Tetr College of Business launches $10 Million Fund to invest in early-stage student entrepreneurs
New Delhi, 17 October, 2024: Tetr College of Business, a first-of-its-kind global business school, has announced the launch of a $10 million fund called the ‘Tetr – Under 20’ that will be dedicated towards investing in student entrepreneurs. Led by Manoj Kohli (ex-SoftBank India Head), Viney Sawhney (Professor, Harvard University), Pratham Mittal (Founder Masters’ Union and Tetr), Nitin Gaur (Former Advisory Board Member, Stanford University), Mihir Mankad (Professor, Harvard University) and Debesh Sharma (Founder & CEO – MetaFora), the fund will invest in at least 20 innovative and exceptional ideas, with a sector-agnostic approach, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, sustainability, D2C, healthcare and more. In line with Tetr’s mission, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of business leaders and provide them with access to guidance and mentorship from industry veterans.
Students will have access to Tetr’s global network of incubation centers, offering expert mentorship, cutting-edge facilities, and valuable industry connections across various international campuses. A pitch day will be organized, allowing startups to pitch their ventures to venture capitalists and investors, creating opportunities for future funding and growth. Supported by a network of venture capitalists, founders, and industry leaders, the Tetr – Under 20 fund will offer comprehensive support across product development, marketing, talent acquisition, and regulatory guidance. Applications can be submitted by sending a pitch deck to [email protected].
The opportunity is open to all aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe who are aged 20 or under as of December 31, 2024. Applications will be evaluated based on the originality of ideas, market size/ growth potential, problem-solution fit, applicants’ dedication and passion, to name a few. Companies in their pre revenue stage (or) post revenue stages with an exceptional idea poised to transform industries are encouraged to apply. The investors in return will receive equity in the company in proportion to the amount of money they invest in a startup. A portion of the fund will be reserved exclusively for startups founded by Tetr’s students, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent from within.
“Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of a thriving economy, and Tetr’s fund recognizes the immense potential today’s young minds hold. Traditionally, VCs look for established businesses and teams with proven track records. For young entrepreneurs, however, we only look for passion, willingness to learn and adapt, and the ability to build and test their ideas with real users. There are many examples of successful entrepreneurs who started early and changed the world – think Mark Zuckerbeg, Bill Gates, or even closer to home, Peyush Bansal (LensKart). Tetr is poised to ignite a generation of such young minds in India,” said Manoj Kohli (ex-SoftBank India Head).
Pratham Mittal, Founder, Tetr College of Business said, “The next decade belongs to those who can harness AI, emerging technologies, and sustainability to solve our world’s most pressing challenges. We’re looking for young minds who see these as tools to reshape industries and create meaningful impact. When you combine the fearless innovation of youth with the transformative power of technology, the possibilities are limitless. Through Tetr – Under 20, we aim to back such minds – not just with the money, but with all the resources they need to turn that idea into a reality.”