Priyanshu Mohanty 
A robust startup ecosystem has been gradually fostered in Odisha, an eastern Indian state, in recent years. The Odisha government has launched a number of initiatives to promote the expansion of startups in the state. One such project is the “Startup Odisha” programme, which was established to create a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The government has established incubation centres and innovation hubs around the state as part of the Startup Odisha programme to aid in the growth of new enterprises. For potential entrepreneurs, these centres provide crucial tools, mentoring, and networking possibilities. The government of Odisha has also developed a Startup Policy that offers a number of incentives and advantages to companies, including financial support, tax exemptions, and access to state-funded R&D projects.
The state is emerging as a potential location for entrepreneurs because to its aggressive commitment to fostering businesses and innovation. Odisha is dedicated to developing an entrepreneurial and innovative culture, making it a desirable location for businesses in India.
Odisha Startup Investor Connect Event – Fundstack is back with its 3rd Edition, Fundstack 3.0. This program shall be Odisha’s largest congregation of renowned investors who shall enrich this mega investment forum across the 2-day long events and pitching sessions for supporting startups to raise funds from angel networks and venture capitalist firms.
Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, Startup Odisha, Govt. of Odisha launched Fundstack 3.0 on 20th October 2023 (Friday) over a virtual gathering & also inaugurated the dedicated website for startups to start applying for the program and use this opportune moment for raising their first cheque from the investment partners.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Rai emphasized on the success stories that came up from the last edition which were inspiring and motivational for the leading as well as aspiring entrepreneurs of the state. The 20 finalists of last year’s Fundstack had got a chance to connect with some of the most leading investment firms of the country and startups such as Transport Simple, Homvery, Carbon Out, LarkAI and many more were able to secure their first fundraising.
Executive Chairman Dr. Omkar Rai asserted that Fundstack 3.0 will be an opportunity to introduce the Odisha Startup Growth Fund (OSGF) and enable more partners to join this initiative of Startup Odisha, Govt of Odisha to fuel the growth of startup ecosystem in Odisha.
This year also 50 selected startups shall be curated by experts and mentors through an investment readiness workshop who in turn will pitch before the investors on 21st November 2023 from which top 20 startups shall be shortlisted to be part of the dedicated one-on-one meetings over speed dating and networking sessions at the mega closing ceremony on 22nd November 2023.
Fundstack 3.0 is conceived with the aim to give homegrown startups the much-needed exposure on funding ecosystem and help them understand the dynamics of the new age entrepreneurship thereby aligning with Odisha’s goal of being the Best Startup Hub in India and home to 5000 startups by 2025.
