TiE Initiates Mission 1x10x100 to Catalyze Entrepreneurship in India’s Secondary Cities

TiE Global Expands entrepreneurial Network to India’s Emerging Cities

New Delhi – The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a globally recognized non-profit network dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, is embarking on a significant expansion plan within India. The organization intends to establish 20 new chapters in emerging cities, bolstering its mission to cultivate the next generation of Indian business leaders and stimulate economic growth.

This strategic move is part of TiE’s ambitious ‘mission 1x10x100,’ a decade-long initiative aimed at empowering one million entrepreneurs, generating over 10 million employment opportunities, and contributing more than $100 billion to the global Gross Domestic Product by 2035. Currently operating with 30 chapters and over 8,000 members throughout India, TiE is widening its focus beyond metropolitan hubs.

Focus on Tier-2, Tier-3, and Tier-4 Cities

The expansion will prioritize cities previously underserved by robust entrepreneurial ecosystems. These include Raipur, Rourkela, Madurai, Salem, Amritsar, and Jammu/Srinagar, among others.This geographical diversification underscores TiE’s commitment to making entrepreneurship inclusive and accessible to a broader segment of the Indian population.According to a recent report by Tracxn, a leading startup data platform, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities accounted for nearly 40% of all new startups registered in India during the first half of 2024, demonstrating a growing opportunity outside customary tech hubs.

Vijay N Menon,Executive Director of TiE Global,announced that the organization intends to grow its global network from 62 to 100 chapters by the end of the year,with a substantial portion of this expansion occurring within India. Parallel expansions are planned in key international markets such as Seoul, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh city.

Bridging the Gap for Aspiring Founders

Murali Bukkapatnam, Chair of the TiE global Board of Trustees for 2025, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that “India’s next wave of entrepreneurship will come from its heartlands.” He further explained that expanding into smaller cities will provide entrepreneurs with equitable access to crucial resources, including mentorship programs, access to capital, and connections to global networks.

TiE will work closely with state governments to align with local startup policies and access state-level funding. collaborations with corporations and academic institutions will strengthen innovation pipelines. Furthermore, the organization aims to connect entrepreneurs from these smaller cities with global investors and ecosystem partners, opening doors to international markets.

Metric	Current Status (2025)	Target (2035)
TiE Global Chapters	62	100
TiE India Chapters	30	50+
Entrepreneurs Targeted	8,000+ Members in India	1 Million
Job Creation Goal	N/A	10 Million+
GDP Contribution Goal	N/A	$100 Billion+

Did You Know? Women-led ventures currently represent a growing segment of the startup landscape, and TiE is committed to ensuring at least 35% of new entrepreneurs supported by the organization are women.

The initiative follows a broader trend of rising investment in Indian startups. Data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reveals that India is now home to over 112,000 recognized startups, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.

Pro Tip: Entrepreneurs seeking mentorship should actively network within the TiE network and attend relevant industry events to connect with experienced business leaders.

TiE will host the TiE Global Summit in Jaipur later this year, showcasing India’s innovation and the potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The summit will bring together the global entrepreneurial community, further solidifying TiE’s commitment to empowering the next wave of Indian entrepreneurship.

Investing in entrepreneurship in emerging cities is critical for balanced economic growth. By fostering innovation beyond major metropolitan areas, tie’s efforts can create localized employment opportunities, reduce regional disparities, and unlock the economic potential of previously untapped markets. The success of this initiative will likely serve as a blueprint for similar programs in other developing nations.

Frequently asked Questions About TiE’s Expansion

What are your thoughts on TiE’s expanded focus? Do you believe this will truly empower entrepreneurs in India’s heartland?

Share your opinions and join the conversation in the comments below!

How does the 1x10x100 mentorship framework specifically address the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities compared to those in major metropolitan areas?

Understanding the Mission’s Core Objectives

TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) has launched “Mission 1x10x100,” a meaningful initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems within India’s tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This enterprising program focuses on enabling one mentor to support ten entrepreneurs, who in turn are expected to create 100 jobs each. The core goal is to unlock the economic potential of these secondary cities, moving beyond the concentrated growth seen in major metropolitan areas like bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi. this initiative directly addresses the need for regional economic progress and job creation in underserved areas.

The 1x10x100 Framework: A Deep Dive

The program’s structure is deliberately designed for scalability and impact.Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

* Mentorship Network: TiE leverages its extensive network of seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts to provide personalized guidance. Mentors aren’t just advisors; they’re actively involved in helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, refine business models, and secure funding.

* Entrepreneur Selection: The program targets early-stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and a commitment to growth. Selection criteria prioritize ventures with high scalability potential and a focus on solving local problems.

* Job Creation Target: The 100 jobs per entrepreneur benchmark is a crucial metric. It emphasizes ventures that can generate substantial employment opportunities within their respective communities, contributing to economic empowerment.

* Focus on Tier 2 & 3 Cities: Cities like nashik, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Kochi are key targets. These locations often possess a skilled workforce and a growing consumer base, but lack the robust support systems found in Tier 1 cities. This initiative aims to bridge that gap.

Why Secondary Cities? The Untapped Potential

India’s secondary cities represent a massive, largely untapped market. Several factors contribute to this potential:

* Lower Operating Costs: Compared to major metros, these cities offer significantly lower costs for real estate, labor, and other operational expenses.This is especially attractive for early-stage startups with limited funding.

* Growing Consumer Base: Rising disposable incomes and increasing awareness are driving consumer demand in Tier 2 and 3 cities. This creates a fertile ground for businesses catering to local needs.

* Reduced Competition: The competitive landscape is less saturated in these regions,providing startups with a greater opportunity to establish market leadership.

* Access to Local Talent: Many secondary cities boast a skilled workforce, often graduates from local universities and technical institutions. This provides a readily available talent pool for startups.

* Government Support: Increasing government initiatives focused on startup India and Make in India are extending their reach to secondary cities, offering financial assistance and regulatory support.

Key Sectors Targeted by Mission 1x10x100

While the program is open to ventures across various sectors, certain areas are receiving particular attention:

* Agri-Tech: Leveraging technology to improve agricultural productivity, supply chain efficiency, and farmer incomes.

* Healthcare: addressing healthcare access and affordability challenges in underserved communities. This includes telemedicine,diagnostic services,and affordable healthcare solutions.

* Fintech: Providing financial inclusion and access to credit for individuals and small businesses.

* Education: Developing innovative educational tools and platforms to enhance learning outcomes.

* Manufacturing: Promoting local manufacturing and creating employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

* Sustainable Solutions: Businesses focused on renewable energy, waste management, and environmental conservation.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs Participating in the Program

Entrepreneurs selected for Mission 1x10x100 gain access to a wealth of resources and support:

* Dedicated Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs.

* Networking Opportunities: Access to TiE’s global network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

* Funding Assistance: Support in preparing pitch decks and connecting with potential investors.

* skill Development Workshops: Training programs on topics such as business planning, marketing, and financial management.

* Market Access: Opportunities to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.

* Brand Visibility: Increased exposure thru TiE’s marketing and communication channels.

Real-World Impact & Early Success Stories

While the mission is relatively new, early reports indicate promising results. Several startups participating in pilot programs have successfully secured funding, expanded their operations,