flipkart Ventures, the investment arm of Flipkart, has selected five innovative startups for the third cohort of its flagship accelerator programme, Flipkart Leap Ahead. This initiative aims to support early-stage startups by providing financial backing, mentorship, and access to industry expertise.
Investing up to $500,000
Table of Contents
- 1. Investing up to $500,000
- 2. Empowering New Ideas
- 3. Encouraging Entrepreneurship in India
- 4. What specific criteria does flipkart Ventures look for when selecting startups for its Leap Ahead programme?
- 5. Archyde News – Interview
- 6. Fueling India’s startup Revolution: A Chat with Lubna Ahmed of Flipkart Ventures
- 7. Empowering Early-Stage innovators
- 8. Investing in India’s Startup Future
- 9. Looking Ahead
Through the FLA program,these early-stage startups will receive equity investments of up to $500,000,along with a customized mentorship program designed by a global consulting firm.In addition, the startups benefit from guidance and strategic support from flipkart leaders in key areas such as product, technology, finance, and business. At the end of the program, the startups present their progress in a demo day, a forum that can help them attract more investment.
According to Flipkart Ventures, the chosen startups have stood out because of strong founding teams, clear product vision, and a dedication to solving real problems.
Empowering New Ideas
Five startups have been selected for the third cohort. Xportel is simplifying cross-border logistics by enabling international deliveries in more than 150 countries. Factors.ai provides a marketing intelligence platform using AI to drive account-based marketing tools and leverage cross-channel data.expertia.ai focuses on global recruiting, aiming to smooth out the hiring process with advanced sourcing and AI-based assessments. Bharat Krushi Seva concentrates on strengthening the entire fruit value chain, from advisory services to market linkage, while Visa2Fly delivers a seamless approach to visa applications, including support with documentation and processing.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship in India
Lubna Ahmed, vice president and head of Flipkart Ventures, says Flipkart Leap Ahead is about fuelling India’s startup ecosystem by combining capital, mentorship, and a strong business network. “By nurturing these startups, we aim to shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship in India,” Ahmed added.
Since its launch, Flipkart Ventures has backed more than 20 startups spanning areas like deep tech, fintech, health tech, generative AI, and sustainability. Flipkart also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to continue investing in and supporting technology startups across the country.
What specific criteria does flipkart Ventures look for when selecting startups for its Leap Ahead programme?
Archyde: Shaping the Future of Indian Startups – An interview wiht Lubna Ahmed,Vice President & Head of Flipkart Ventures
Archyde News – Interview
Fueling India’s startup Revolution: A Chat with Lubna Ahmed of Flipkart Ventures
Empowering Early-Stage innovators
Lubna Ahmed,Vice President and Head of Flipkart Ventures,is at the forefront of fostering India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Archyde caught up with Lubna to discuss the latest cohort of Flipkart Leap Ahead, the flagship accelerator program aimed at supporting early-stage startups.
Archyde: This is the third cohort of Flipkart Leap Ahead. What sets it apart from previous cohorts?
Lubna Ahmed: “With each cohort, we strive to refine our approach to better support the startups. This time around, we’ve placed an even greater emphasis on mentorship. We’ve brought on a global consulting firm to provide a highly customized program for each startup. Beyond that,we’re excelling in helping startups navigate key areas like product,technology,finance,and business with guidance from flipkart’s own leadership.”
Archyde: Tell us about the five startups selected for this cohort.
Lubna Ahmed: “This cohort is incredibly diverse, addressing real-world challenges across various sectors. Xportel is simplifying cross-border logistics, Factors.ai is fortifying marketing efforts with AI, expertia.ai is revolutionizing global hiring, Bharat Krushi Seva is strengthening the fruit value chain, and Visa2Fly is streamlining visa applications. Each of these startups stood out due to their strong founding teams, clear product vision, and commitment to solving genuine problems.”
Investing in India’s Startup Future
Archyde: Flipkart Ventures has backed over 20 startups as launch. What’s the overarching vision behind these investments?
Lubna ahmed: “Our goal is to fuel India’s startup ecosystem by combining capital, mentorship, and a robust business network. By nurturing these startups, we aim to shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship in India. We’re particularly interested in areas like deep tech, fintech, health tech, generative AI, and sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
Archyde: Flipkart recently signed an MoU with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal trade. What does this mean for the program and its startups?
Lubna Ahmed: “This partnership further strengthens our commitment to investing in and supporting technology startups across the country. It opens up opportunities for collaboration and resources that will benefit both our program and the wider Indian startup ecosystem. We’re thrilled about what this partnership holds for the future.”
Archyde: What advice would you give to early-stage startups looking to enter Flipkart Leap Ahead or similar programs?
Lubna Ahmed: “Have a clear vision for your product and understand the problem you’re solving. Build a strong team, and don’t be afraid to reach out for mentorship and guidance. Lastly, be open to feedback and ready to pivot when necessary.”
