- Cohort 11 takes the alumni tally to 72 startups in five years
- The startups raised a total funding of over USD 330Mn across 11 cohorts; successful exits by seven alumni startups
- 12 women-led B2B deep tech startups mentored under the NetApp ExcellerateHER initiative
Bengaluru, NFAPost: NetApp, a global cloud-led, data-centric software company, graduated six startups from the 11th cohort of its flagship NetApp Excellerator programme on the demo day event.
Six deep tech startups include Zluri, AppSenitels, RapL, PrivaSapien, Firefly, and Squadcast. These startups also pitched to investors, industry leaders, mentors, and NetApp leaders.
The event was graced by the presence of Indian ace Badminton coach and former player Pullela Gopichand, who is also an entrepreneur, a startup founder, and a mentor.
NetApp India Managing Director Ravi Chhabria said to act as a catalyst in the growth journeys of remarkable startups is undoubtedly a matter of pride.
“Increased interest from startups across the world, and investors is a clear indication of India’s growing relevance as a technology hub that meets global standards. Through the NetApp Excellerator, our aim is to create a thriving innovation ecosystem for deep tech-focused startups and help them accelerate their growth,” said NetApp India Managing Director Ravi Chhabria.
He also highlighted that together with these selected started NetApp is shaping the future of technology and driving progress at an unprecedented pace.
Cohort 11 saw an increased focus on startups developing cutting-edge solutions in the field of data security. At a time when security threats continue to pose significant risks to businesses and individuals alike, startups like PrivaSapien and AppSentinels provide solutions that mitigate these risks and safeguard sensitive information. These startups worked with NetApp mentors to refine their technology and go-to-market strategies, giving them an edge over their competitors.
Among the graduating startups, PrivaSapien was mentored under NetApp ExcellerateHER – an initiative of the NetApp Excellerator program that is dedicated to promoting women-led startups. Since its inception, NetApp ExcellerateHER has mentored 12 women-led startups operating in the B2B deep tech space.
Sharing his mentoring journey and startup success at the Demo Day graduation, Indian Badminton Player and Coach Pullela Gopichand said what he witnessed at the NetApp Excellerator Demo Day 11 will create a huge impact not only in the enterprise world but in all walks of life.
“When I began my entrepreneurial journey, the goal was simple – to redefine the opportunities available in the field of badminton, sports at large and fitness. I realised that technology can be capitalised on to make sports accessible to everyone, improve performances, and create new business models to aid sports,” said Indian Badminton Player and Coach Pullela Gopichand.
He also said now he believes that technology, like sports, is a great leveller. “I am very excited to be here with these startups, and witness them unlock new opportunities,” said Indian Badminton Player and Coach Pullela Gopichand.
A collective sum of over $330 million was raised in funding by different startups participating in the programme. Out of the $330 million total amount raised, $160 million was raised in the calendar year 2022 alone. A total of 72 deep tech startups have been mentored so far and 18 have engaged in proofs of concept (POCs), with NetApp’s backing in funding and technology support.
A programme with a truly global outlook, the NetApp Excellerator has graduated 24 startups based outside the country. POCs for AppSentinels and RapL have already been successfully implemented from the current cohort. In addition, seven startups have achieved successful exits, further showcasing the program’s success.
The NetApp Excellerator programme has been recognised as one of India’s top five accelerator programmes for corporate innovation by the NexTT Awards. Throughout the program, startups are matched with experienced senior technologists who serve as mentors, offering valuable guidance and expertise.
The programme is now accepting applications for its next cohort, which will focus on cloud, IoT, big data and analytics, machine learning, virtualization, data security, data management, and storage.
