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Bridging the Mentorship Gap: Lessons for a Global Startup Ecosystem By Prakhar Mittal

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New Delhi [India] : In a career spanning over 15 years in digital transformation across global industries, I’ve witnessed the undeniable power of mentorship in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth. This has been particularly evident while observing India’s meteoric rise as the world’s third-largest startup hub, home to over 140,803 startups as of 30 June 2024, growing annually at 16-18%. However, amid this progress, a glaring gap persists—structured mentorship to guide budding entrepreneurs through the complexities of scaling and sustaining businesses.

Contrasting this with the U.S. ecosystem, which thrives on robust frameworks like SCORE—a pioneering organization mentoring small businesses since 1964—the difference is stark. SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), has been pivotal in shaping small businesses through its mentorship programs, workshops, and access to comprehensive resources. Intrigued by their mission, I joined the SCORE-greater Cincinnati chapter, as a certified mentor, aiming to contribute to this vibrant ecosystem, through a rigorous training and interview process.

The SCORE Experience: Rethinking Entrepreneurship

Engaging with SCORE has been an eye-opening journey. One of the most surprising revelations is the demographic shift among entrepreneurs. Approximately 80% of the founders I’ve mentored are over the age of 50, reflecting a growing trend of seasoned professionals leveraging their expertise to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions. This challenges the traditional narrative that startups are a young person’s game and underscores the inclusivity of the modern entrepreneurial landscape.

Why SCORE Works: A Blueprint for Startup Support

SCORE’s approach to empowering entrepreneurs is multidimensional, addressing every stage of business growth:

Personalized Mentorship: Tailored guidance from experienced professionals to address unique business challenges.

Workshops & Webinars: Covering diverse topics such as digital marketing, financial planning, and operational strategies.

Resource Libraries: Offering templates, tools, and step-by-step guides to streamline business operations.

This ecosystem, bolstered by SBA initiatives like loan programs, contracting assistance, and disaster relief, creates a supportive infrastructure for startups to innovate, scale, and sustain operations.

Reflections from IIMA: A Foundation for Strategic Mentorship

My formative years at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) provided a strong foundation for critical thinking and strategic problem-solving. These skills have been instrumental in my mentorship journey, allowing me to navigate entrepreneurs through complex challenges by blending theoretical insights with practical solutions.

India’s Startup Potential: The Path Forward

India’s startup ecosystem is brimming with potential. Government initiatives like Startup India have laid the groundwork, providing funding and policy support to foster entrepreneurship. However, the absence of structured mentorship programs like SCORE remains a significant roadblock. Establishing similar frameworks in India could enable experienced professionals to guide startups, ensuring innovation isn’t stifled by operational hurdles.

A Call to Action: Building a Culture of Mentorship

Mentorship is not only a catalyst for entrepreneurial success but alsol a cornerstone for long-term innovation and economic growth. My journey with SCORE has deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of guidance, not just for entrepreneurs but also for mentors who gain valuable insights from diverse perspectives.

As India continues to solidify its position as a global startup leader, integrating structured mentorship frameworks into the ecosystem will be crucial. By doing so, we can unlock new avenues of innovation, drive economic growth, and create a collaborative environment where startups thrive—not just survive.

For those curious to explore more perspectives on digital transformation, mentorship, and supply chain optimization, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn @prakharmittal22 , often share insights from my experiences and thoughts on driving innovation across industries. Also, read more articles like these, subscribe to our weekly newsletter at https://theprakharmittal.com

Let’s keep the conversation going.

 

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Zivame Launches First Franchise Store in Madurai and Announces Pan-India Expansion

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India’s intimatewear market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by rising expectations around quality, inclusivity, and convenience. At the forefront of this shift is Zivame — the country’s leading D2C intimatewear brand — reshaping how women discover, engage with, and purchase intimatewear. Through a seamless blend of digital innovation and an expanding retail footprint, Zivame is setting new standards in how intimatewear is experienced across the country.

 

Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 14 : Marking a key milestone in its growth journey, Zivame inaugurated its first-ever franchise store at Vishal De Mall, Madurai, Tamil Nadu , on 11th June 2025 — a strategic entry into one of the brand’s fastest-growing southern markets.

The grand launch event was inaugurated by the Chief guest – Rajarathinam Ilakovan, Director of Vishal De Mall, and witnessed the presence of Zivame CEO Lavanya Pachisia, Retail Head Jayendre Nath, and Brand Marketing Head Daman Bali, and an enthusiastic welcome from the local community. The store’s vibrant debut not only highlights Zivame’s strong foothold in South India but also signals the beginning of its next big leap.

At the launch of Zivame’s first-ever franchise store, CEO Lavanya Pachisia shared key insights into the brand’s growth journey and vision ahead. – “Since Zivame originated in Bengaluru, South India has always been a key market for us. Expanding through local franchise partners allows us to not only deepen our presence in the region but also better understand and cater to local preferences. It’s an important step in making the ‘Zivame experience’ more accessible and relevant to women across diverse communities.”

With a strong Pan-India retail presence already in place, Zivame is now scaling up its reach by deepening access to other emerging markets across the country. This strategic expansion brings the brand even closer to customers across metros, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities, complementing its robust online presence with an even more expansive offline footprint.

For potential franchisors and seasoned investors, Zivame’s franchise program offers a compelling business opportunity with strong brand equity, proven business model, and built-in operational support.

