We often hear VCs saying location doesn't matter for startups. But if that's true, why don't we see more VC firms based in states like Madhya Pradesh?
How many venture capital firms can you name in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, or Jharkhand?
The numbers are disappointingly low and this disparity creates a significant disconnect.
While we preach that great ideas can come from anywhere, the capital and networks essential to nurture these ideas remain overwhelmingly concentrated in a few metro cities.
But things are changing and I recently witnessed this firsthand at an exceptional event in Gwalior organized by Fluid Ventures.
It brought together some of the most innovative thinkers and leaders in India's startup community, all under one roof.
The event was not just another startup gathering. It’s a reminder that innovation isn't limited to big cities. It's happening right here in smaller towns as well.
Experiencing this in my hometown hits me very differently.
It's one thing to read about change, but to experience it is entirely different. And I'm grateful I could contribute as a speaker, host, founder, and even gifting partner through Amrutam .
A huge thanks to the support and encouragement of Shmt. Priyadarshini Raje Scindia at the Gwalior Palace. It wouldn’t have come to life without your vision to make Gwalior grow and prosper.
A special thank you to Amit Singal and Rakhee Singal for spearheading this initiative in our city. For thinking about start-up ecosystems and building them in Tier 2 cities.
Let’s continue to work towards a more inclusive startup ecosystem across all of India.
How many venture capital firms can you name in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, or Jharkhand?
The numbers are disappointingly low and this disparity creates a significant disconnect.
While we preach that great ideas can come from anywhere, the capital and networks essential to nurture these ideas remain overwhelmingly concentrated in a few metro cities.
But things are changing and I recently witnessed this firsthand at an exceptional event in Gwalior organized by Fluid Ventures.
It brought together some of the most innovative thinkers and leaders in India's startup community, all under one roof.
The event was not just another startup gathering. It’s a reminder that innovation isn't limited to big cities. It's happening right here in smaller towns as well.
Experiencing this in my hometown hits me very differently.
It's one thing to read about change, but to experience it is entirely different. And I'm grateful I could contribute as a speaker, host, founder, and even gifting partner through Amrutam .
A huge thanks to the support and encouragement of Shmt. Priyadarshini Raje Scindia at the Gwalior Palace. It wouldn’t have come to life without your vision to make Gwalior grow and prosper.
A special thank you to Amit Singal and Rakhee Singal for spearheading this initiative in our city. For thinking about start-up ecosystems and building them in Tier 2 cities.
Let’s continue to work towards a more inclusive startup ecosystem across all of India.
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
"We found eChai to be a force multiplier throughout our startup journey. Through it, we connected with folks from DevX, Allevents, Plutomen, and more - many of whom became friends of IndiaBizForSale.com and even part of our clientele."
Bhavin S Bhagat
Co-founder of Indiabizforsale and IBGrid, TiE Ahmedabad President
"From late-night brainstorming over chai to early morning founder calls, eChai has been more than just a network for me; it’s been home base for ideas, impact, and inspiration. What started as a simple meetup years ago turned into a powerful movement, connecting founders, creators, and dreamers. I’ve had the privilege of seeing startups find product-market fit, marketers (like me) find unexpected collaborations, and most importantly, people finding their tribe. संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं – Let us move together, speak together. It’s not just a verse from the Rigveda — it’s how Jatin and the entire eChai community truly operate. We don’t just network, we grow together. Forever grateful to be a part of the eChai Effect.
Jaydip Parikh
Chief Everything Officer at Tej SolPro
"For me, eChai is a second home. I've been associated with it since the early days, when it was already setting a different tone for how startup communities could work. As a traditional business owner entering the new-age D2C space, eChai supported me in every direction. Over the years, it became my window to the startup world — and also gave me lifelong friends who continue to show up, for business and beyond."
Pankaj Bhimani
Founder, 58miles
eChai Partner Brands
eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner - working together to explore new ideas, open doors, and build momentum across the startup ecosystem.
