Speaking about the association, Vani Kola, MD Kalaari Capital said, “Google is one of the most admired technology companies by entrepreneurs. Google’s various programs to invest into the startup ecosystem are noteworthy. We applaud Google’s efforts to make it easy for startups to leverage their extensive global resources. We are pleased that Kstart companies will be able to benefit from Google for continuous learning, scaling and access their key technologies and mentors”.
The identified start-ups will benefit from mentoring by Google managers, access to invite-only beta products and Google credits for cloud infrastructure, ads and product support.
Google will open its network of partners, mentors, investors and experts in Silicon Valley and other global locations. Local connections with business partners, PR support and regional venture capital fund connections are also a core component of this partnership. Google will also select a few Kstart portfolio companies for grants of up to USD 50,000.
Commenting on the partnership, Sunil Rao Country Head, Strategic Partner Development, VCs and Start-ups, Google India said, “Google is excited to partner with the Kstart team and I can see a lot of synergy between what each one of us is bringing to the table. Google will bring its global expertise of working with start-ups and mentor them across areas such as Product management, best practices in UI and UX , bring the start-ups up to speed in terms of latest in technology and help in growth hacking . Kstart team will play a big role in hosting the incubate companies by providing world class infrastructure, access to funds, legal and marketing help which the early stage start-ups can benefit immensely. Indian start-up ecosystem is exploding and we will continue to partner and accelerate the growth in India with meaningful synergetic partnerships like the one with the Kstart team”.
