FB expands programmes for entrepreneurs in India
Facebook said that it is devoted to foster the growing tech ecosystem in India and reaffirmed its commitment to offer valuable and meaningful support to more entrepreneurs & startups through its key programs.
Speaking at Facebook India Startup Day, an initiative to celebrate stories of tech and a forum to bring the ecosystem together, Satyajeet Singh, Head of Platform Partnerships, Facebook India and South Asia remarked, “We believe when startups flourish, India will prosper. At Facebook we are committed to paving the way for the success of the new generation of startups in India and understand that access to resources, people and networks can be a powerful catalyst for their growth. That’s why we are creating programs that can fuel startups to build businesses of tomorrow through mentoring, regular trainings, workshops and meetups.”
“Within this year, we have worked closely with over 200 startups through our programs: India Innovation Hub, SheLeadsTech and Code for the Next Billion, to help them build better products and grow their businesses. Our initiatives seek to empower India’s vibrant startup ecosystem; be it helping
startups with the use of emerging technologies like AR/ VR, giving women- led startups the right channels, or supporting companies that are building solutions for social impact,” Satyajeet Singh added.
Not just businesses, Facebook is also nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of students and is encouraging them to think about deep tech and product innovation. It said its first batch of School of Innovation program, of 10 student teams have built their VR ideas into working product prototypes women- led startups, SheLeadsTech will see more organized efforts in Tier II cities via SheLeadsTech Roadshow, a movement to inspire more women to think technology and entrepreneurship, and convert their ideas into startups. Through community efforts and encouragement, SheLeadsTech Roadshow will grow women networks to learn from other women about challenges and opportunities and take the leap to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. To begin with, SheLeadsTech Roadshow will travel to over 10 cities including Jaipur, Panjim, Kochi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati and Shillong.
Currently, SheLeads Tech programme supports over 170 women founded startups in 24 cities by providing access to community, tools, mentorship and resources to overcome barriers and succeed in building a business in technology.
Is setting up three Innovation Hubs: Facebook will collaborate with co- working spaces in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to set up community hubs called Innovation Hubs, that will seek to foster innovation by hosting mentor hours and trainings for startups.