Besides creating a lot of buzz in the Indian entrepreneurial circles, the summer edition of Headstart promises to build smooth runways for start-ups to take-off successfully. We explore what's in store!

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
--Mark Twain (American humorist, writer and lecturer)

There is no denying that starting-up is the most crucial of entrepreneurial journeys. But the challenges that hitherto seemed daunting have begun to be manageable with initiatives like Headstart.in acting as catalysts, and enabling the entrepreneurial eco-system in the country to thrive.

According to Amit Singh, one of the key organisers, Headstart Network (www.headstart.in), the agenda of the third edition of the Headstart Summer, on the 20th of June at Mumbai's Nehru Centre, includes not only showcasing 20 of India's most innovative start-ups, but also connecting them with the other important elements/players in the eco-system. These include leading angel investment firms, seasoned entrepreneurs, those aspiring to launch start-ups and media groups, to name a few.

Apart from offering a bunch of interesting opportunities to start-ups, the collaborative model of the event will attract angels and venture capitalists, who also get an opportunity to network with some of the best start-up teams and work on prospective tie-ups.

"We closely observe the challenges that impede the entrepreneurial journey of most start-ups and try to create a supportive eco-system where people develop and evolve, learning from one another." --Amit Singh, one of the key organisers, Headstart.in

The January 2009 edition of Headstart was attended by over 1000 people, drawing the participation of many leading venture capital and angel investment firms, apart from start-up teams. This year, however, the aim of the organisers is to take the event to the next level by introducing a new format that focuses entirely on start-ups and companies with new products. Singh reveals, "Instead of having the usual format of general panel discussions, the discussions will revolve around the companies being showcased. These could be early stage companies, the ones in pursuit of customers, and even those that are making profits and wanting to scale."

The Headstart network, which is actively pursuing the agenda of fostering the entrepreneurial spirit amidst young innovators across India, has already organised over 80 events in the last one-and-a-half years, says Singh.

"We closely observe the challenges that impede the entrepreneurial journey of most start-ups and try to create a supportive eco-system where people develop and evolve, learning from one another," he adds.

For more on Headstart Summer, keep watching this space!