TechSparks, India's biggest product tech startup event, joins hands with Sequoia Capital

Unearthing high-potential product tech startups in the domains of cloud computing, mobile VAS & web 2.0
By: YourStory
 
April 8, 2011 - PRLog -- After a wildly successful run in 2010, TechSparks, the product tech startup showcase event conducted by online portal YourStory, is back again this year, in a much bigger format.

TechSparks is a multi-city series of events designed to turn the spotlight on India’s finest product technology startups. It may be recalled that the previous edition, TechSparks 2010, was referred to as “India’s biggest product technology startup showcase” by a number of media outlets, with entries from more than 200 product tech startups across the country.

So, why product tech startups?

“How many Indian product technology companies can you readily think of?”, asks Shradha Sharma, the founder of YourStory.in . “It’s not a question that evokes a flurry of answers. On the contrary, most people are stumped when this question is posed to them. That is why we do TechSparks. It’s not that India does not have product tech startups emerging. It’s just that they aren’t as visible. They have trouble getting out of the proverbial garage and getting into the market. That’s what TechSparks is all about – getting product tech startups access to meaningful opportunities.”, reasons Shradha.

With Sequoia Capital coming on board as the VC partner, YourStory’s attempt to turn the spotlight on India’s best product tech startups has received a shot in the arm. Speaking about the association with TechSparks and YourStory, Shailendra Singh, Managing Director, Sequoia Capital, said “We’re very excited about the opportunity that TechSparks offers. We believe that Indian technology companies are capable of coming up with great product innovations and would like to encourage this eco-system with our support. In the last year, we have made multiple investments in exciting technology companies like Druva, Quickheal, iYogi, and Fashion & You and are continuing to focus on investing in early stage companies.”

Entries are already being accepted for TechSparks 2011. Startups registering for TechSparks will also receive invites to the by-invitation-only TechSparks Regional RoundTables (RRTs), a city-centric mini-event designed for startups to network with VCs and corporates. The RRTs will be conducted in Delhi, Cochin, Chennai and Pune during the months of May, June and July 2011. The grand finale, featuring the top 20 tech startups among all the entries received, is scheduled for August 2011 in Bangalore.

Event Timeline:
o Registration and submission of entries: 15th April to 30th-Jun-11(ongoing)
o Evaluation & First Shortlist: 30thth June to 12th July 2011
o Grand Finale on 12th August 2011

Criteria for Selection:
Product/IP startup (with defensible technologies), which are leveraging technologies to create impact in the marketplace
Viability of the startup (market opportunity, competition, business model and host of other characteristics unique to a startup)
The disruptive role the startup plays in the IT landscape and the unique value proposition it provides to various stakeholders

Focus Areas:
• Software products
• Mobile and VAS products
• Cloud Computing
• Web 2.0

Engagement Format -
-Regional Round Tables across 4 cities
• Delhi
• Cochin
• Chennai
• Pune

-Grand Finale in Bangalore

It looks like exciting times are here for product tech startups. To get access to genuine support, substantive networking opportunities and eventually, national recognition, register your product tech startup for TechSparks 2011 by clicking here.

About YourStory

YourStory is India's first comprehensive online platform for entrepreneurs. Launched in 2008, YourStory is the Official Online Partner of CNBC TV18’s Young Turks programme. Over the years, it has emerged as the most followed web platform for entrepreneurs and startups, having cemented robust partnerships with British Council, NASSCOM and Microsoft Bizpark, to name a few.

Widely trusted, YourStory connects with over 4 lakh entrepreneurs and allied industry professionals on a monthly basis. YourStory has built brand properties with events like TechSparks (for product tech entrepreneurs) and Most Popular Entrepreneur Challenge (a bottoms-up approach of evaluating entrepreneurs). Here we have a singular passion – to tell the world your story. Check out our website here: http://yourstory.in/

About Sequoia Capital

Sequoia Capital currently manages funds capitalized at close to US $1.4 billion and invests across venture, growth and late stage opportunities in India. It takes a long term view on investments and plays the role of an active, value added partner to entrepreneurs, business families and management teams. Over the last 10 years, Sequoia Capital has invested in more than 50 Indian companies including Café Coffee Day, Comviva (Bharti Telesoft), , , Idea Cellular, Ind-Barath Power, Just Dial, Manappuram Finance, Paras, Shaadi.com, Quick Heal, Micromax SKS Microfinance and Vasan Health Care. Sequoia Capital operates out of offices in Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Globally, Sequoia Capital has an unparalleled track record of partnering with entrepreneurs to create global market leaders. Sequoia Capital has been an early investor in companies such as Google, Cisco, Yahoo, YouTube, Oracle, and Apple Computers. Sequoia Capital maintains dedicated teams in the US, China, India and Israel.

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YourStory is India's first comprehensive online platform for entrepreneurs. Launched in 2008, YourStory is the Official Online Partner of CNBC TV18’s Young Turks programme. Over the years, it has emerged as the most followed web platform for entrepreneurs and startups, having cemented robust partnerships with British Council, NASSCOM and Microsoft Bizpark, to name a few.
End
Source:YourStory
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Tags:TechSparks, Yourstory, Sequoia, Startup, Event, Product, Technology, Tech
Industry:Entrepreneurship
Location:Bangalore - Karnataka - India
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