Hyderabad: "One may have a vision of the goal, but he will never know how and when he could reach the ultimate destination. Along with honesty and hard work, entrepreneurs should inculcate the quality of perseverance to overcome the tough times and challenges, which actually create opportunities," said Dr.Krishna Tanuku, Executive Director, Wadhwani Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (WCED).

While addressing in the inaugural ceremony of the TiE-ISB Connect '08, an annual networking event for entrepreneurs and investors held on November 5th to 7th at the Indian School of Business (ISB) campus in Hyderabad, he reiterated, "Entrepreneurship is a strict discipline". TiE-ISB Connect, an event, which enables interaction of aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage ventures, and growth-stage ventures with potential investors, successful entrepreneurs and mentors was organized by TiE, Hyderabad Chapter and the WCED, ISB.

This year's edition of the event had an interesting theme called 'The Next 800 million Opportunity'. The vast Indian populations, which are still not a part of the urbanization, present a large business opportunity, much beyond the 300 million middle class segment, often talked about. The challenges to reach out and tap into the large market segment are vastly different and daunting in comparison to the currently addressed market segment. "It is an unchartered territory in many senses. Yet, the opportunity is real and here. It's the story of the "Road Not Taken," said JA Chowdary, President, TiE- Hyderabad.

Speaking on the importance of the theme, Ajith Rangnekar, Deputy Dean, ISB said that the future potential of building rural enterprise in India to contribute to the economy is vast. "Investing in unchartered territories and discovering the rural consumer appetite will encourage inclusive growth and bind the nation's economy stronger than before," he added.

The guests of honour on this occasion were Dr. J Geetha Reddy, Industries Minister, Government of AP and M. Veerappa Moily, Chairman, Administrative Reform Commission gave diverse insights on the topic 'Wealth creation and inclusive growth' and various governmental initiatives to build infrastructure and boost access to quality education and healthcare that are vital for developing economy.

The three-day event kick started with 'Jumpstart Your Venture', a workshop that had eminent speakers and Industry veterans like Sashi Reddi, Chairman, Applabs, Amit Kishore Prasad of Satnav, Sateesh Andra of DFJ ventures. Dr.Shantanu Paul welcomed the participants and announced winners of this year�s business plan showcase.

Content Syndicate, Metromela, Anaxee, Swingwind, Banfib, and Samarthi business solutions were the six winners in the competition, who will receive incubation support from Sun. The next two days of the event featured keynote speeches and panel discussions by eminent economists, researchers, business leaders and investors from various sectors on new and emerging trends.