India, 13th January 2024: ValuAble, India’s first purpose-led venture debt fund, successfully concluded an insightful workshop ‘Startup Workshop’ in partnership with International Purple Fest and BITS Incubator on the 10th of January 2024 at the prestigious Kala Academy in Goa. The one-day workshop offered aspiring entrepreneurs an immersive experience with expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. It was a part of the International Purple Fest 2024, India’s first-of-its-kind inclusive festival that promotes equal participation in society for persons with disabilities.

Graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare Shri Shubhash Phal Dessai, President of Special Olympics Bharath Dr. Mallika Nadda, Hon’ble MLA of Bicholim Dr. Chandrakant Shetye and Member of Goa Legislative Assembly Ms. Jennifer Monserrate.

‘Startup Workshop’ consisted of invigorating activities and sessions for empowering attendees on their entrepreneurial journey. Insightful discussions on ‘Are you founder material?’ and ‘Brew Ideas: Crafting the Perfect Startup Concept’ by ValuAble’s founders, Rahul Gupta and Siba Panda, were some of the highlights. This initiative also sowed the seeds of awareness about the assistive tech startups that are fostering accessibility for people in India living with disabilities and facilitating mainstream inclusion.

Attendees also participated in engaging networking sessions with established startups and founders. The workshop had interactive fireside chats with Siddharth Daga of Neomotion, Torchit, and Glovatrix founders, Mr. Prateek Khandelwal of Ramp My City, and captivating Entrepreneurs, as well as founders of leading Assistive Tech startups: Siddharth Daga of Neomotion, Hunny Bhagchandani (TorchIt), Aishwarya Karnataki (Glovatrix – Fifth Sense), and Akashdeep Bansal (SaralX). It was attended by 50 students.

Rahul Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner, of ValuAble, said, “With this workshop, we aimed to cultivate a nurturing environment where aspiring entrepreneurs could not only envision their dreams but also acquire the tools and insights needed to turn those dreams into reality. It wasn’t just about imparting knowledge; it was like a startup boot camp that ignited a fire within each participant to pave the way for innovative business ideas and kickstart entrepreneurial journeys. The success of this workshop has been truly gratifying.”

Siba Panda, Founder and Managing Partner, of ValuAble, said, “Our collaboration with International Purple Fest and BITS Incubator was an initiative to create a nurturing ground where innovative ideas meet actionable guidance. We intended to guide participants on how to channel their passion, navigate challenges, and transform their ideas into sustainable businesses. The workshop was a space where participants could learn the art of securing funding, understand the VC landscape, and explore innovative ways to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams.”