Kolkata, September 15, 2024: The entrepreneurial ecosystem of India witnessed a groundbreaking event with the official launch of Utthan ’24: Rise of First-Gen Entrepreneurs, marking the debut of the First Generation Entrepreneurs Club (FGEC). This transformative event, held at Princeton Club, Kolkata, gathered over 150 first-generation entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry leaders under one roof, showcasing the untapped potential of first-generation entrepreneurs in India and beyond.
Utthan ’24 was not just another conference—it was the birth of a movement to empower the pioneers of India’s startup ecosystem. With innovation, networking, and inspiring talks at its core, this event set the stage for FGEC’s mission: creating an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for first-generation entrepreneurs. FGEC promises to be the catalyst that bridges the gap between ambition and success, offering resources, mentorship, and connections to help entrepreneurs navigate the often complex business landscape.
“First-generation entrepreneurs make up a large part of the startup ecosystem, yet they often struggle with navigating the complexities of business. At FGEC, our aim is to bring them together under one community, where they can find the support and guidance they need to succeed. We want to be their voice and help smooth the way for newcomers, making their journey less challenging.”
– Sandip Joadder, Co-Founder, FGEC
Manas Protim Mondal, another co-founder, FGEC says, “We’re not just thinking about Bengal or India– our approach is global. FGEC aims to bring all first-generation entrepreneurs from around the world onto a single platform. Our expansion plans start with the Middle East.”
The show-stealing talk show brought together a panel of industry experts, including – Subhashis Dutt, Founder and General Secretary, Bengal Business Council; Avelo Roy, MD, Kolkata Ventures, Suraj Juneja, Founder and Chief Ideator, Free Flow Ventures; Harsh Bihani, Director, Merlin Group; Ayush Gupta, Founding Member, Bengal Entrepreneurs Ecosystem; Raghav Pareekh, Zonal Team Member, Vyapaar Zone; Dr. Amitabha Gupta, Dean Corporate Relations, Swami Vivekananda Institute of Science and Technology.
“We are trying to use AI, ML, and Data Science to create a quick-commerce platform that will make entrepreneurs’ lives hassle-free. Our goal is to give them easy access to everything they need—from VC funds to government schemes, co-working spaces to co-living arrangements, and from legal to accounting services.”
– Arijit Hajra, Co-Founder, FGEC
“Our community is not just another virtual WhatsApp group. We are a vibrant and engaged community with monthly meetups, expos, pitch fests, and fun networking activities.” says, Sourav Joarder, co-founder, FGEC.
The Utthan ’24 event was packed with high-energy activities designed to inspire and engage the attendees. It featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship.
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The launch of Utthan’24 and the First Generation Entrepreneurs Club is just the beginning of a much larger movement to support and empower first-generation entrepreneurs across the globe. With its strong community and forward-thinking initiatives, FGEC is set to be a game-changer in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
