There is a bit of ‘incubator bubble’ in India and while more incubators translate to a better startup ecosystem (hopefully), newly launched “The Hatch”incubator is a combination of startup accelerator plus business incubator.
The Hatch has been founded by Anupama Arya, Puneet Vatsayan (cofounders of Mobera systems) and P. K. Gulati in collaboration & support from Arvat Foundation and has created a mentor panel comprising of over 50 entrepreneurs, investors and senior professionals.
The incubator has announced two programmes that will accelerate chances of success of high-potential startups.
– Startup Accelerator Program: Improving the chances of success of shortlisted startups
The Hatch Startup Accelerator Program is designed to provide shortlisted startups on-going assistance including deep-engaged mentoring, access to capital, and assistance in accessing customers through the global network of The Hatch’s mentor panel. Up to 25 high-potential startups will be shortlisted for the Startup Accelerator Program.
– FastTrack5: Helping shortlisted startups achieve scale and target global markets
FastTrack5 is a program to provide resource-intensive support to significantly scale-up up to 5 high-potential startups that will be shortlisted by panel of investors. The program is designed to assist shortlisted startups achieve scale and take their product/services to global markets. Shortlisted startups will receive funding, deep-engaged mentoring, introductions to potential customers and showcase at high-profile events.
In essence, the incubator is trying to “be everything” (right from providing office space to operational guidance to funding help/support services) for startups, which surely sounds good on paper. But from my past experience of ‘do-all’ incubators, the challenge for them has been to stay relevant as anything more than ‘affordable real estate’.
“The Hatch” is surely an interesting incubator to watch out for.
Do you think its time we have ‘vertical/industry focused’ incubators. i.e. those who bring industry specific hands-on mentors, as opposed to “strategy gurus” or “motivational speakers” that currently are seen at most of the incubators/startup accelerators?
Also see: AngelPrime–An Incubator From Sanjay Swamy (ex-mChek) and Snapfish Cofounders, Bala and Shripati
