THE ICONIC ENABLERS OF DISRUPTION

The spirit of entrepreneurship sweeping the country is spurring the youth of Kerala as well to jump on the bandwagon, unleashing their true potential for providing smart solutions. Their unorthodox attitude towards everything in life, moulded and cemented by their firm belief in the unlimited potential of techno-driven capitalism, makes them master enablers of transformation. Be it individual-based or teamdriven, the startups are characterized by their unmatched imaginative prowess and visionary leadership. In the second edition of Destination Kerala Startup Awards, we have honoured some of the brightest minds amongst us who are going to profoundly influence our life through their offbeat ideas. Here are the awardees and their pathbreaking solutions.

Celebrating spirit of innovation and startup successes, the second edition of Destination Kerala Startup Awards was held in Thiruvananthapuram on November 15. Accomplished startup founders, investors and industry experts came together to honour some of the most promising startups in Kerala on the occasion. Sheila James, Founder & Proprietor, Czarina Boutique, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp.

Anil Joshi, Founder & Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, delivering the Investor address, reaffirmed his faith in the potential of opportunities in the country for startups and new innovative enterprises. “In the same way, as a startup investor, I believe there are huge opportunities opening up in the State as well. When people ask me why I spend more time in the startup ecosystem in Kerala, I, in turn, ask them why not Kerala. In fact, I recognise Kerala as a land of new opportunities. Half of the companies in my investment portfolio are from Kerala,” he said.

Stating that the economy is passing through trying times, he said, however, the country and world are confident about an emerging new economy. “Not only is the world but India as well is going through an interesting phase. There is no impact on starups despite the sluggishness in the economy,” he said.

“What really matters is the way we look at situations. For some, the glass is half empty while for others it is half full. Also, it is important to identify opportunities in the market,” he added. Joshi also had a word of caution for budding startups. “All those companies which tried to build business by paying the customers are no more in business. Instead, build something where customer is willing to pay for the solution your business is offering,” he said.