Netcore Cloud launches $1 mn accelerator program for D2C start-ups in India

Netcore Cloud, a leading global MarTech and Customer Experience company, has announced the launch of its start-up acceleration program – ‘D2C Blaze’ – in partnership with Headstart Network Foundation and AIC-Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation. In line with its vision to help customers achieve their path to profitability, the 12-week growth accelerator program aims to provide focused guidance to select early-stage D2C start-ups and turbocharge their growth.

India, with its third-largest start-up ecosystem globally, sees countless innovative ventures emerge every year. Recognising this, Netcore’s D2C Blaze program specifically invites early-stage start-ups, offering them a platform to grow and thrive. Under the leadership of Nanda Kumar, who has a decade-long experience working intimately with start-ups, the program will run from October to December 2023. Tailored to foster start-ups with strong growth prospects, it will aid them in scaling effectively and carving out a robust brand identity.

Applications for the program are open until September 20, 2023. As a culmination, a demo day will be held where 30 select start-ups will spotlight their progress and innovations to a distinguished audience of potential investors, opening doors to prospective funding avenues and benefiting from a holistic experience. This includes access to essential platforms, mentorship from D2C industry stalwarts, networking opportunities, and a suite of technological tools to further their growth. Moreover, entrepreneurs will receive Netcore credits worth up to $30,000 along with an additional $3,500 for consulting and onboarding. Start-ups can also access Headstart Boosters up to Rs 5 crore from top companies like – Zoho, Razorpay, Notion, Canva, and many more.

Commenting on the initiative, Kalpit Jain, Group CEO, Netcore Cloud, said, “Indian start-ups have been increasingly making their mark globally, achieving new milestones year after year. And yet, early-stage start-ups often grapple with challenges such as securing funding, finding product-market fit, navigating intense competition, acquiring the right talent, and understanding complex regulations to name a few. Through the ‘D2C Blaze’ program, we intend to empower entrepreneurs in their early stages, steering them towards profitability.”

Vaniya Dangwal, Head of Partnerships at Headstart Network Foundation, commented, “Through our partnership with Netcore Cloud, we are working towards fostering innovation and propelling D2C start-ups toward unprecedented growth, and industry leadership. We aim to harness the collective potential of these brilliant minds and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to create sustainable success stories in the ever-evolving business landscape.”

The D2C Blaze program is designed to offer participants an unparalleled platform for growth. Short-listed start-ups will receive guidance from a distinguished group of mentors, including Avadhoot Revankar and Sudhaamshu M from Netcore Cloud and external brands like Sanil Sachar, Huddle; Arjun Vaidya, Co-Founder, V3 Ventures; and Deepak Krishnan, Ex-Myntra. Additionally, partners such as Plotch.ai, AIC-Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation, and Kerala Startup Mission, Innovation Mission Punjab, Sauce.VC, GetVantage, and more will extend their support to ensure concrete results.

Having played a pivotal role in Asia’s dotcom revolution, one of the few bootstrapped start-ups of the time, Netcore Cloud is renowned for nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit. A few months ago, Netcore’s founder Rajesh Jain launched his book, ‘Startup to Proficorn’, which acts as a guide for start-ups towards achieving profitability.