MAY 20248ince FY23 the startup ecosystem has been anticipating a steady growth in terms of revenue. India is in its 7th year of `Startup India Initiative'. From then onwards, we are witnessing the staggering growth of startup ecosystem through the National Startup Report. The National Startup Report 2022, has showed a remarkable upstick with 7x increase in the number of incubators, 9x increase in the number of investors, and an awful 15x increase in the total funding for startups.Technology is the most vital driving force which initiated the significant growth of startups and encouraged millions of young visionaries not only from the Tier-I cities of India but from remote areas as well. The Startup India Hub is actively working with more than 6 lac individuals, which has generated more than 1 million job opportunities. This magical thriving momentum of startup ecosystem of India has drawn attention of many investors, industrialists and gradually it has been attracting the attention of Bollywood stars.The propelling growth of Indian startups has clearly showed that, Indian business hub is no longer led by elite business school graduates, but unique innovations even from the remotest corner say it all.Bollywood Wave in StartupsAddressing the lucrative side of startup ecosystem, multiple celebrities have invested in Indian startups. According to the data of startup intelligence platform Inc42, by the end of FY23, 19 glamorous & magnificent stars of Bollywood have parked their capital in 26 startups so far. Not only they are investing, even they are weaving new web of innovation and hitting the startup industry with their newly launched products. Few notable investors of startup from Bollywood include Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Sradhha Kapoor and more. According to Traxcn, Indian celebrities have turned angel investor for uplifting the startup ecosystem. The startups based out of Bengaluru and Mumbai showed the highest record of attracting Indian celebs. They are targeting the startups which are offering products & services in B2C and D2C channels. Baby footsteps of Bollywood Celebrities in Startups Ecosystem Making a Sea Change. Bollywood celebrities not only invested in the startup ecosystem but, they have embraced the role of entrepreneurship with an enthusiasm.In this article I have picked few highly admired startups led by Bollywood celebrities. Let's delve into it to know more.Brand Name: Ed-a-MammaFounder: Alia BhattIndustry: ApparelThis is a kid and maternity wear brand which was established by Student of The Year famed Alia Bhatt. The brand was founded in 2020 as apparel brand targeting the age group of 2-12 years. Initially it started as online shopping brand as an omnichannel model, but later they started their offline outlets. Last year, the brand included the maternity wear section in their collection along with the fashion wear for infants and toddlers. The brand gained popularity for their premium quality of material and ecofriendly initiatives such as minimizing the use of plastic buttons, repurposing waste fabric for hair-ties. The brand Ed-a-Mamma's immense affection for nature is significant through the introduction of seedballs with each garment which can encourage kids and parents to interact them to participate in building a green future. In September 2023, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) has acquired 51 percent stake in the startups.SC COLUMNSPERFECT MARRIAGE OF BOLLYWOOD & STARTUPS: A GOLDEN ERA OF INNOVATION & EVOLUTION
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