Baanhem Ventures has closed its second funding round for Startup Singam, enlisting Tamil Nadu’s most prominent business leaders—including Mr. Gopal Srinivasan (TVS Capital Funds), Mr. Girish Mathrubootham (Freshworks), and others—as advisors and investors.
This landmark collaboration aims to unlock capital, mentorship, and strategic growth for startup founders in metros, Tier-2, and Tier-3 towns, supporting Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial aspirations. With INR 100 crore in new commitments and 75 startups selected for Season 2, Startup Singam continues to elevate local innovation and empower ambitious new ventures.
A New Chapter for Startup Singam
The addition of eight leading industry figures to Startup Singam’s advisory board, alongside early investor and Chief Mentor Mr. Kumar Vembu, brings powerful experience and expansive networks to the platform. These advisors pledge not just investment but practical guidance, mentorship, and partnership opportunities for early and growth-stage startups statewide.
Founders Hemachandran and Balachandar of Baanhem Ventures stated this alliance would accelerate their mission of enabling startups with capital, governance, and deep connections, creating a powerful launchpad for Tamil Nadu’s future business leaders.
Scaling Impact Beyond the Show
Startup Singam’s inaugural season helped 35 startups secure over ₹40 crore in commitments, with ₹13 crore already disbursed to 15 companies across the state. The initiative brought entrepreneurial conversations into countless homes, boosted founder visibility, and led to rapid sales, customer adoption, and regional job creation. Supported sectors include agritech, healthtech, SaaS, and D2C—broadening the reach and relevance of the ecosystem and inspiring new waves of participation from both urban and rural locales.
Season 2: Raising the Bar for Innovation
For its second season, Startup Singam received over 2,000 applications but selected 75 promising ventures for its expanded 26-episode run. This season raises investor commitments to INR 100 crore, features participation by global financiers, and prioritises diversity in founder stories and sectors tackled. By making startup journeys visible and accessible, the programme seeks to nurture more inclusive growth and broaden the base for entrepreneurial success across every corner of Tamil Nadu.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Baanhem Ventures’ inclusive approach—combining investment with robust mentorship, partnership, and storytelling—champions the very values The Logical Indian stands for: kindness, harmony, and transformative dialogue in business. By building an open, supportive bridge between industry leaders and first-time founders, Startup Singam is igniting hope and aspiration within local communities and beyond.
In what ways can other states replicate this formula to cultivate their own ecosystems and inspire sustainable, community-minded entrepreneurship?
