Tag: Nuseir Yassin

  • OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal awards Rs 10 lakh grants in ‘7-Day Startup Challenge’

    OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal awards Rs 10 lakh grants in ‘7-Day Startup Challenge’

    Mumbai: OYO, founder and group CEO, Ritesh Agarwal teamed up with global influencer Nuseir Yassin’s platform NAS.io and online learning portal BackToBackSWE to launch the ‘7-Day Startup Challenge’. This program guided early-stage startups through critical steps of business development, with Agarwal awarding five startups an equity-free grant of Rs 10 lakh each.  

    The challenge attracted nearly 3,000 participants from across India, the US, Canada, and the UAE. Hosted on NAS.io, the program was structured around seven daily themes covering essential business aspects, such as goal setting, market research, product roadmap, and branding.  

    The five winners were Bharat Anubhav, an Odisha-based platform for certified tourist guides; Ekogalaxy, a climate education initiative; Harmony Sourcing, a platform connecting global buyers with Indian factories; Farmkrate, an agricultural solutions startup from Andhra Pradesh; and Aura, a mental wellbeing initiative from Bengaluru.  

    Agarwal expressed his excitement, stating, “Over the years, several people have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey. I feel it is only fitting that  I return the favour to the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing my experience. NAS.io, with its large network of aspiring startups founders, and BackToBackSWE, which offers comprehensive mentorship programs, were ideal partners for such an initiative. This program will hopefully not only equip them with essential business skills but also foster a spirit of innovation and community. India is in the throes of a startup revolution, with young founders solving real-world problems. With the right support, startups can power the next wave of economic growth,” said Agarwal.

    Aura’s co-founder, Roshan Paul remarked, “The simple, step-by-step approach made it easy to refine our idea, and the support we received from the community members was invaluable.  Competing with so many talented participants made this a rewarding experience.”

    Agarwal continues to mentor startups through his role as a judge on Shark Tank India, where he debuted earlier this year. In 2023, he also awarded Rs 5 lakh each to four startups from Ladakh in collaboration with the Naropa Fellowship.

  • Entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath launches WTF fund to empower India’s emerging content creators

    Entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath launches WTF fund to empower India’s emerging content creators

    Mumbai: Entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, in collaboration with leading creators like Tanmay Bhat, Ranveer Allahbadia, Prajakta Kohli, and Nuseir Yassin has launched the ground breaking WTF fund for creators. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to transform the landscape for burgeoning talent, empowering the next generation of influencers.

    Reflecting on the fund’s purpose, entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath emphasised, ‘The creator economy has experienced remarkable growth and the industry is only expected to grow further in the coming decades. The WTF Fund aims to bridge this divide by providing a platform, tools, and mentorship to enable creators to craft narratives that deeply resonate with audiences’.

    The WTF Fund heralds a new chapter in the Indian creator scene, dedicated to discovering and nurturing promising talent. Entrants are invited to showcase their vision within a minute-long video, celebrating any facet of India they love, using their unique storytelling abilities. Participants are encouraged to bring forth stories about their city, culture, food, and any aspect they feel is worth showcasing. To participate, creators are encouraged to tag @nikhilkamathcio and @wtf_is_podcastwhile utilising the hashtag #WTFforCreators for a chance to win the ultimate creator kit. This comprehensive kit includes a mobile phone, tripod, lighting equipment, and essential tools necessary for a head start in the creator space. 50 people stand a chance to win the same.

    For individuals seeking entry into the world of content creation without the means to produce a video from scratch, an alternative pathway is available. They can submit a compelling 300-word email to wtfis@nksqr.com, detailing their aspirations to step into the creator world. The top 25 entries will gain access to exclusive @nasdaily classes, offering invaluable learning opportunities. Participants are encouraged to tag the panellists from Episode #13 on Instagram for enhanced engagement.

    Deadline for submissions: 15 January 2024 | 8 PM