SRINAGAR: Archana Jahagirdar, founder and managing partner of Rukam Capital, conducted a session titled ‘Startup Table with AJ’ in Srinagar, where 12 startups from Kashmir participated in discussions focused on their journeys, challenges, and growth opportunities. The event, part of Jahagirdar’s initiative to highlight early-stage Indian startups, provided a platform for entrepreneurs to share their experiences and explore avenues for development in a competitive ecosystem.
The session featured entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including agriculture, IT, hospitality, and fintech. Participants included Asrar Durrani of Durrien Tea, Dr Fayaaz Muhammad of HelpRush, Faseeh Khan of Wildfloc Adventures, Fawzul Kabir of Gr8 Sports, Malik Danish Gulzar of Zerothware Technologies, and Niyaz Chapoo of Pace Kashmir. Other founders present were Reyaz Ahmed Beigh of Insta Repricer, Rouhan Rafiq of South Coast CA Cold Store, Sana Aftab of Qohh Wellness, Shazia Sadaf of Bizbuoy Consulting, Syed Ashfaq of CRED Integrated Agro, and Vipin Raj Singh of Jinko Mage.
Jahagirdar commended the enthusiasm and potential of startups in the region, noting the importance of creating solutions for a global audience. She expressed optimism that many of these ventures could grow into significant enterprises with appropriate mentorship. She also acknowledged the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir government in facilitating the development of a startup ecosystem through a comprehensive policy framework.
Fawzul Kabir, CEO of Gr8 Sports India Limited, remarked that the initiative has provided much-needed encouragement to startups in Kashmir and has the potential to shape a brighter future for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
In addition to the startup interactions, Jahagirdar held discussions with key stakeholders supporting the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including representatives from CIED Foundation-IUST, Kashmir Angel Network, Growth Guru Foundation, and SIDBI. The event aimed to foster collaboration and further strengthen the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
