“From Idea to Investment: Goa Startup Accelerator Programme Empowers Founders”

Before you sell a product, you have to sell the idea behind it. For anyone just starting out, that can be uncomfortable. Pitching your startup whether to investors, customers or any government body can feel nerve-racking. But it’s unavoidable. At some point, every founder has to explain what they’re building and why it matters.

Today, Goa’s startup ecosystem steadily grows, with 783-DPIIT registered startups. Many of these are led by young entrepreneurs bringing in the latest technology and fresh ideas. But having a good idea isn’t enough. Being able to explain it clearly often makes the difference between getting that funding or being forgotten.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri. Rohan Khaunte, has been working to strengthen the startup ecosystem, with a vision of positioning Goa as a hub for innovation, technology-driven entrepreneurship and job creation. Programmes such as the Goa Startup Accelerator (GSA), aim to equip founders not just with ideas, but with the skills needed to take those ideas to investors and markets.

At one of the sessions of the Goa Startup Accelerator Programme, held in March at the Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim. Startup founders were guided on how to condense their messaging into a one-minute pitch. Delivering the presentation, Apoorv Bamba, Founder and Director at Ingenious Faces, elaborated on the common mistakes made by even mature founders.

“Some of the common mistakes founders make include over-explaining product features, lacking clarity on their target customer or sounding like everyone else in the market. Sometimes, the ‘ask’ is not clearly defined. At other times, the differentiation is so weak that they sound just like everyone else. Startups need to remember that a pitch is not about sounding smart, but about sounding certain,” Apoorv highlighted.

The session also covered the seven-part structure of a strong pitch, which includes: a compelling hook, a clear definition of the target audience, the problem being solved, the solution being offered, the unique differentiation, the traction achieved so far and a clear ask from the investor. It was also emphasized that every pitch needs to be tailored. What works for a government programme may often not work for an investor. Founders must adapt their pitch depending on the listener, whether an angel investor, corporate entity, government body or customer.

Putting startups to the test, the session also had founders draft and present a one-minute elevator pitch. Among them was Roshan Naik, Founder at Diagopreutic Pvt. Ltd., who shared his experience post-event. “The pitching exercise sharpened my ability to communicate across disciplines and opened doors beyond the pitch itself. I walked away with meaningful connections in product design, IT and company strategy, perspectives that will directly shape how we build and position our solution. It also reinforced a key lesson that great science still needs a great story to reach the people who can help bring it to life,” he said.

“It was a great in-person experience for me. There was a big audience and a strict one-minute time to express your business idea concisely,” shared Vishwesh Bhat, Founder of SMD Power Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

With 25 years of experience in marketing and having worked with brands such as Coca-Cola and Unilever, Shane Roy is also one of the mentors for the Goa Startup Accelerator Programme, guiding founders in the current cohort. After observing the startups present their elevator pitches, he highlighted one of the most important facets of a good pitch.
“One of the most important things when it comes to your pitch is passion. You need to truly believe in the product or service you’re trying to sell. Only then can you market it effectively. Investors will take note of your level of passion. What’s important as a startup founder is your articulation of that belief,” Shane shared.

At the end of the day, pitching is about telling a story. Why did you start this? What problem bothered you enough to work on it? And how far are you willing to take it? A pitch needs to feel honest and grounded. Keep in mind that ‘clarity’ is a sign of respect for both the investors and your time. And remember, feedback isn’t rejection, it’s part of the journey to getting it right.