Lots of people asked me – Why did you guys started off Seeders in Kolkata. Mumbai / Bangalore or Delhi could be a better location.

So instead of individually replying, here is my perspective:

Seed funding / incubation is an international business. Therefore location hardly matters. Anyone living anywhere can travel down to the place where he has an opportunity to seed his dream venture. I am aware of people who have crossed national boundaries to chase their dreams!

We want to support entrepreneurship in general, more so in India and still more in Kolkata (you know the home town affinity stuff). You may know that at one point (around 40 years back), Kolkata was the commercial hub of India. We do not want to live in history, but want to get some inspiration and get it back some of its lost glory.

Kolkata is cheaper to live in and has everything that you need to live a cool and chic urban life. Yes, the night clubs here remain open longer than you think. So your money last longer!

We are primarily funding companies which use Internet as an key enabler, we do not think it will make sense to work with people who cannot use it effectively to bury distance. And, if you are desperate to see some souls with flesh, all major cities are just a flight away.

The physical, social and professional ecosystem is all well set here for us to pass maximum benefits to the dreamers who come to us. So we can get straight to business.

In Kolkata, you can work under the radar. Your competitors (you are not the only person thinking of the idea at a given time) do not know about you before you really want them to!

Last, but not the least – We live in Kolkata. Both partners of Seeders – i.e. myself and Pallav lives in Kolkata.

So, if you have decided to build your company, apply online on our site and then if we choose to work with you, pack your bags and come in!

Tags: angel, fund, india, kolkata, seed

The wait is over..

Exactly two weeks back, the idea was born. We (myself and Pviagraav) brainstormed, worked out the finer details and Seeders is born.

Seeders will be the first ‘real angel’ in eastern India which will provide the seed capital backed with and incubation center, friendly advice, thorough mentoring and much more to make your tech start-up successful. And above all we are young (may not be for very long) – so we understand you better!

Seeders will be formally (though we hate this word) launched @ #StartupSaturday Kolkata (courtesy Mitesh Ashar) on 12th September 2009. More details about the complete program – http://network.headstart.in/projects/startup-saturday-kolkata/agenda-september-2009

See you there guys!

Tags: india, kolkata, launch, seeders, startupsaturday