Subrat Pani Empowering Startups through Clarion Call 4.0

Subrat Pani, Co-Founder of One Assist Consumer Solutions and a proud member of IIM Calcutta Alumni Association Mumbai (IIMCAA-Mumbai), is leading the charge to empower promising start-ups through Clarion Call 4.0. This event, now in its fourth edition, is one of India’s largest start-up platforms. It aims to provide start-ups with crucial access to funding, incubation, mentorship, visibility, prizes, and valuable industry connections.

Fostering a Start-up Ecosystem

Clarion Call was originally conceptualized in 2016 with a vision to recognize and support start-ups. Its goal is to create a movement that brings together industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and the vast IIM Calcutta alumni network to contribute to the thriving start-up ecosystem in India.

Ashish Chauhan, CEO of BSE and Honorary President of IIMCAA-Mumbai, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. He envisions the start-up ecosystem as a key driver of India’s future economy, making it crucial to connect industry experts and entrepreneurs, both from IIM Calcutta and beyond, with exciting start-ups.

A Platform for Promising Start-ups:

Clarion Call 4.0 offers an extensive program that includes mentorship sessions and master classes conducted by leading entrepreneurs and industry stalwarts. One of the standout features is the opportunity for deserving start-ups to secure funding from eight prominent angel investment networks and multiple venture capitalists.

The event is proudly sponsored by Pepperfry, a well-known name in India’s e-commerce landscape. It marks the beginning of the contest with a call for entries from budding entrepreneurs, who can submit their proposals on the official website, www.clarion-call.in, until April 8, 2021.

From Entries to Pitching to Investors:

Following the initial entries, 50 start-ups will be shortlisted to pitch their business ideas to a jury by April 20, 2021. The top 20 finalists will then have the invaluable opportunity to pitch their ventures to investors on May 1, 2021, in a virtual round.

Start-ups eager to participate in Clarion Call 4.0 can already register for the program. The event welcomes start-ups from various sectors, providing them with a chance to access mentorship, gain visibility, and secure potential funding to fuel their growth.

Unprecedented Support and Opportunities:

Subrat Pani, the Lead Organiser for Clarion Call 4.0, is enthusiastic about the event’s impact. He highlights that the program has garnered support from over 40 ecosystem partners, including incubators, accelerators, angel networks, seed and venture funds, product and service partners, and corporate sponsors. These partners offer mentorship, master classes, and product credits/discounts valued at over $800,000 for the finalists.

Clarion Call 4.0 has also forged partnerships with eight prominent angel networks, boasting a network of over 5,000 angel investors, along with several seed and early-stage venture capitalists. This collaboration aims to support fundraising efforts for promising start-ups.

The Power of Alumni Network:

Pani emphasizes the strength of the IIM Calcutta alumni network, which includes trailblazers in various fields. Many of these alumni are stepping up to provide mentorship and angel investments to participating start-ups. This network’s ability to draw global expertise and provide it to start-ups is one of the program’s most powerful aspects.

Pepperfry’s CEO Excited to Partner:

Ambareesh Murty, Founder and CEO of Pepperfry, expressed his excitement about partnering with Clarion Call 4.0. As an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and an entrepreneur himself, he values the program’s potential to offer start-ups exposure, learning, mentorship, guidance, and opportunities beyond funding and prizes.

In essence, Subrat Pani, alongside the IIMCAA-Mumbai and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, is leading an effort to strengthen India’s start-up ecosystem. Clarion Call 4.0 promises to be a transformative platform for start-ups, connecting them with crucial resources and support needed to thrive in a competitive market.