No, we do not provide direct funding. We enable you to get funding ready and then can redirect you to other funding schemes within the ecosystem. We can also connect you to Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists if, and only if, we feel you fit the funding criteria.
To help early-stage start-ups to create sustainable ventures
by
prioritizing
customer discovery, validating the existence of problems, and thereby
understanding nuances of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial Problem
Starting a Business for a first-generation Entrepreneur is a bold step to take upon. Unique ideas and Innovative startups often struggle to understand the market needs and build a viable business. Studies have shown that 80% startups fail in their early stage because of not understanding the market demand. With right entrepreneurship training and startup mentoring founders can mitigate the risks and increase success rate.
The EDGE Program
EDGE is a 12-week Pre Incubation Program to Support Founders at their early startup stages and create sustainable ventures by prioritizing Problem Validation, Market Research, Customer Discovery and thereby understanding nuances of entrepreneurship.
EDGE provides first-generation entrepreneurs with the opportunity to test, validate and continuously improve on their business ideas. The Program’s uniqueness lies in its focus on an in-depth customer discovery process, enabling entrepreneurs to identify and interact with their target customers to better understand the problem-solution fit. This flagship program of Deshpande Startups, is a great opportunity to network with other Entrepreneurs, Startups, Mentors, and Industry Experts building entrepreneurial mindset.
EDGE Cohort : 17
Duration : 12 Weeks (8-12 hours/week)
Format : Hybrid (Offline + Virtual)
Application Status : Open
Write to us at : edge@dfmail.org
Call us at : +91-951-331-5287
WHAT'S IN IT FOR FOUNDERS?
Founders can leverage mentors network and get insights from successful Entrepreneurs and Industry Experts.
Open pitching opportunities to join Incubation and other support programs at DS.
Access to internationally accepted tools & frameworks
Access to Makers Lab, 3D printing lab, ESDM Cluster & co-working space
Network of peers can help you build more successful business and become more effective leaders
Join the community of Deshpande Startups to network and grow your business
ROADMAP
IMPACT OF EDGE PROGRAM
Startups Enrolled
Startups Launched
Startups Incubated
Startups in Revenue Stage
Customer Interviews
TESTIMONIALS
Shriya & Ananya, WE-EDGE
The Sitara Foundation - Founder
We joined EDGE as a startup with a lot of intent but didn't have a plan for sustenance. It enabled us to identify potential revenue sources and build a business model keeping them around. Our interactions with the rest of the cohort reviews from facilitators & mentors and weekly deliverables helped us with the startup growth and refined our product.
Priti Khalko, EDGE 12
Green Arc Solutions - Founder
WE-EDGE, a journey with my newborn son and 3 year old daughter, was a time of thorough introspection. I developed insights into understanding my target audience (customers, reviewers, or investors) via the course. Taking part in this program helped me refine my customer discovery process, conduct market research, and pitch my product effectively.
Ashok Yadav, EDGE 11
Eitot Technologies - Founder
EDGE program helped us in getting more clarity while building our startup, TimeApp. The 12-week program changes us in many ways, right from how to interact with customers in a better way. The Deshpande Startups ecosystem is really great for every stage of an entrepreneurship journey. We're fortunate to be part of the EDGE Program.
Aliasgar Poonawalla, EDGE 11
Curaty Private Limited - Founder
This program made me explore many different and unexplored business possibilities and approaches. Thank you Deshpande Startups!
EDGE Stories
Ft. Abhijith Janardhan V, Founder, Little Help
Prithvi Allurkar, Founder, Consistent Coder
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The Program fee for all 3 months is INR 20k/startup team.
The average time commitment required from startup founders would be 8-12 hours per week for the program.
- If you simply have an idea, apply immediately.
- If you have a product but have doubts about what to do next, apply immediately.
- If you are working on a side hustle, apply now!
- If you are in the initial stages of your startup, apply now!
- Anyone who is pre-seed or in the seed stage and needs to get funding ready, you see where we are going with this, apply!
The core program lasts for 12 Weeks, i.e., approximately 3 Months. We then selectively support the founder's post-EDGE engagement. For further information, contact us below!
Write to us at :
edge@dfmail.org
Call us at :
+91-951-331-5287