Ali Hasan
Lucknow, April 25, 2025 – In a vibrant gathering of entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers, SMEStreet successfully launched the Lucknow Chapter of its Future Ready Forum, aimed at building grassroots-level support for MSMEs and startups in Uttar Pradesh. Held at the Navachar Incubation Center, Faculty of Architecture & Planning, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, the event brought together over 30 MSME stakeholders for an evening of insights, networking, and future-ready business strategies.
With the theme “Empowering Entrepreneurs – Enabling Growth, Funding & Global Reach,” the event focused on practical approaches to financial management, capital raising, and the role of technology in MSME transformation.
Faiz Askari, Founder of SMEStreet and the event’s moderator, emphasized:
“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.”
The session began with a formal announcement of the SMEStreet Lucknow Chapter, which will serve as a regional peer network facilitating growth-centric resources, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
One of the key highlights was a talk by Mr Deepak Maheshwari, Founder of DealPlexus, who introduced the Nandan Fund – a SEBI-approved Rs. 600 Cr equity fund designed specifically to support startups and SMEs.
“Access to structured equity capital is a game-changer. The Nandan Fund is committed to making capital accessible for credible, growth-oriented enterprises,” said Maheshwari.
In the next session, Mr. Hasan Yaqoob, Chairman, E-Commerce Council UP & Co-Chair, ASSOCHAM UP, discussed the crucial role of emerging technologies and AI in building globally competitive MSMEs:
“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.”
Adding a personal and regional touch, Mr. Amit Mishra, a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder of Dazeinfo, reflected on the evolving startup culture in Uttar Pradesh:
“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.”
The final session featured a panel discussion titled “Taking Local MSMEs Global: New Age Capital Raising Tools” with speakers including Mr. Monish Bhandari, Founder of SS Medical, Dr. S. Oberoi, CEO of Heritage Golf Club Resorts, Mr. Qais Mujeeb, Founder of Ascezen Consulting Pvt. Ltd (Digital Agency) and Lucknow Pulse, and moderated by Faiz Askari. The dialogue touched upon IPO readiness, institutional fundraising, fintech enablers, and digital branding.
“Startups today must look beyond debt. Equity, strategic partnerships, and market-linked instruments are the future,” noted Monish Bhandari.
Dr. S. Oberoi added, “Luxury and heritage-driven businesses also need innovative funding approaches. MSMEs must learn how to align with global capital narratives while retaining their core identity.”
Mr. Qais Mujeeb emphasized, “Digital marketing is the bridge to global audiences. MSMEs must leverage their unique value propositions through the right digital narratives to attract investors and buyers.”
The event concluded with a dynamic Open Mic session, allowing attendees to introduce their businesses and explore potential collaborations. Attendees were also onboarded to the SMEStreet Lucknow Chapter’s WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups for continued peer engagement and knowledge exchange.
Organizers & Partners:
The event was supported by DealPlexus, and co-organized by StartupTrak, with knowledge collaboration from Navachar Incubation Center, Lucknow Angels, and Faculty of Architecture & Planning, AKTU.
