PANAJI
The State of Goa has been on the global map as the most favourite tourist destination, but lately, it has been found that investors too, look at Goa as an ideal place to work and live in. The State has much to offer, apart from its beautiful coastline, green hinterlands, rivers and hills. The professionals and those who wish to venture into start-ups, find Goa suitable to work, and holiday, both at the same time.
“Goa can be the most preferred start-up hub in the country. The cost of living is considerably lower in comparison to the metros, the quality of life is much better, and one is able to attain a sense of balance,” stated Tej Kapoor, partner at RZ Capital. Kapoor says he has witnessed unicorn founders wanting to move to Goa. Several established companies like 91 Springboard, have already made the shift to the coastal state. “The state is setting up new infrastructure in terms of an airport and better road connectivity. The future seems bright in Goa,” he added.
Anurag Agrawal, partner at Aavishkaar Capital agreed but added that a key ingredient to be able to scale up and grow is availability of skilled talent. Agrawal said, “While the state is attractive to start-ups and venture capitalists, one needs access to talent. There is a severe skilled talent shortage across the globe. Goa has a well-developed education system. It has the potential to develop a talent pool of skilled professionals. For that Goa needs to make the state attractive to talent so that it can be a hub.”
In the recently held Antha Prerna, a start up summit, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had mentioned that the State has a clear opportunity to emerge as a top start-up hub in the country and invited entrepreneurs, investors and innovators from across the country and beyond.
“We invite those who want to make Goa their base and place for their business options,” he had said and assured all efforts to make Goa the perfect ecosystem for start-ups.
Parixit Pai Fondekar, Founder of FIERCE Kitchens, India’s only culinary incubator articulated the potential the state has in the culinary industry, stating, “Goa is a tourist hub. The state has a vast skilled workforce in the hospitality sector, many of whom are working beyond the State. Now is an opportunity for some of them to return and start a venture of their own. Culinary as a business can start up from kitchens at home.”
Mahavir Pratap Sharma, former chairman, TiE India Angels and RAIN (Rajasthan Ang Innovators Network), claimed that for a start-up ecosystem to evolve and mature one needs government support, a policy in place and infrastructure including colleges, incubation centres etc as well as angel investors. Goa has all these three pillars in place.”
