Bangalore: HPE to tap enterprise-focused startups in India. The company has launched HPE Digital Catalyst Program in partnership with an angel investing platform LetsVenture.
HPE’s new initiative aims to identify, support, co-innovate and go to market with the next generation of digital disruptors in the Indian startup ecosystem.
India has the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world with over 50,000 startups across the country.
HPE’s program focused on partnering with enterprise-focused startups working in artificial intelligence (AI), DevSecOps, cybersecurity and the intelligent edge.
Under the program, HPE will work with a selected cohort of eight enterprise-focused, growth stage startups along three tracks:
- a. Technology – to explore technology partnerships through licensing agreements
- b. Go-to-market (GTM) – to explore joint solutions and GTM models to address the digitization challenges of enterprise customers
- c. Investment – to explore equity investments in longer-horizon technology startups through its Pathfinder program.
HPE teams will support the startups participating in this program. HPE’s distinguished technologists will offer technology mentoring and its sales leaders will mentor on market validation. Besides, HPE will extend support for rapid prototyping to build joint solutions and showcasing opportunities.
Startups aligned with HPE’s strategy will also have the opportunity to pitch to the HPE Pathfinder program for funding.
“At HPE, we have always been a believer in the power of partner ecosystems in driving innovation,” said Som Satsangi, MD HPE, India.
“The HPE Digital Catalyst Program is our effort to connect the path-breaking innovations ushered by India’s vibrant startup ecosystem with the digitisation needs of our enterprise customers,” added Satsangi.
“At LetsVenture our focus has always been to add value to the journey of startups not just with capital but by opening up meaningful networks,” said Shanti Mohan, Co-founder, LetsVenture.
“Partnering with the HPE Digital Catalyst Program will help create customer conversations for India’s best deep tech enterprise startups. It is bringing together capital, customer and community to founders,” added Satsangi.
The applications are now open and the last date for submission is September 18, 2020.