For franchise enquiries or if you’re an interested franchisor, write to Zivame at: partnership@zivame.com

Founded in 2011, Zivame has redefined the intimatewear category with deep consumer insight, innovation, technology, and trend-forward design — all anchored in women’s comfort. As of 2025, with a portfolio of 50,000+ styles across lingerie, sleepwear, shapewear, and activewear in over 100 sizes, Zivame has evolved beyond retail into a trusted destination for women across ages and geographies.

From launching India’s first online Fitcode to breakthrough campaigns like Museum of Boobs, Zivame has consistently stayed ahead of the curve. By combining tech-enabled solutions with deep consumer understanding, the brand has redefined how women experience intimate wear in India, creating one of the most influential fashion-retail ecosystems in the country.

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MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd. – Pioneering GFRP Rebars for a Stronger, Sustainable Tomorrow

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New Delhi [India], May 27: MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd. is India’s leading manufacturer and supplier of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Rebars, revolutionizing the construction industry with corrosion-free, lightweight, and high-strength reinforcement solutions.

About Us

Established as part of the Machine Retail Group (MRG) in 2007, our roots lie in advancing industrial technology across Russia and India. MRG Composites began GFRP Rebar production in 2007 and formally launched Indian operations in early 2019, led by visionary founders Neel Vaya, Bhavik Vaya, and Amit Gangurde. In just a few years, despite global challenges, MRG Composites India has grown to become the country’s largest manufacturer and supplier of GFRP Rebars, having executed 5000+ projects nationwide.

With over 18+ years of manufacturing expertise, we proudly call ourselves the Pioneers of GFRP Rebars in India the first company to bring this technology to commercial use in the Indian market.

 Why MRG GFRP Rebar?

MRG GFRP Rebar is redefining how India builds:

2x Stronger & 4x Lighter than conventional steel rebars

Non-Corrosive, ideal for coastal and aggressive environments

Thermally & Electrically Insulating, perfect for sensitive installations

Magnetic Neutrality, essential for high-tech and healthcare infrastructure

Cost-Effective Over Time, reducing maintenance and lifecycle costs

These features make GFRP Rebars the most economical and sustainable material for structural and road construction projects across India, the UAE, and East Africa.

Our Global Footprint

We operate from four international headquarters India, UAE, Kenya, and Russia and maintain a strong pan-India distribution network, enabling seamless supply and support to construction projects of all scales.

 

National Collaboration & Standards

As part of national development efforts, MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd. has been closely involved in forming GFRP standards in India. We work in collaboration with key government bodies including:

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)

Indian Roads Congress (IRC)

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH)

These efforts have culminated in the successful establishment of Indian GFRP standards:

IS 18255:2023, IS 18256:2023, and IRC 137:2022.

Our Commitment

With a monthly production capacity of over 200 metric tonnes, MRG Composites is committed to empowering India with long-lasting, maintenance-free, and environmentally responsible construction materials.

Join the Rebar Revolution

At MRG Composites, we believe that GFRP is not just a material it’s the future of construction. As we continue to lead this transformation, we invite you to be part of the journey towards a stronger, greener, and future-ready infrastructure.

MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd.

Address : Office No 601, Twin Star South Block,Near Nanamava Circle, 150 Feet Ring Road, Rajkot-360004

Mobile No. : +91 96 598 598 96

Email : india@mrg-composites.com

Web : www.mrg-composites.com

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/mrg_composites_india/?hl=en 

India’s most trusted and No.1 selling GFRP bars brand 

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‘FareArena’ by Zordo Promises Affordable Flight Bookings with Easy Access and Great Deals

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New Delhi [India], May 16 : Nowadays, with the pressure of a busy digital life, budget flights are the priority for tourists. Each day, thousands of people go to Google with questions such as “how to book inexpensive flights,” “where to find last-minute flight deals,” or “what is the best website to compare flight prices.” Many of these questions have an answer in the form of a dependable, cheap flight booking website that provides transparent pricing, simple comparisons, and hassle-free booking experiences. That’s where FareArena has consistently performed—and soon, it will be even better.

FareArena, the one-stop shop for searching and booking affordable airfare tickets, has recently been acquired by Zordo Technologies, a prominent player in travel and e-commerce solution innovation. This strategic takeover represents a milestone event for both companies and signifies a new chapter in ease of travel for tens of millions of users.

Travelers who are ever on the lookout for low-cost flights, cheap airfare, budget airlines, and last-minute travel offers understand the value of a reliable platform. FareArena has excelled by providing access to low-cost carriers, the lowest flight prices, and a simple flight comparison feature. Whether cheap international flights for your vacation fantasy or domestic flight offers for a spontaneous weekend getaway, FareArena has always delivered value through its robust search engine and 24/7 customer support.

Zordo Technologies’ FareArena increases the value of this already popular site. With Zordo’s technology-focused solutions and FareArena’s established strengths, customers can anticipate even greater flight booking experiences. From more intelligent comparisons of airfares and dynamic pricing to customized flight suggestions, Zordo is poised to turn FareArena into an even greater resource for travel savers.

This acquisition will also enhance FareArena’s visibility through combining it with Zordo’s travel ecosystem to allow customers to access more services—hotel reservations, insurance against travel, and trip planning resources—in one platform.

In conclusion, if you’ve ever typed “best site to book cheap flights online” or “flight ticket deals near me” into your browser, FareArena, now powered by Zordo Technologies, is your answer. This merger is not just a business deal—it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to travel smarter, cheaper, and with complete peace of mind.

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