Kathmandu, March 24

The International Entrepreneurship Conclave – Connect-IN received participation from entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, consultants and start-up ecosystem players from both Nepal and India.

Organised here today by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu in association with Clock b Business Innovations, Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada’s remarks on the budding entrepreneurial business climate of Nepal and the scope of connecting it with that of India, set the context of the event, as per a media release.

Seven CEOs/investors from India and eight from Nepal addressed the audience that comprised 300 young entrepreneurs from both countries.

Through seven entrepreneurial meet-ups, seven-day city tour, 10 college-level activities, four days of mentorships and workshops and massive social media campaigns, Embassy of India and Clock b managed to reach out to more than 500,000 entrepreneurial minds of Nepal, the release says.

More than 600 entrepreneurs registered for the event, out of which 300 were screened for attending the conclave. More than 30 start-ups showed interest in pitching for investment, 19 were screened for auditions and five start-ups made their business pitches at the finale. These firms were: Metro Tarkari, Furniture Hub, Kullabs, My Earth Eco Bags and FohorbataMofor.

The event and the associated sub-events, including mentorship and audition sessions, served as an ideal platform for connecting the young entrepreneurial minds of Nepal and India.

It was the first-of-its-kind platform created for the entrepreneurs of both countries to come together and exchange innovative ideas. The event had sessions that discussed and showcased the start-up ecosystem developing in various cities and states of India such as Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

“This event has imparted unparalleled momentum and enthusiasm in the start-up community of Nepal and the organisers would be carrying out many follow-up activities and programmes around the theme of connecting the entrepreneurial

ecosystems of the two countries, in the months to come,” the release states.