Durgapreneur 2023: Uniting Entrepreneurship and Tradition in Kolkata

Durgapreneur 2023, a unique blend of tradition and entrepreneurship, concluded its three-day extravaganza in Kolkata, West Bengal, coinciding with the vibrant spirit of Durga Puja. The event witnessed a convergence of 62 investors and 59 innovative entrepreneurs, marking a remarkable total deal count of 27 and highlighting Kolkata's rich cultural heritage and emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.​​​​​​

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 28: Durgapreneur, a flagship event celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and business acumen, has wrapped up its three-day extravaganza in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal. With the spirit of Durga Puja permeating the atmosphere, this year's event was truly unique, blending tradition with entrepreneurial excellence.

This edition of Durgapreneur, held from October 21st, 2023, to October 23rd, 2023,, witnessed an unprecedented convergence of business minds and investors, truly exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit of the City of Joy.

A remarkable 62 unique investors were in attendance, eager to explore promising ventures, while 59 ambitious entrepreneurs presented their innovative pitches.

Key Highlights of Durgapreneur 2023:

1. Innovation Meets Tradition: Durgapreneur was strategically timed to coincide with the grandeur of Durga Puja, with elements of the festival incorporated into the event, reminding attendees of Kolkata's rich cultural heritage.
2. Digital Transformation: In recognition of the changing times, 14 digital pitches showcased groundbreaking ideas, aligning with Kolkata's reputation as a hub of technological innovation.
3. Physical and Virtual Integration: Durgapreneur bridged the physical and digital worlds with 57 product demos shared through virtual deal flow explainers and physical exhibits, a testament to Kolkata's forward-thinking approach.
4. Changemaker Deals: Four impactful changemaker deals, facilitated by CSR and equity funds, will be disclosed by November 3rd, underlining the event's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
5. Innovator Deals: Over nine exciting innovator deals have been inked with VC and micro VC / Angel syndicate partners, with details set to be unveiled in the coming week, showcasing Kolkata's emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.
6. Total Deal Count: Durgapreneur 2023 achieved a remarkable total deal count of 27, a testament to its effectiveness as a platform for connecting investors with innovative startups.

Neiharika Rajiv, co-founder of GI Ventures, stated, "The spirit of entrepreneurship is very much there in West Bengal and the women are surely a big part in it. It was always there, just that Durgapreneur has given it a good voice and a much more convenient platform for the investing Community to come together in support."

Vijetha Shastry, Associate Director Standard Chartered Bank, also added, "During Durga Puja, what really matters is people in the state are all out there enjoying food, enjoying life and in turn contributing to the economy while they do that. That is the growth story of India as well as Kolkata- the people want to grow, they want to lead better lives, and they want to make money. The founders here have a brilliant understanding of Direct2Consumer, their needs, and the gaps they can fill in the demand chain. We're inspired to assist them in achieving what they've set out to do."

Aaquib Hussain, Founder of FreeFlow Ventures, brought a perfect close to a grand 3-day extravaganza with, "Durgapreneur is a modern lens. It's an ability from our end to say that everything that is so traditional and beautiful in India is convertible so seamlessly to a modern business-oriented scenario. And the Durga Puja is the perfect embodiment of it all. We've turned it around via the lens of the modern Durga- the modern Changemakers, the modern Innovators, the modern Entrepreneurs who strongly believe that there's a change to be made and they can make it."

The integration of Durga Puja elements within Durgapreneur not only highlighted Kolkata's cultural richness but also emphasized the deep-rooted connections between tradition and innovation in the city.

Durgapreneur would like to express gratitude to NTS (Newtown Sarbojanin), Team Taurus, Invest India, Air Arabia, NITI Aayog, GeM, Aspire For Her, We Hub, wonder of Women, Startup India, and all its major ecosystem partners, investment syndicates, community sponsors, and the dedicated team for making this event a grand success. As we close this chapter, we eagerly await Durgapreneur 2024, where we will continue to celebrate Kolkata's entrepreneurial heritage and its exciting future.

About Durgapreneur

Durgapreneur is an annual entrepreneurship event that bridges tradition and innovation, showcasing the best of Kolkata's entrepreneurial ecosystem. It brings together investors, changemakers, and innovators, fostering growth, collaboration, and a commitment to social responsibility.