T-Hub, India’s leading startup incubator, has announced a strategic partnership with the INSEAD National Alumni Association and INSEAD Angels India. This collaboration aims to provide early-stage industry agnostic startups within T-Hub’s ecosystem with consummate access to funding and mentorship from INSEAD Angels, fostering innovation and accelerating their growth trajectories and fuel India’s dynamic startup landscape.
The partnership between INSEAD National Alumni Association and T-Hub will curate a list of startups in need of Pre-Seed and Seed funding, with INSEAD Angels offering funding opportunities ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Along with mentorship support from industry experts and alumni, startups will gain access to networking opportunities like Pitch Days and Demo Days, boosting visibility and exposure within the global startup ecosystem.
T-Hub’s network of industry-leading entrepreneurs will benefit from INSEAD’s global reach, positioning them for sustainable growth and innovation. Together, these organizations will establish a robust foundation for startups to thrive, leveraging a support system centred around mentorship, funding, market access, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking about the partnership, Sujit Jagirdar, Interim CEO of T-Hub, said,“This partnership underscores our commitment to equipping startups with the critical resources they need to scale, innovate, and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By integrating INSEAD Angels into T-Hub’s vibrant ecosystem, we are bridging the gap between promising startups and a global network of investors, seasoned mentors, and industry pioneers. This collaboration not only empowers entrepreneurs to access funding and strategic guidance but also opens doors to invaluable global market insights and opportunities. Together, we are fostering a culture of innovation, nurturing transformative ideas, and driving sustainable growth that will further strengthen India’s position as a global startup hub.”
Reflecting on this collaboration, Sreekant Lanka, Chief Strategy Officer, Ministry of IT E&C, Government of Telangana, and an INSEAD alumnus, said: “Bringing INSEAD Angels to T-Hub was a natural alignment of shared values—entrepreneurship, innovation, and global expertise. This partnership strengthens Telangana’s position as a leading hub for startup innovation, providing local startups with access to global opportunities and resources to grow exponentially. It stands out for its focus on empowering startups with a combination of financial support and expert guidance. As INSEAD alumni have a proven track record of leadership in entrepreneurial ventures and investments, their involvement brings a unique depth of understanding to the challenges faced by early-stage startups.”
Highlighting the impact of this collaboration, Vivek Subramaniam, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Fourth Partner Energy (FPE), and President of INSEAD National Alumni Association, stated, “The INSEAD Alumni Association is thrilled to partner with T-Hub to nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Telangana. This symbiotic partnership has the potential to create unicorns from this city by leveraging the outstanding network of 2,500 INSEAD alums across the country.”
Akshat Birla, Founder and CEO of BharatNXT, and President of INSEAD Angels India, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Witnessing the vibrant ecosystem T-Hub has cultivated for startups in Telangana is truly inspiring. We are eager to leverage our network of angel investors to support the growth and vision of these promising ventures. This collaboration presents an immensely rewarding opportunity to give back to the community, and we are super excited to kickstart this partnership.”
The collaboration, currently set for an initial period of one year, is designed to be industry-agnostic and open-ended in its scope, ensuring that the startups in T-Hub’s ecosystem benefit from access to INSEAD’s vast global alumni network. Startups can expect mentorship from accomplished leaders across industries, market access, and strategic partnerships, which will be key to fostering innovation and scaling their businesses.
