GMG Venture Catalyst is a program run by volunteers as part of Garje Marathi Global, a non-profit organisation, committed to professional growth of Marathi and Maharashtrains around the world. The Venture Catalyst program helps early-stage startups achieve their full potential. It is aimed at fostering a robust ecosystem of founders and funders.
The GMG Venture Catalyst program was launched in 2024 by a group of passionate entrepreneurs and investors who wanted to create a more inclusive and diverse ecosystem for innovation. We believe that anyone with a great idea and a strong vision can make a positive impact on the world. We are here to help budding entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. In line with the charter of the parent organisation, we are interested in working with startup ventures that have at least one member of founding team who is:
- From Maharashtra OR
- Of Maharashtrian origin but based anywhere in the world OR
- Positively impacts the economy of the state of Maharashtra
Our Vision
We intend to offer a range of services and programs to nurture the startup ecosystem, including:
- Networking: We bring together a vibrant community of startup enthusiasts including founders, funders, and startup service providers. Through the formal and informal networking events, the attendees can expand their sphere of influence, discover new opportunities, form alliances and seek and provide help. We organise informational events, workshops and demo days where startups can showcase their product, learn from others, and network with potential collaborators.
- Mentorship: We connect entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who can guide them through the challenges and opportunities of building a successful venture. Our mentors are industry experts, serial entrepreneurs, and domain specialists who can offer valuable insights and feedback.
- Resources: We equip both the founders and investors with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive startup landscape. This includes knowledge-sharing sessions, how-to workshops, access to discounted products and services, and more.
- Funding: Through the demo day events, we provide an opportunity for qualified startups to present their company to interested investors who can leapfrog their journey. For the curated list of companies that pass our due diligence process can have access to our network of angel investors and venture capitalists.
Our Team
Our program is led by our co-chairs, Sonali Sambhus and Naresh Apte, who oversee the overall strategy and direction of GMG Venture Catalyst. They are supported by our pillar leads, who manage the different aspects of our program:
- Deal Flow: Led by Vish Kulkarni, the deal flow team is responsible for sourcing and screening the best startups to join our program. They evaluate the market potential, product fit, and team strength of each applicant.
- Due Diligence: Abhi Nadgir is in charge of the team conducting thorough and rigorous due diligence on the selected startups. They analyse the financials, technical, and legal aspects of each venture.
- Investor Engagement: Ajit Ketkar is the point of contact for our network of investors. His team facilitates the communication and relationship between the startups and the investors. They also organise investor induction and education events.
- Advisor Engagement: Anand Dalvi and his team are the liaison for our pool of mentors and advisors. The advisor engagement team matches the startups with the most suitable mentors and advisors based on their needs and goals. They also coordinate the mentorship sessions and feedback loops.
In addition to these program leaders, there are several startup volunteer enthusiasts that help make the program scalable and successful.
If you are interested in joining our program, please fill out the application form below. We accept applications on a rolling basis and we will get back to you within two weeks. We look forward to hearing from you!
If you are a startup: Apply to GMG Venture Catalyst
If you are an investor: Register as an Angel Investor
If you want to be part of our advisor network: Register as an Advisor
Send inquiries to: [email protected]
Disclaimer: GMG Venture Catalyst is a non-profit initiative, not a for-profit venture fund. It is just a platform for startup enthusiasts to come together and collaborate on world-changing ideas. It is not intended as a recommendation to invest in any particular startup or investment strategy that is discussed in any of the forums, events or platforms used as part of this initiative. Startup investments are highly risky and are not suitable to everyone. Investors must do their own due diligence before deciding to invest in any venture. GMG and GMG Venture Catalyst program expressly disclaim any authority over startups and investors in their decision making and will not be responsible for the outcomes from such investments.
