Biz bootcamp concludes; 16 startups identified

Dec 14, 2017-Udhyami Seed Camp-Tech Edition, an entrepreneurship boot camp, has concluded, with 16 start-up teams receiving hands-on guidance from experts to convert business ideas into business ventures.

Of the 16 teams that attended the six-day boot camp, few have already launched operation of their businesses while others are looking for investors to start their ventures. Some of the businesses that have already come into operation or are preparing to commercially launch their ventures are related to online smartphone repairing, e-commerce, online taxi service, vermiponics, travel information sites, e-learning and electronic attendance.

The tech edition of the Udhyami Seed Camp focused on scalable business ideas which have integrated technology in their business structure, according to Startups Nepal, the organiser of the event. The aim, according to the organiser, was to create a synergy between technology and businesses.

During the boot camp, early stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs were provided with necessary business resources and solutions. This provided a platform for tech-centric startups to start and grow their businesses in Nepal.

This is not the first time Startups Nepal had organised such an event. It had previously organised ‘women edition’ of the Udhyami Seed Camp, which was entirely dedicated to women and their business ideas. It is planning to organise two more editions of the Udhyami Seed Camp.

During the seed camps, selected teams generally pitch their business ideas. The coaches then provide tips on ways to develop business models and analyse critical points, such as figuring out key customers and targeted audience. Coaches also introduce participants to the basic concepts of the lean startup, explaining how building prototypes is the first step towards turning ideas and concepts into business reality. Teams reviewed their Business Model Canvas (BMC), a strategic management and startup template for developing business models and presented it to the coaches and got feedback and redesigned from coaches. Mentors even stressed the importance of creating a brand value, focused on sharing suggestions and tips with the teams to get better investments.

During the session, teams also learned how to handle their investments and assisted them on preparing a good presentation. Coaches even coached the teams in team building.

Throughout the programme, the coaches, partners and the leaders from the entrepreneurial community had supported the teams in turning their business idea into a business.

On the final pitch day, each group came to a conclusion by refining their ideas and redesigning their business plans after receiving  guidance and tips from coaches. They also looked for feedback from coaches and investments from investors. While some companies got feedback on improving their business models, others attracted interest from investors.

“We got to learn a-lot from the Udhyami Seed Camp as this is our first time in this kind of boot camp,” said Sandesh Subedi from Team Vermiponics, one of the participants at the seed camp. “We learned how to flourish our business, sell products and received knowledge about target audience and costumer demand,” he added. 

After the 6-day session, there were 4 additional follow up sessions over duration of 2 months. Udhyami101 is an entrepreneurship programme designed to bring together next generation entrepreneurs, students, entrepreneurial veterans, sector experts and industry supporters. The main theme of the programme was ‘Basics of starting a business’, where 3 panellists discussed the topic.

Also present at the event were speakers who shared their ideas and thoughts about entrepreneurship.

Some of the Udhyami Seed Camp—Tech Edition participants: Nipun Shakya from Dulwa Nepal, Gunjan Bhandari from Bigryo, Ujjwol Adhikari from Think and Create and Rupendra Aryal from Big Team Robotics presented their startup history — from their growth and progress — in the Udhyami Seed Camp.

There were more than 80 applicants for the Udhyami Seed Camp-Tech Edition but only 16 startup teams were selected.

The selected teams went through a 6-day long business skills training session where participants pitched their business ideas with the intention of turning their ideas into a business venture. There were over 40 coaches to guide the startup teams throughout the session.

Ktm to host NEXT Growth Conclave

Next Venture Corp, a support system for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in Nepal is organising NEXT Growth Conclave 2017.

The second iteration of Nepal’s largest entrepreneurship conference will be held in the Capital on December 22.

The event is expected to host over 1,500 attendees this year with global speakers being the major attraction. Some of the speakers confirmed for the NEXT Growth Conclave 2017 are: Upendra Mahato, founder of Mahato Group of Industries; Arjit Bhattacharya, an angel investor and CEO of Virtualinfocom; and Nitin Sethi, VP at Quikr.com.

Last year, the event saw 12 global speakers presenting at the event with over 780 attendees. 25 startup companies also showcased their business during the event in 2016. (PR)