9Unicorns, a fund that helps startups grow, is having its fifth Global Demo Day, called DDay 5, on April 24, 2024. This time, the startups in their program, along with Venture Catalysts, are aiming to get $110 million in funding. The event will be online, covering different time zones: the US and North America, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Middle East.
In the past, DDay events have been successful, with over 70 companies raising more than $472 million. Many of these companies also received additional funding from big investors and family offices.
9Unicorns Hosts Flagship Global Demo Day
9Unicorns, a Mumbai-based accelerator fund, is gearing up for its flagship event, the Global Demo Day. Over 20 startups from various sectors like ecommerce, energy, SaaS, fintech, and more will pitch their ideas to over 1,500 global investors. Founded by Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Anil Jain, Anuj Golecha, and Gaurav Jain, 9Unicorns has invested in promising startups like ShipRocket, Videoverse, Blusmart, and others, aiming to support first-time founders and seasoned entrepreneurs in building successful ventures.
Selection Process for Startups for DDay 5
Startups attending the fifth edition of DDay have to meet strict criteria. They need to show they’ve grown their revenue by 4 to 12 times in the last year or so and have a solid fit between their product and the market.
At this edition, startups will pitch to investors worldwide and connect with experienced people in angel investing and venture capital. They’ll also get mentoring from successful unicorn founders, executives, and industry experts to help them grow faster.
Opportunities for Startups at Fifth Global Demo Day
DDay events offer startups a chance to connect with investors worldwide and showcase their products. This exposure helps them attract more funding for their growth. Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Managing Director of 9Unicorns, expects a positive response from investors in the upcoming fifth edition.
On average, participating companies have already raised about $3 million and are aiming for $110 million more. These startups are making a difference by supporting small businesses, promoting financial inclusion, and reducing energy consumption.
Insights from DDay Events
Previous editions of DDay have been a hit, with over 70 startups raising a whopping $472 million collectively. More than 56 startups secured additional funding from global investors, and over 60 startups saw growth rounds, attracting over 3,200 unique investors.
According to Dr. Sharma from 9Unicorns, DDays are fantastic opportunities for startups to connect with investors worldwide, gain exposure, and secure further funding. With the fifth edition approaching, they anticipate a positive investor response.
9Unicorns is part of Venture Catalysts (VCats), India’s largest incubator and angel fund, supporting over 400 companies since 2016, including big names like OYO Rooms and BharatPe. DDay events are vital for early and growth-stage startups to secure funding, with a rigorous selection process focusing on track records and growth potential. These events ensure startups get global exposure and graduate as successful ventures. During DDay 4, startups pitched to 1,500 global and Indian investors, showcasing promising progress from companies like Vested Finance and LegalPay.
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