TiE-ISB Connect is India’s most exciting annual networking event for entrepreneurs and investors. This year’s event was held on November 5-7, 2008 at the ISB. Organised by the Hyderabad Chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and the Wadhwani Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (WCED), TiE-ISB Connect enables aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage ventures, and growth-stage ventures to interact with potential investors, successful entrepreneurs, and mentors.

The first TiE-ISB Connect was held in 2005, when more than 500 VCs, academics and entrepreneurs got together on the ISB campus. The response to the event’s Business Plan Showcase was exceptional; more than 100 executive summaries were submitted, many of which were presented to a panel of eminent VCs, and later secured funding and/or invaluable guidance as a result of the event. The 2006 event was designed to benefit both entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in sunrise sectors, and young enterprises and entrepreneurs with ideas seeking support. Forty young enterprises were selected, and more than 150 entrepreneurs benefited directly from activities at the event. In 2007, the scope and magnitude of TiE-ISB Connect was scaled up considerably. There were separate discussion tracks on diverse sectors including Mobile Convergence, Life Sciences & Health Care, Security & Biometrics, Retail Industry, Real Estate & Infrastructure, and New Media & Entertainment. Both the Investor Pitch and Jumpstart your Venture sessions provided entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to craft, hone, and present their business plans to an audience of knowledgeable and influential members of the VC community.

TiE-ISB Connect 2008 introduced a unique theme – how to tap ‘The Next 800 Million Opportunity’ – and explored the vast business opportunity that lies beyond India’s well-known 300 million middle class population. The challenges involved in tapping into this large segment are vastly different, and in many senses it is unchartered territory. Yet, the opportunity is real and here.

A panel of economists, researchers, business leaders, and investors deliberated and explored the opportunities and challenges associated with this addressable market segment. It's the story of the 'Road Not Taken', and TiE-ISB Connect 2008 addressed and provided a broad insight into 'The Next 800 Million Opportunity'.

For more information on TiE-ISB Connect 2008 click here