Vision Startups Accelerator gears up to host U.P’s biggest startup pitch showdown where angel investors and VCs will be judging the event for funding.
Lucknow: The entrepreneurial spirit in Uttar Pradesh is set to take center stage on May 3, 2025, as Vision Startups Accelerator presents the much-anticipated Startup Pitch Fest – U.P. 2025 Edition. Touted as the state’s largest startup pitching event, the fest is scheduled to take place at My Place Co-Working in Lucknow, bringing together founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem enablers under one roof.
The event, themed “Empowering Innovators, Amplifying Success,” promises a high-stakes platform where early-stage startups can present their ventures before a curated panel of investors, industry leaders, and mentors. Designed for startups with a minimum viable product (MVP), prototype, or app ready, the Pitch Fest is open for even unique ideas. The selection process involves a rigorous two-round format, beginning with auditions and screenings that will be held on the event day itself.
Startup showcase and investor interaction format
Startups shortlisted in Round 1 will proceed to Round 2, the final pitch round. The main segment will see founders present their solutions followed by a live Q&A session with the judging panel. This format is aimed at giving startups maximum visibility and offering investors deeper insights into the ideas presented.
Only startups with fundraising potential, a problem-solving product or service, and a strong founding team are eligible to participate. Through this initiative, Vision Startups Accelerator hopes to fuel growth in the startup landscape by helping ventures connect with the right network, receive mentorship, and even attract capital.
Why the event matters
The Pitch Fest promises to be more than just a startup event—it’s a vibrant hub for innovation and enterprise. Participants stand to gain not only the attention of active investors but also access to a powerful entrepreneurial ecosystem. Top-performing startups will be funded by angel investors and receive mentorship, recognition, and possible accelerator support. Certificates will be provided to each participant. Access to Vision Startups Accelerator’s growth programs will also be awarded.
In addition, early bird applicants will prove beneficial on the participation fee. However, the organizers have made it clear that all fees are non-refundable.
A powerhouse of mentors backing the vision
This year’s mentor lineup features some of the most distinguished names in the Indian startup ecosystem. Sudhanshu Rastogi, founder of Vision Startups Accelerator and an angel investor with experience in 32 startups and 8 exits, will lead the panel. Other key mentors include Sushank Arora, a D2C and e-commerce specialist and founder of Nyra Kitchenware; Dr. Vaibhav Tripathi, a funding and business strategy expert; and Saurabh Saha, a seasoned product management professional, he has consistently driven innovation across diverse sectors. As Senior Advisor in Punjab, he attracted a tech firm that created over 1500 jobs and introduced advanced tools to enhance productivity. At NASSCOM Futureskills Prime, he led initiatives that boosted conversion rates by 20%. He founded India’s first experiential school for product management and authored key publications in the field. With credentials from ISB, Stanford, and Purdue, his expertise spans AI, policy, and strategic product leadership.
Adding further depth to the mentor pool are Abhishek Tiwari, CEO of Venture Mozart and ex-KPMG advisor, and Amaresh Ojha, co-founder of Trovex.ai. The event will also feature Anurag Dhawan, CEO of DST iTBI PSIT Startup and Incubation Foundation, and Megha Misra, a marketing veteran with over two decades of experience. Other mentors include Deepika Kapoor, Tania Kundnani, and Dr. Snigdha Majumder—each of whom brings specialized experience in branding, marketing, digital media, and startup development.
Backing from key ecosystem partners and investors
The fest is supported by leading startup enablers and investment networks. Ecosystem partners include TIE Lucknow, StartinUp, and Starturge India Foundation. The investment lineup features the likes of Cogniphy, 5 Unicorn Angels LLP, Rapid Bloom Ventures LLP, and A S R Ventures Pvt Ltd.
Further backing the event are strategic associates such as Nyra Kitchenware, Propertiezzzz, and Sarc Portfolio Pvt Ltd. My Place Co-Working, the venue partner, is also home to some of the startups in Vision Startups Accelerator’s portfolio.
Showcasing success: A diverse startup portfolio
The event will also shine a spotlight on Vision Startups Accelerator’s diverse and expanding portfolio, which includes innovative ventures both within and outside Uttar Pradesh. The hugely regarded Accelerator boasts of a very diverse portfolio including ventures like Bioveda Agro Ventures, Keeros, EmptyBelly Foods, and Entreprenext Pvt Ltd alongside national brands like Beardo, Power Gummies, Redesign, and Zypp Electric.
Vision Startups Accelerator has played a pivotal role in nurturing startups like Hashtag Bazar, SS Maser Tech, and FunkFeet. Outside the state, the accelerator has supported ventures such as IGP Ltd., Impact Guru, Cusmat, and Supply Note, reinforcing its commitment to pan-India startup growth.
A step toward turning UP into a startup powerhouse
With Vision Startups Accelerator at the helm, the Startup Pitch Fest – U.P. 2025 Edition aims to catalyze the state’s startup scene by empowering founders, enabling investment, and promoting long-term growth. For young companies ready to scale and for investors seeking the next big thing, this could be the most important date in the UP startup calendar this year.
