Media releases

Women entrepreneurs changing lives

Published 19 October 2018

A home chef program helping reduce child hunger, wearable technology that detects diseases and an ethical vegan fashion brand are among 12 female-led startups from India that will be vying for funding in Sydney.

Concepts will be pitched at the 24 October Spark Festival tech entrepreneurs’ event as part of the City of Sydney-supported Virangana Bollywood-style pitch fest.

Named after a famous Indian warrior woman, the Virangana Project is a not-for-profit organisation that identifies and supports female entrepreneurs with ideas for business, products or services that have the potential to change lives in India and around the world.

The City’s $10,000 sponsorship for the event will help business founders pitch their concepts to potential investors, corporate sponsors and mentors, and open up new opportunities for local businesses to establish a foothold in the Indian economy.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City of Sydney is proud to support an event providing opportunities to help overcome the gender investment gap affecting women entrepreneurs all over the world, especially in India.

“The Virangana Project is creating a receptive environment where Indian women can connect with progressive Australian investors who want to encourage and empower them as entrepreneurs,” said the Lord Mayor.

“This event will also further Sydney’s global reputation for supporting innovation by fostering and creating new networks between the female startup communities in Australia and India.

“As well, local Sydney startups, businesses and investors will be able to learn more about doing business in India. This can only benefit local job creation and export opportunities.”

Daniel Fah, chairman of the Virangana Project, said the program brings together the Australian and Indian women’s startup communities.

“Our mission is to identify great startups in India that are either founded or run by women and bring them to Australia where they will have the opportunity to pitch their business to a select group of bankers, investors, fellow entrepreneurs and venture capital firms,” Mr Fah said.

“We’re looking for ideas that contribute to India, women’s issues and better relations between the Australian and Indian women’s startup communities.

“We aim to not only provide women in India with the opportunity for professional recognition and financial independence, but to also encourage mentoring among female entrepreneurs. With over 5,000 new startups registered in India last year alone, Australian investors need to put India on their radar if they are serious about finding innovative ideas that have the ability to scale globally.

“This is about creating an ongoing legacy of assistance and empowerment,” Mr Fah said

The Virangana Project will host a panel discussion on bridging the gap between Australian and Indian women’s start-up communities on Thursday 25 October at the Juanita Nielsen Community Centre. The event is part of the City of Sydney’s visiting entrepreneur program.

Information and bookings for The Virangana Bollywood-style Pitch Fest: eventbrite.com.au/e/the-virangana-bollywood-style-pitch-fest

Information and bookings for The Virangana Project panel discussion: eventbrite.com.au/e/the-next-generation-of-viranganas-bridging-the-startup-community-gap

For media inquiries or images, contact Belinda Wallis.
Phone mobile 0467 810 160 or email bwallis@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Anusha Muller.
Phone 0408 494 545 or email amuller@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au