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In the vibrant corridors of Bharat Mandapam, where India’s brightest entrepreneurial minds converged for the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh, we had the privilege of connecting with Mahavir Pratap Sharma. As Chairman of RAIN, General Partner at Swishin Ventures, and the first Asian Chair of TiE Global, his presence added invaluable depth to the three-day innovation showcase.
The Power of Persistent Networking
“Finding the right mentor is a very difficult proposition,” Mr. Sharma acknowledged candidly during our conversation. His solution, however, was refreshingly practical: “If you meet people over and over again at multiple events, finally you see the synergies… and that’s when you find the right mentor.”
This perspective comes from someone whose journey has traversed from carpet exports to leading global entrepreneurial networks, offering a unique vantage point on building meaningful professional relationships.
Balancing Growth with Operations
For founding teams caught in the demanding whirlwind of building their ventures, Sharma offered strategic advice: “Building your business is priority,” he emphasized, before suggesting a tactical approach to networking. “Have two, three, four founders who can build, and one can come network.”
This balanced strategy ensures core operations continue uninterrupted while maintaining crucial external relationships—a challenge many startups struggle to address effectively.
Beyond Metropolitan Innovation
What sets Sharma apart is his commitment to discovering promising ventures beyond India’s major tech hubs. As a General Partner at Swishin Ventures, he primarily invests in Tier 2-3 cities, championing innovation in non-metropolitan India long before it became fashionable.
“The flavor of the day is AI…and Deep Tech,” he noted during his panel discussion at Startup Mahakumbh, highlighting how these technologies are revolutionizing India’s startup landscape across geographical boundaries.
The Digital Networking Alternative
The energy at Startup Mahakumbh was undeniably electric, with innovators showcasing groundbreaking solutions spanning agri-tech to drone technology. However, Sharma’s insights on consistent networking remain applicable even for entrepreneurs unable to attend such physical events.
Digital-first networking platforms like TapstartX aim to bridge this gap, offering founders access to verified enablers across various industries. These platforms create the “warm connects” Sharma emphasizes as crucial for entrepreneurial growth, particularly for startups operating outside major innovation hubs.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Throughout our interaction, Sharma’s remarkable ability to identify transformative opportunities before they become mainstream was evident—a skill that has defined his successful career spanning multiple ventures.
His forward-looking assessment of India’s innovation landscape, coupled with his practical advice on networking and mentorship, offered attendees a valuable roadmap for navigating the complex entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As Startup Mahakumbh concluded, Sharma’s parting wisdom resonated deeply: successful entrepreneurship isn’t just about breakthrough ideas—it’s about building the right relationships that transform those ideas into market-moving enterprises.
For the bustling crowd at Bharat Mandapam and founders across India, this perspective from one of the ecosystem’s most respected voices provided both inspiration and actionable guidance for their entrepreneurial journeys.
