New community platform for start-ups to launch in Mumbai this week

Representation pic/Istock

This week, aspiring start-up founders in town have an opportunity to experience what the real world of innovating for the market is like, with a special event, Startup Cypher. Organised by Startup Party, a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit platform working towards launching startups, the invite-only event is a simulation of real-life challenges, barriers and nuanced problems founders and budding entrepreneurs are likely to face.

Participants during a game activity

"It's a game-ified experience, where participants complete certain games, each representative of predictable obstacles. They are split into smaller groups and play level by level. The games conclude with an open discussion session where they exchange ideas and provide feedback," explains Saanjh K, founder of Startup Party. The foundations of these games are different from traditional panels or speeches, she says; instead, they are based on cognitive science models, game theory in Economics, and other psychological theories that capture the practical frenzy of entrepreneurship.

A group discussion in progress

She adds, "The event will have roughly 10 team members, apart from participants. We select certain participants and invite them based on their responses about themselves and their startup ideas and ambitions in the registration form. In Bengaluru, we received 500 to 600 registrations; Mumbai had 200 to 300 registrations, of which around 22 to 25 will be chosen." After attending an event, participants have the chance to become community members.

Participants collaborate in small teams for idea generation and to connect with like-minded people. Pics courtesy/Startup Party

Notably, the model of the game-based event operates under the concept of feedback and peer-to-peer support, with collaborations between founder-participants being a common factor. Saanjh further explains, "Each participant has a different level of experience - some are students, others working professionals, and some are already founders. Some may be technically skilled; others are better at sales, finance management or problem-solving. One of our event objectives is to foster connection, collaboration and learning between founders, so they can get knowledge and insights from each other."

Saanjh K

For aspiring founders, this may be a great chance to showcase their talents, especially because start-ups require innovative plans to cater to a budding or potential market. Saanjh points out that it is crucial to learn the difference between a start-up and an agency or a typical business with a pre-existing market to rely upon. "Start-up founders face various issues, and require direction, which isn't easily available. For example, someone wishing to start an app can have technical issues regarding app use or app stores," she says. Additionally, there is no shortage of social taboo or judgement for founders with unconventional ideas, in turn leading to poor mental health, mainly burnout.

"We want to create a raw learning arena for founders, where they can connect with people across India, from different backgrounds, and also a safe space for them to share their ideas and sentiments so they can grow,"
Saanjh signs off.

On September 27; 3 pm to 7 pm
AT MIDC, Andheri East. (Exact location only for invitees)
Log on to startupparty.in (for registration)