91Springboard joins hands with Google for Startups to launch “Level Up”

91Springboard has collaborated with Google For Startups (GFS) to launch “Level Up” – a nationwide virtual accelerator program that aims to enable women entrepreneurs in India to elevate their startups to the next level. Combining key elements of business, tech, leadership, and investment readiness, this accelerator program offers mentoring, masterclasses, connections, and relevant tools for women entrepreneurs to refine their models, enhance their leadership skills and prepare them to get investment ready in order to grow their businesses and gain access to capital.

Level Up aims to address the hurdles women entrepreneurs face by creating opportunities for personal and business growth, providing greater visibility and a national platform, and improving access to capital through investor connections. The program is specially designed to support women entrepreneurs, who are looking for access to reliable mentorship, peer groups, and other business-related support.

Anand Vemuri, CEO, 91Springboard said, “We are very excited to collaborate with Google for Startups in launching the Level Up program in India. 91Springboard has always believed in nurturing the startup ecosystem and fostering growth through ample learning opportunities. We believe that sharing global experiences and great work practices are fundamental to the growth and innovation of any sector. More women are launching and running startups but do not have the adequate support system to flourish. Through this effort with Google for Startups, we hope to support women entrepreneurs in optimizing their businesses and building successful startups."

Mike Kim, Head of Google for Startups APAC said, “At Google for Startups, our constant endeavor is to support diversity in the startup ecosystem. We have already launched an India Women Founders program and with this association, we are looking to scale our efforts to support more women founders. We are excited to be a part of the journey and bring Google’s international support, connections, and network to this program.”

While the Covid-19 pandemic hit startups hard - with 35% of women-led startups experiencing a significant decline in revenues - things are starting to turn around. While fundraising continues to be an uphill task for women entrepreneurs in India, despite reports of investors’ focus and growing interest in empowering women entrepreneurs, YourStory Research data reveals that in Q1 2022, of the 482 funding deals in the Indian startup ecosystem, only 78 were raised by women-founded and co-founded startups, i.e. 16.18 percent.  Access to expert mentorship, connections, and opportunity can create a level playing field for women entrepreneurs to flourish and grow.

Launch Date: 17 August 2022

Entry:  Early stage, women-led, tech and/or tech-enabled enterprises operating in India

Startups will need to fill out the detailed application form. Once the initial criteria have been met, an expert panel will evaluate the applications based on a robust scoring system,