Startup Mixer 2.0 by Avinya Ventures & SIDBI Fosters Regional Startups

Surat: Leading early-stage venture capital firm, Avinya Ventures, hosted its Startup Mixer 2.0 at The Amore, Surat, reaffirming its role in fostering India’s startup ecosystem in association with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Startup Mission, with a focus on cultivating a startup culture in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. SIDBI is supporting the Startup India Mission by empowering local entrepreneurs through financial support, mentorship, and tailored resources to address their unique challenges. Its initiatives include launching programs and partnerships to improve access to funding and foster innovation, driving economic growth and job creation. This mission underscores SIDBI’s commitment to building a vibrant startup ecosystem across all city tiers in India.

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The event opened with a keynote address by Satya Prakash Singh, Chief General Manager of SIDBI’s Venture Finance and Investment Vertical, who elaborated on SIDBI’s pivotal role in the Indian startup journey. He highlighted key initiatives such as the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), instrumental in mobilizing venture capital (VC), and SIDBI’s efforts to empower startups in smaller cities through funding, mentorship, and policy advocacy.
Avinya Ventures curated a day of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, emphasizing the untapped potential of startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The event provided an inclusive platform for entrepreneurs to connect with investors and industry leaders, aligning with Avinya’s vision of empowering startups from diverse geographies.

The event featured a dynamic panel discussion on “Startup Journey from 0 to 1 and 1 to 100”, led by Gaurav VK Singhvi, Managing Partner of Avinya Ventures, and Nikhil Vohra, Founder & CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures. The discussion provided actionable insights on scaling businesses, navigating operational challenges, and achieving product-market fit in a competitive landscape.
Promising startups showcased their ideas to a panel of seasoned investors, gaining invaluable feedback and exploring funding opportunities.
Nitin Nayar, Managing Partner at Filter Capital, delivered an engaging session titled “What Investors Really Want in a Startup Fairytale?” He emphasized the importance of the founder, addressable market, and product-market fit, offering critical insights for emerging startups.

A central theme of the event was promoting regional entrepreneurship, shining a spotlight on startups from Surat. Avinya Ventures emphasized the need to create a level playing field for startups nationwide, bridging the gap between metropolitan and regional ecosystems. Ajay Agrawal, MD of Shubhalakshmi Polyester Ltd., graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
Ravi Kishore, Deputy General Manager of SIDBI, shared closing remarks, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders to foster an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, fostering meaningful connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. These interactions laid the groundwork for future collaborations, creating fertile ground for innovation and growth.

Through events like Startup Mixer 2.0, Avinya Ventures continues to be a cornerstone of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By aligning with SIDBI’s mission and supporting regional startups, Avinya Ventures is actively shaping the future of innovation in India.

Avinya Ventures is a leading early stage venture capital firm dedicated to empowering startups with funding, mentorship, and strategic support. With a strong focus on regional inclusion and innovation-driven solutions, Avinya Ventures remains a catalyst for growth in India’s startup landscape.