Lucknow – On a lively spring evening brimming with ambition and entrepreneurial energy, the city of Nawabs added another feather to its cap: SMEStreet officially launched the Lucknow Chapter of its Future Ready Forum, igniting a fresh wave of support for MSMEs and startups across Uttar Pradesh.
The launch event, held at the Navachar Incubation Center within the Faculty of Architecture & Planning at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), wasn’t just another business gathering. It was a convergence of minds, momentum, and mission. More than 30 MSME stakeholders came together—founders, innovators, mentors, and ecosystem drivers—to share stories, strategies, and scalable visions.
A Vision for the Future
With the resonating theme, “Empowering Entrepreneurs – Enabling Growth, Funding & Global Reach,” the evening aimed straight at the heart of MSME transformation: capital access, tech integration, and sustainable growth.
Opening the event, Faiz Askari, Founder of SMEStreet and the evening’s moderator, underscored the platform’s mission:
“Lucknow has a vibrant and fast-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through this Chapter, we aim to offer practical knowledge and a strong community to help MSMEs scale up.”
And just like that, with applause and enthusiasm, the SMEStreet Lucknow Chapter was born—a regional peer network committed to nurturing mentorship, business insights, and growth-focused opportunities.
Funding the Dream: The Nandan Fund
One of the evening’s pivotal moments came when Deepak Maheshwari, Founder of DealPlexus, introduced the audience to a potential game-changer—The Nandan Fund. This SEBI-approved Rs. 600 crore equity fund is tailored for startups and SMEs ready to take the leap toward scale.
“Access to structured equity capital is a game-changer,” Maheshwari said. “The Nandan Fund is committed to making capital accessible for credible, growth-oriented enterprises.”
The Tech Imperative
Taking the stage next was Hasan Yaqoob, Chairman of the E-Commerce Council UP and Co-Chair of ASSOCHAM UP. He didn’t mince words on the rising role of tech in business:
“Technology is not just a tool anymore – it’s a business strategy. MSMEs in UP must now integrate AI and digital frameworks to compete globally.”
Voices from the Ground: Startups in Tier-II India
Amit Mishra, founder of Dazeinfo and a seasoned entrepreneur, brought a heartfelt perspective from the state’s bustling startup trenches.
“UP’s youth and Tier-II city founders are brimming with ambition. The state is ready to produce national-level startups if guided with the right mentorship and capital frameworks.”
Panel Power: Going Global with Local Strength
Capping off the sessions was a high-octane panel discussion titled “Taking Local MSMEs Global: New Age Capital Raising Tools”, moderated by Faiz Askari. The panel included:
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Monish Bhandari, Founder, SS Medical
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Dr. S. Oberoi, CEO, Heritage Golf Club Resorts
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Qais Mujeeb, Founder, Ascezen Consulting Pvt. Ltd & Lucknow Pulse
Each brought a unique lens—from medical exports to luxury tourism and digital branding—yet shared a common belief in innovation-led, investor-friendly strategies.
“Startups today must look beyond debt. Equity, strategic partnerships, and market-linked instruments are the future,” said Monish Bhandari.
“Luxury and heritage-driven businesses also need innovative funding approaches,” added Dr. Oberoi. “MSMEs must learn how to align with global capital narratives while retaining their core identity.”
“Digital marketing is the bridge to global audiences,” Qais Mujeeb noted. “MSMEs must leverage their unique value propositions through the right digital narratives.”
Community and Collaboration: The Heartbeat of Growth
In a fitting finale, the evening unfolded into an Open Mic session where participants shared their entrepreneurial journeys, pitched ideas, and explored synergies. New bonds were formed as attendees joined the SMEStreet Lucknow Chapter’s WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups—setting the foundation for sustained community engagement.
Powered by Partnerships
The event was co-organized by StartupTrak and supported by DealPlexus, with knowledge partners including Navachar Incubation Center, Lucknow Angels, and Faculty of Architecture & Planning, AKTU.
As the lights dimmed on the Navachar stage, the energy lingered—a new chapter had begun, not just for SMEStreet, but for every MSME in Uttar Pradesh looking toward a future shaped by capital, community, and courage.
