In 2026, the startup ecosystem is shifting towards sharper focus, smarter capital, and stronger fundamentals. Startup 2026 is a curated platform by Venator Minds designed to decode how the ecosystem will evolve in the coming year—and how founders can position themselves for growth and funding.

Bringing together investors, industry experts, and ecosystem leaders, the event will spotlight:

• Sectors that will dominate 2026

• Changing investor expectations and capital deployment trends

• What founders should realistically expect from the investment diaspora

• How to align strategy, scale, and fundraising with the new market reality

Key Activities

• Panel Discussions

• Master Classes

• Live Pitching

• Open Networking

Who Should Participate?

• Founders

• Angel Investors

• Professionals

• Ecosystem Enablers

What Can You Expect?

Actionable insights, honest investor perspectives, hands-on learning, pitch exposure, and high-quality networking—all focused on preparing you for 2026.

Partners

We're glad to partner with CIE IIIT Hyderabad as our Knowledge Partner. Looking forward to having a meaningful day under the guidance of Ramesh Loganathan and Nirupa Vijaykumar.

Thank you Bee Echoo and Srikanth Raheja for being our Marketing Partners for the event.

Great conversations don't always need conference tables — sometimes they begin with a serve, a rally, and a good laugh.

Venator Minds is all set to host PicklePreneur – Pune Edition, a unique networking experience where 10+ Investors, 50+ Startup Founders, and Ecosystem Enablers connect and collaborate — this time, not in boardrooms, but on pickleball courts.

Why PicklePreneur?

Because the best connections happen when you're relaxed, present, and playing together. Whether you're here to rally, network, or simply enjoy the game — this is where startup culture meets sports culture.

Who Should Join?

• Investors

• Startup Founders

• Ecosystem Enablers

• Professionals looking to expand their network

What to Expect?

• Casual yet meaningful conversations

• Authentic networking in a refreshing environment

• A chance to connect beyond the pitch deck

• Fun, fitness, and founder community vibes

Pune, let's play and build together.

Great conversations don't always need conference tables — sometimes they begin with a serve, a rally, and a good laugh.

Venator Minds is all set to host PicklePreneur – Gurugram Edition, a unique networking experience where 10+ Investors, 50+ Startup Founders, and Ecosystem Enablers connect and collaborate — this time, not in boardrooms, but on pickleball courts.

Because when sport meets strategy, real relationships and fund-raise opportunities are created.

Breaking ice. Building businesses.

Who Should Join?

• Investors

• Startup Founders

• Ecosystem Enablers

• Professionals looking to expand their network

What to Expect?

• Casual yet meaningful conversations

• Authentic networking in a refreshing environment

• A chance to connect beyond the pitch deck

• Fun, fitness, and founder community vibes

• Real fundraising opportunities

Gurugram, let's play and build together.