Are entrepreneurs really looking for investors?

Guwahati: Assam's startup ecosystem is experiencing a significant rise in funding opportunities as entrepreneurs explore various avenues, including investments, grants, and fellowships. The state's dynamic business environment is providing entrepreneurs with the financial backing needed to scale their ventures successfully.

"We have bootstrapped it," said Drishti Medhi, co-founder of QuickGhy, reflecting a growing trend among entrepreneurs who are independently funding their businesses. Rimjim Deka, founder of Little Box, echoed this approach, stating, "We have bootstrapped."

Beyond bootstrapping, entrepreneurs like Pinashi from Green Steps are seeking alternative funding sources. "I have applied for a grant," she revealed, highlighting the increasing interest in securing non-equity-based funding options.

In response to the growing demand for financial support, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park has extended the application deadline for the UNNATI Grant for Women. "We have extended our last dates," said Satarupa Misra, Manager of Communications at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. The grant aims to empower women entrepreneurs in Assam, further enriching the state's vibrant startup ecosystem.

As Assam's entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, the availability of diverse funding options is playing a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of business leaders.

Shift Away from Traditional Investors

A noticeable shift is occurring among entrepreneurs as they move away from traditional investors. Several factors are driving this trend, including a desire for greater control, the availability of alternative funding options like crowdfunding and bootstrapping, and a cultural shift towards sustainable, community-focused businesses.

Entrepreneurs often prefer to maintain control over their businesses without the external pressures that can accompany traditional investment. Alternative funding methods, such as crowdfunding and bootstrapping, are increasingly attractive due to their fewer attached conditions. On the other hand, traditional investors typically expect significant returns within a specific timeframe, which can lead to conflicts.

The rising trend toward sustainable, community-focused businesses may not align with the high-growth, high-risk opportunities that traditional investors seek. Additionally, negative experiences with investors—such as misaligned expectations, loss of autonomy, or challenges in meeting demands—are prompting entrepreneurs to explore other avenues.

In saturated sectors like technology, where competition for investor funds is fierce, securing traditional investment has become more challenging and less appealing. As a result, many entrepreneurs are now pursuing alternative paths to grow their businesses without relying on traditional investors.

However, one entrepreneurs said that they were not connected to the platform but now willing to explore investment opportunities.

Debatanu Barman, founder of Dr Aquaculture reflecting on the current financial situation, stated, “I was not well connected to that platform. Actually I thought always to begin with my own way. I am trying with investors now”.

Ritesh Kanu, however, had some other opinion.

“No not, right now. After Balmer’s Investment we are good with the funds flow and expansion. Planning to raise in next Financial Year, said Ritesh Kanu, Founder of Rc Hobbytech Solutions Private Limited.