HOW CAN UNDERGRADUATES OR FRESH GRADUATES RAISE FUNDS FOR STARTUPS, IN INDIA

Starting a business is a dream for many people, but raising the required funds can be a daunting task, especially during one’s undergraduate years. When you are pursuing your studies at one of the best private engineering colleges in Bangalore like MVJCE, there are numerous options available to raise funds for your start-up. With the right approach and strategy, raising funds for startups can become an achievable feat. In this blog, we will discuss some effective ways to raise funds for startups during your undergraduate years, or when you have just graduated as an engineer.

1. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is an excellent way to raise funds for a startup. Several online platforms, such as Kickstarter, Ketto and Milaap, enable individuals to raise money by reaching out to a larger audience through social media platforms. To launch a successful crowdfunding campaign, you need to create a compelling pitch that explains your startup idea, its potential, and how the funds raised will be utilized.

2. Angel Investors: Angel investors are wealthy individuals who are willing to invest in promising startups, in exchange for ownership equity. To attract angel investors, you need to create a well-crafted business plan, and a pitch that clearly articulates the vision, mission and potential for growth of your startup.

3. Bootstrapping: Bootstrapping is the process of self-funding a startup. This method involves using your own resources, such as savings, credit cards or personal loans, to fund your business. Bootstrapping is an effective way to raise funds during your undergraduate years, or when you have just come out of an engineering college, as it eliminates the need for external financing and allows you to retain full ownership of your startup.

4. Government Schemes: The Government of India has launched several schemes, such as Startup India, Stand-Up India, and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, to support startups and promote entrepreneurship in the country. These schemes provide financial assistance, mentorship, and other support services to help startups grow and succeed.

Incubators and Accelerators: Incubators and Accelerators are organizations that provide startups with resources, such as office space, mentorship, and networking opportunities, to help them grow and flourish. By joining an Incubator or Accelerator programme, you can access funding, expertise, and support services that can help your startup succeed.

In conclusion, raising funds for startups during your undergraduate years or soon after graduating, can be challenging but not impossible. By adopting the right approach and leveraging the available resources, you can successfully raise funds and turn your startup dream into a reality. Remember to create a compelling pitch, identify your target audience, and seek guidance and support from experienced mentors and investors.

If you're looking for the best engineering college in Bangalore to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, MVJCE is an excellent choice. The college offers some of the best engineering courses in Bangalore and has an Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) that collaborates with the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) and the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). The EDC organizes seminars and events that motivate aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap. One such event is the E-Week, which is affiliated with VTU, and offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitions like Business Plan, Last Team Standing, Tiger Four and War Zone.

NEN is India's largest and most dynamic community of new and future high-growth entrepreneurs, boasting of over 70,000 members across 30 cities. It provides vital support to start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs, through high-impact entrepreneurship education, access to mentors and experts, fast-track access to incubation and funding, as well as learning tools and materials. NEN partners with over 470 top-tier academic institutes in India to help them develop vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystems on campus, which in turn nurture and support new and future entrepreneurs.