Vatsal Kanakiya, CEO of 100x.VC, Shares Fundraising Wisdom with Student Entrepreneurs
Within the lively campus corridors of ATLAS SkillTech University, the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving. The latest addition to our Saturday Startup School Series brought forth none other than Vatsal Kanakiya, the CEO of 100x.VC, to unravel the mysteries of fundraising for student startups. The session was not just a lecture; it was a symphony of insights, experiences and practical advice, setting the stage for the next generation of innovators.
Venture Capital: The High Stakes Game
Vatsal Kanakiya wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room – the allure and challenges of venture capital. He emphasized that venture funding is the costliest way to build a business, prompting aspiring entrepreneurs to ponder crucial questions. “Do I need funds? Why? Is this the only way I can raise funds? Are these the right people to raise from?” These foundational queries served as a compass for students navigating the startup funding.
The Fundability Quotient
As the session unfolded, Vatsal laid out a blueprint for assessing a startup’s fundability. From the fundamentals of creating a Pvt Ltd to understanding the intricacies of valuation, the journey was nothing short of enlightening. The ‘F(X) = Xn‘ equation became a mantra, emphasising the need for a minimum 20X return to attract the discerning eyes of investors.
Venture Backability Checklist
Vatsal’s checklist for venture backability was a roadmap for student entrepreneurs. From evaluating the team’s skills and market opportunities to dissecting the business model and product uniqueness, every aspect was scrutinised. The emphasis on exponential scalability echoed through each criterion, leaving students with a newfound understanding of what it takes to be truly fundable.
Student Entrepreneurs: Breaking Stereotypes
Addressing the unique challenges faced by student entrepreneurs, Vatsal shattered stereotypes. “Remember, you are not a student; you are an entrepreneur.” The pros and cons of youth were dissected – from boundless energy to financial scrappiness. The message was clear: embrace your strengths, be agile and focus on wealth creation rather than income.
Pitching and Beyond
The session reached its climax with an engaging Q&A, where Vatsal tackled queries ranging from the future of consumer SaaS companies to the potential of family-owned businesses. As the session concluded, ATLAS students had the opportunity to pitch their ideas, receiving personalised feedback from the seasoned investor. The university’s halls were abuzz with excitement, as students left with not just knowledge but a renewed sense of purpose for their entrepreneurial journeys.
The ‘Fundraising 101 for Student Startups’ session wasn’t just about securing funds; it was a transformative experience. ATLAS SkillTech University, with its Saturday Startup School Series, continues to foster an ecosystem where dreams are not just dreamed but brought to life. The stage is set, the spotlight is on – and the next generation of entrepreneurs is ready to take the plunge.
