The second phase of the NSTP and the US Embassy’s Rising Stars Startup Competition, with Draper University as Knowledge Partner, has concluded on a high note. Participants benefited from a series of enriching training sessions led by esteemed experts from Silicon Valley. Teams have now been shortlisted for the next round of the competition.
Entrepreneur Empowerment – Insights from Silicon Valley
The training sessions held during the second phase of the Rising Stars Startup Competition proved transformative for the participating startup founders. Led by Silicon Valley experts, the sessions covered crucial topics like business modeling, target audience identification, fundraising, and digital marketing. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, the founders gained invaluable insights and skills. Talha Masood, Co-founder of Remotebase, along with Kieran White, Co-founder of Return, Zahid Lalani, and Shante Frazier, were among the trainers who provided guidance and shared practical insights, enabling the founders to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and unlock their full potential.
The sessions provided a deep understanding of entrepreneurship, allowing the founders to refine their business models, develop robust marketing strategies, and foster a growth mindset. The Silicon Valley experts shared real-world examples and best practices, empowering the founders to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. As a result, the startup founders acquired the knowledge and tools necessary to accelerate the growth and success of their ventures, contributing to the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan.
After a stint with the Draper University, selection board comprising industry experts was held by NSTP where pitches of the startup founders were evaluated – leading to the shortlisting of teams for the semi-final phase of the Rising Stars Startup Competition. In the next stage, 48 teams will compete and attend final trainings and workshops along with industry visits that will further groom the startup founders. The top performers from this stage will advance to the national level, where they will vie for the prize money.
