(This post was born out of internal discussion that took place in MVP forums. Its jointly written by : Sameer, Ankit, Nandini and Indus)
Bharat Matrimony
Bharat Matrimony (BM) has launched its facial search feature that enables you to upload celebrity (you can also upload your ex-girlfriend’s pics) pictures and BM will find a look-alike. Check it out here
Though the technology is imperfect the idea is so perfect on so many levels:
- Viral nature
- Engagement of users
- Stickiness of the site
- Differentiator from other sites
- Users having fun, part of so many jokes
It totally rocks and its great to see an Indian company leading its way in innovation. On the other hand its disappointing to see so less buzz created by them in the Startup media.
AdaptiveAds
Glam Snaps Up AdaptiveAds. Mumbai based startup AdaptiveAds was acquired by Glam, a leading ad network based in US. This news was covered very well by Techcrunch and other leading tech blogs of US about a month back, but again coverage in Indian Startup media left a lot wanted.
Adaptiveads, a mumbai based startup, clearly demonstrated that an Indian startup can target the global market very well and it makes a lot of sense for other Indian Companies to tap into borderless economy. When we can serve millions of western companies by being an outsourcing hub, by developing the core technology for them, why cant we guys put together our collectible brains to bring Indian products to whole world.
Startup Media
The current Startup Media in India consists of the leading startup blogs, some newspaper / magazine columns, couple of dedicated magazines and little bit of TV coverage. The main credit for creating the “Startup Media” goes out to the leading startup blogs, they have been at it for few years now and have done quite a good job of covering the news, sharing good practices, aggregating discussions around startups. They have built a strong and sticky community of readers / contributors around them.
Shout ‘em out louder
Though a lot has been done, there is a need to increase and provide regular coverage “towards celebrating / highlighting / sharing the Indian startup ecosystem triumphs”. This post is a request to Startup media to shout louder about the successes. Indian ecosystem is evolving and it definitely requires much needed boosts from media to encourage them. There are quite a few successful Indian startups, may not be to the tune of 10-100 million USD, but still doing pretty good. But, every mention will only encourage and boost the morale of the others to push the bar & succeed!
Some suggestions to the Indian Startup Media:
- Add regular weekly features that bring out startup success stories, backed by research. Bring out the reasons for the success and help others learn and get inspired. This can also be done with some guest writers contributing.
- Missed out on covering the news in time? – not a problem – write enough juice and they’ll quote you on their blog!
- Dig into the development of the startups you have already covered, ask them to keep you updated, monitor their blog feeds for news of successes – followup stories is always a welcome for a reader!
- A lot can happen over coffee – spend more time with startup founders (new & old), listen to their stories – can make for a good copy!
Communication channels are the most important for development of any eco-system (Even Hitler banked on it) – you have the power to influence and help startups imbibe good practices – make the most of it! This will go a long way to also help dispel India’s image “as only copycats, service-based companies and outsourcing hub”. It will encourage the ones who are on the edge and are evaluating doing a startup. Current and potential investors will see the successes and increase the financial participation towards Indian startups.
The day is not far when people will be bringing Garam chai and Samosas to your home (riff from people bringing donuts/coffee to Arrington to get covered) . While you make them the stars, they will make you the celebrity!
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March 12th, 2009 at 14:52
Startup media indeed is a bit thanda, though, we should not take away the credit for awesome work the guys are doing. I feel it is mainly driven by three factors:
1. Online media/reporting is still unprofessional as print, TV reporters/ journalists are very well placed in India. Unlike in US, were some have shifted to online reporting.
2. General people are not much excited , apart from investors and entrepreneurs, very few care about who is at the other end.
Facial search engine has long way; the current results are quite funny
ps : Why would any1 search for some1 who looks like ex-gf/bf …lolz.. unless to make them jealous…lolzz
March 14th, 2009 at 10:22
Snehal, well articulated.
Startup media in India is doing its bit and like all things even this needs to evolve and mature. I think its a demand and supply thing, and the way things are going in India with startup entrepreneurs increasing, the audience for this niche is also building. We will soon see the media learn from its audience and evolve.
On the Facial search, guess the idea is not only to make the current gf J, but also find someone similar to the ex, if your heart is still there
and many more use cases… 
March 20th, 2009 at 13:17
I love your post about Bharat Matrimony(BM). Days by days, the technology increase in another level.
December 14th, 2009 at 14:15
VULTURE’S NEST
The Entrepreneurship Cell [E-Cell] of IIT Bombay is conducting a reality show for budding entrepreneurs who have established their start-up and is giving them a unique opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors to receive funding from them.
This dynamic version of the conventional investor’s pitch called the Vulture’s Nest; is a competition starting from 10th December whose finals are to be hosted in the first week of February during E-Summit 2010, which is the networking event held by E-Cell, IIT Bombay.
As opposed to a conventional investor pitch, Vulture’s Nest will be much more competitive and aggressive. The finals will have investors as well as the general public as the audience which will make the event much more happening as against a routine pitch.
These Entrepreneurs will get a chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors in 15 minutes. This is an excellent opportunity for start-ups who do not have access to large venture capitalists and private equity firms to gain capital and visibility.
The contest will go on air on ET Now channel, starting January. The US and the UK have similar shows, but it’s the first time that such an event is being conducted in India.
IIT-B will invite submissions [in the form of presentations] from December 10 to January 4. Those selected will pitch their ideas at auditions in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai on January 16 and 17.
The final round will have 10 candidates pitching to four investors, one of whom is US-based venture capitalist Taj Haslani. All 10 participants might get funding if the panellists like their pitches.
This competition will actively help entrepreneurs as they will interact with investors and get a chance to directly get funds for their firms.