Start Right, Scale Fast
Idea Validation
ICP & PMF
GTM Strategy
Launch Ready
Investment Readiness
What is StartSmart
Whether you're starting out or already deep into the grind, we help you skip costly mistakes and wasted time. You gain clarity, confidence, and systems to move forward with purpose.
At the core of StartSmart is a collective of seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and AI specialists—people who've built and backed real businesses, and are here to help you do the same.
Unlike traditional accelerators or courses, we focus on the -1 to 0 phase—the messy, early stage where most founders get stuck. This is where structure, speed, and strategy matter most.
It's not about theory. It's about real progress:
- Building traction
- Preparing for investment
- Tapping into a network that speeds your journey from concept to market
Programs
60 days' -1 to 0 program for AI startup founders
What is the program About
- Comprehensive 60-day journey divided into 8 structured sprints, each building upon the previous to ensure a smooth progression from idea to launch.
- You will receive 1:1 guidance from mentors and operators who provide templates, tools, real-time support, and critical feedback.
- This hybrid program allows you to balance your startup journey with your full-time job, ensuring you can dedicate time to both without sacrificing progress.
Who is it For
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals with innovative ideas seeking validation and a clear path forward.
- Early-Stage Founders: Teams with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) looking to test and refine their market fit.
- Transitioning Professionals: Experts in their domains who want to turn their knowledge into scalable businesses.
- Founding Teams: Co-founders seeking alignment on vision, roles, and growth strategies.
What is the program About
- This is a fast-paced, hands-on startup bootcamp designed for college students who want to experience building like real founders. In just 2 days, students go from idea to prototype using proven frameworks guided by startup mentors who've built in the real world.
- They'll learn how to:
- Identify meaningful problems worth solving
- Validate ideas using lean startup methods
- Build MVPs and pitch like early-stage founders
- Understand what it takes to turn ideas into real ventures
Who is it For
- Students with Entrepreneurial Drive: Those curious about startups or already working on ideas
- Hackathon Participants & E-Cell Members: Builders looking to level up from projects to real products
- Institutions with Startup Culture: Colleges serious about fostering innovation, incubation, and practical exposure
- Campus Innovators Across Streams: For students across disciplines who think beyond the classroom and want to turn ideas into real-world entrepreneurial action.
Enablement Services
GTM Enablement
Craft and execute a GTM strategy that actually lands.
Key Points:
- Define ICP and sharpen positioning
- Build early traction channels (organic + outbound)
- Set up scalable lead-gen and sales processes
Strategic Partnership
Open doors that matter — from pilots to partnerships.
Key Points:
- Access warm intros to relevant corporates and accelerators
- Navigate sales cycles with expert support
- Explore early co-building opportunities with enterprise
Business Health Improvement
Optimize your startup’s foundation before you scale.
Key Points:
- Identify operational inefficiencies
- Build lean and resilient business processes
- Set up early-stage KPIs and tracking systems
Mentorship and Advisory
Get direct access to operators, not just advice.
Key Points:
- 1:1 mentoring with startup founders and GTM experts
- Deep dives on strategy, product-market fit, and fundraising
- Ongoing check-ins tailored to your journey
Brand Presence
You own the brand — we help you bring its face and story to life.
Key Points:
- Align your messaging with buyer psychology
- Develop founder-led storytelling and compelling pitch decks
- Create visual assets and a strong early digital presence
- Build the foundational documents essential for brand establishment
Investment and Fund-Raising
Prepare to pitch — and close.
Key Points:
- Build a credible investor narrative
- Get pitch-ready decks, models, and data rooms
- Warm introductions to early-stage VCs and angels
Meet Our Mentors
Savan Bellur
Startup Mentor & Advisor
Vineet Kotecha
Business Strategy Expert
Manu Kumar
Technology & Innovation Mentor
Ashish Dar
Product Development Advisor
Ravindra Jadhav
Market Strategy Consultant
Rajiv Mathew
Growth & Scaling Expert
Meet Our VC Partners
Mirai Ventures
