ASMi Business School, in collaboration with the Bengal Business Council (BBC), hosted a dynamic event, “From Bootstrapping to Fundraising to IPO”, culminating in a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between Techno India University and the Bengal Business Council. The event provided invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, from initial startup to successful IPO and beyond.
The day commenced with opening remarks by Shri Avik Gupta, Senior Manager, National Stock Exchange (NSE), setting the stage for an engaging discussion on the complexities of business growth. A warm welcome address by Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Vice Chairman, Bengal Business Council, further emphasized the importance of fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Roy Chowdhury stated, “When we envisioned this place, we had always thought that it would be a place where not only industry leaders but CEOs and entrepreneurs get a space to interact with the students… It gives me a lot of joy to know that we’re able to host such incredible sessions like this in a city like Calcutta where there’s a saying that ‘nothing happens here’… That is also the reason for which the Bengal Business Council was founded. Our business fraternity, this whole group of individuals holding strong, standing beside each other, learning from each other and creating business opportunities with each other – I hope we’ll be able to continue to keep the business fraternity in Bengal very, very relevant.” His words highlighted the vision behind the event and the BBC’s commitment to revitalizing the business landscape in Bengal.
A key highlight of the event was the MoU signing between the Bengal Business Council, represented by Shri Subrata Dutt, Vice President of BBC and Trustee Managing Director, The George Telegraph Group, and ASMi Business School, represented by Prof. Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Co-Chancellor, Techno India University, West Bengal. Prof. Roy Chowdhury shared her vision for ASMi, stating, “ASMi was a dream project, and I can see that our dreams are coming true day by day… We are always talking about entrepreneurship these days, and the scenario has totally changed. Can’t we teach our children to dream of having their own startups, so that they can provide placements? In spite of knowing that there will be challenges, our attitude matters. And I feel that our students of ASMi Business School are learning the correct attitude, hard work, entrepreneurship skills and finally the humility by which one should start their business.” Her words resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets in students.
The panel, moderated by Shri Avelo Roy, MD, Kolkata Ventures, and Founding and Governing Body Member, BBC, comprised a distinguished group of business leaders:
- Shri Amitava Saha, founder of Tri-Unicorns (FirstCry, XpressBees, GlobalBees)
- Shri Sudip Ghose, founder of the funded startup Uppercase Luggage Brand and former MD of VIP Industries
- Dr. Somnath Chatterjee, founder of Suraksha Diagnostics, a recent entrant to the IPO league
- Shri Angshuman Bhattacharya, founder of SIBIA, who achieved a highly profitable exit through Adani’s acquisition.
The panel discussion provided a deep dive into the diverse paths to business success. Drawing from the event’s theme, “From Bootstrapping to Fundraising to IPO”, the panelists shared their personal experiences and insights on navigating the various stages of business growth. They illuminated the challenges and opportunities associated with bootstrapping, securing funding, and ultimately going public. The discussions touched upon key aspects such as:
- Bootstrapping Strategies: How to effectively manage resources and build a foundation with limited capital.
- Fundraising Dynamics: Understanding different funding avenues, from angel investors and venture capital to private equity.
- IPO Process and Considerations: The intricacies of preparing for an IPO, including regulatory compliance, valuation, and investor relations.
- Exits and Acquisitions: Exploring strategies for realizing value, such as strategic acquisitions and mergers.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists and gain further clarity on specific topics. The event at ASMi Business School, in partnership with the Bengal Business Council, proved to be a valuable platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, business students, and established professionals alike, offering practical insights and inspiration for navigating the dynamic world of business.