important funds and resources. This business model draws in a wide variety of companies and offers them the capital and guidance they require to accelerate their expansion.
Networking and Mentoring :
In the thriving Indian startup ecosystem, initiatives such as Conquest play a critical role by offering not only financial opportunities but also vital networking and mentoring help. Through the support of these programmes, founders are able to identify product-market fit, get early traction, and negotiate the difficulties of the entrepreneurial path.
Assisting Future Entrepreneurs :
More programmes like Conquest are desperately needed to mentor aspiring business owners as India’s startup scene expands. These initiatives are essential in fostering innovation and providing the next generation of business leaders with the resources and tools necessary to thrive in a cutthroat marketplace.