Start-ups ride on UberPitch

It’s often said that entrepreneurs just need a great idea. But coming up with an idea is just the beginning of creating something that goes on to become great.

The UberPITCH challenge enables anyone who aspires to be the next big sensation in the startup space to try pushing a button and getting a ride with a top Indian investor. Selected entrepreneurs will get seven minutes to pitch their idea on a ride with Uber — essentially an elevator pitch on wheels — and another seven minutes of feedback.

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Rachel Whetstone, Senior Vice President, Policy & Communications, Uber,  jointly open national call for UberPITCH applications – a challenge to bring out the best in the budding startup space in India.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman kicked off this year’s UberPitch challenge. Shortlisted entrepreneurs get to pitch their business ideas to investors and venture capitalists, during a specially organised Uber ride. With just a push of a button on their app, business hopefuls stand a chance of getting advice – and more – from top investors and venture capitalists. 3 UberPITCH finalists will feature among the top 10 startups that will be flown to the Silicon Valley to meet the leadership team at Uber as well as exchange notes with big-ticket investors.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, said, “We are highly supportive of initiatives like UberEXCHANGE & UberPITCH that strengthen the current start-up space through mentor led knowledge-sharing and enable entrepreneurs to realise their potential. I’m excited to see how public-private partnerships are helping catalyse conversations and investment opportunities for Indian start-ups, in pursuit of our vision around Start-Up India”

Speaking at the event Ms Rachel Whetstone, Senior Vice President, Communications and Policy, Uber: “I had an inspiring morning chatting with Indian women entrepreneurs who are coming up with great ideas and trying to solve hard problems. It was an honor to be able to share some of my experience with so many women who are clearly committed to making a difference. I’m pleased the UberEXCHANGE program is helping them unlock their potential.”