. This novel initiative has already garnered funding commitment to the tune of Rs. 200 crore
from reputed entrepreneurs, and angel investors
.To be broadcast on a premier TV channel, this show will host the pitches of 50 finalists
per season, who will be selected by an eminent jury
Chennai, November 24, 2023
Thiru. T.M. Anbarasan, Hon’ble Minister for MSME, launched ‘Startup Tamizha’, Tamil Nadu’s first
Business Pitch Reality TV show, which aims to identify 50 promising startups from across the state and to
facilitate funding for their ventures from reputed entrepreneurs, and angel investors.
Startup Tamizha has already generated a funding commitment to the tune of Rs. 200 crore from reputed
entrepreneurs and angel investors. Refex Group has committed to invest Rs. 100 crore, while Dr.
Velumani of Thyrocare and Pontaq are investing Rs. 50 crore and Rs. 25 crore respectively. Besides,
Native Lead Angels is bringing in Rs. 10 crore – and the rest comes from other investors.
A novel initiative of StartupTN, the Government of Tamil Nadu’s nodal agency for Startup and
innovation, the show will have three seasons. The first season is set to go into production by February
2024, and will be telecast on a popular Tamil TV channel. The show will be produced and managed by
Brand Avatar, Blue Koi, and Refex Capital.
The launch event witnessed the special addresses by Tmt. Archana Patnaik, I.A.S., Secretary to
Government, MSME Department, Mr. V. Arun Roy, I.A.S., Secretary to Government, Industries
Department, and Mr. V. Vishnu, I.A.S., MD & CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu. Thiru. Sivarajah
Ramanathan, Mission Director & CEO, StartupTN, set the tone for the initiative and the event. Dr. A.
Velumani, Founder, Thyrocare, delivered the keynote address. Among the dignitaries who took part in
the event were Mr. Hemachandran L., Founder & CEO, Brand Avatar, Mr. Balachandar R., Founder,
Blue Koi, and Mr. Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, Group CEO, Refex Group.
Commenting about the initiative, Mr. Sivarajah Ramanathan said, “Startup Thamizha exemplifies the
collective commitment of the Tamil Nadu Government through StartupTN in fostering a thriving startup
ecosystem, fostering economic growth and realising the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision for a prosperous
Tamil Nadu. A pioneering initiative, the Startup Thamizha platform aims to augment a conducive
ecosystem for grassroots level, impact, and women entrepreneurship and to bring together founders,
investors, mentors and support system partners for a synergised growth.”
Aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in being a part of this transformative journey can
visit www.startupthamizha.tv and register their names. The applying startups will undergo a rigorous
five-stage screening process, engaging industry experts, investors and key ecosystem members. From
this pool, 50 startups will be shortlisted, each poised for mentorship and training on presenting their
ideas on mainstream television to primetime audiences.
