Why VCs Can't Ignore Our State | Every District Have Startups | Kerala Hardware Startups #29

This YouTube video features an interview with Robin, a Kerala-based angel investor. He discusses the Kerala startup ecosystem, highlighting its growing potential despite challenges in securing funding. Robin emphasizes the increasing number of deep-tech startups in Kerala developing strong intellectual property, and advocates for a more collaborative and supportive ecosystem. He offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of networking, frugality, and continuous learning. Rob details his career path, highlighting his early involvement with Sandro, a voice-over IP startup, from its inception in 2004 to its acquisition by Broadsoft and Cisco. This showcases the typical lifecycle of a startup and the experiences gained. Rob describes his decision to start his own software services company in 2010, amidst Bangalore's nascent startup ecosystem, and his unexpected pivot towards healthcare-related startups. This illustrates the adaptability needed in entrepreneurship. Rob discusses the strategic considerations of securing funding, weighing the pros and cons of approaching angel investors versus institutional investors based on company stage and funding needs. Rob shares his insights on the differences between angel investors and institutional investors, emphasizing the varying levels of commitment and expectations from each type. This provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs seeking funding. Rob explains his decision to invest in Kerala startups, comparing it to other Tier-2 locations and highlighting the untapped potential he sees in the region despite challenges in securing external funding. Rob discusses the unique aspects of Kerala's startup ecosystem, emphasizing its potential for growth and the distinct characteristics that set it apart from other regions. Rob explains Kerala's startup mission and its investment policies, highlighting the state's commitment to fostering a robust startup ecosystem. This provides context to the Kerala startup landscape. Rob contrasts the startup landscape of Kerala with other regions, emphasizing the deep tech focus and the innovative work of Edj, a company developing cutting-edge AI chips. Rob highlights the success story of General Robotics, a Kerala-based startup that transitioned from a student project to a provider of solutions for over 75 Indian municipalities, showcasing the potential for growth and impact. Rob observes a significant shift in Kerala's startup scene, moving away from transaction-based businesses to a more pronounced focus on deep tech and intellectual property development. Rob discusses the factors contributing to Kerala's potential for exponential growth in its startup ecosystem, focusing on the need for a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Rob emphasizes the growing presence of deep tech startups in Kerala, highlighting the expertise in specific areas like drone technology, and its potential for attracting further investment. In 2010, when Robin started his software services company in Bangalore, the startup ecosystem was almost non-existent. He describes it as a time when there was little established infrastructure or support for startups.