Starting a business can feel like sailing into uncharted waters—exciting yet daunting. As the founder of your venture, you’re likely familiar with the sobering statistics: nearly 90% of startups fail. But what if you could significantly improve those odds with the right support system?
Our Interview with Ravi Shankar, Executive Vice President of Networks at The Wadhwani Foundation, showed us how they revolutionized entrepreneurship across three continents. They recognized this critical need, developing comprehensive programs designed specifically to help entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Their data reveals a striking contrast—startups that receive proper incubation and mentorship dramatically increase their survival rates. This isn’t just about avoiding failure; it’s about creating sustainable growth and meaningful job creation across multiple sectors.
Consider the experience of founders who have leveraged such support systems. Through programs like Wadhwani’s Liftoff and Accelerate, entrepreneurs receive tailored guidance for developing compelling strategies and raising crucial funding. One participant noted, “It’s the most crucial time in the startup journey… Wadhwani Foundation has built this amazing ecosystem of services.” This sentiment echoes across thousands of entrepreneurs who found themselves navigating blind spots they didn’t even know existed.
The foundation’s approach is particularly valuable because it addresses the full spectrum of entrepreneurial needs. From igniting entrepreneurial mindsets in students through their NEN program to helping established small businesses scale through Advantage, they’ve created pathways that meet founders exactly where they are. Last year alone, they supported 2,500 founders in progressing their entrepreneurial journeys.
What makes this approach distinctive is its accessibility. The foundation operates on a self-serve model that doesn’t charge fees or take equity, removing common barriers to entry for many founders. Their network connects entrepreneurs not only with mentors but with fellow founders facing similar challenges, creating a community of support that extends beyond formal programming.
For you as a founder, the message is clear: surrounding yourself with the right ecosystem isn’t just helpful—it’s potentially the difference between becoming a statistic and building a thriving business that creates lasting value and meaningful employment opportunities. And you can leverage TapstartX’s strong rapport with WF to fast-track meaningful conversations.
