For years, Kashmir’s startups have operated in isolation — bootstrapped, often overlooked, and largely invisible to India’s mainstream venture capital ecosystem.
That changed, at least briefly and significantly, during a recent Zoom call.
In a rare moment of direct engagement, veteran angel investor Naga Prakasam interacted with a group of Kashmiri entrepreneurs in a virtual pitch session organized by Startup Kashmir on July 28.
Prakasam — known for his early investments in impact-driven ventures like Uniphore, a voice AI company now valued at $2.5 billion — described the pitches as “authentic” and “solution-first.” He also committed to offering continued mentorship through a new startup cohort at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
Over ten promising startups, backed by Startup Kashmir, showcased their innovative business ideas during the session, marking a hopeful shift in the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
These startups represented a wide range of sectors, showcasing ideas rooted in local relevance, innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable impact.
“There’s real energy here,” said Naga Prakasam, praising the originality of the entrepreneurial spirit emerging from Kashmir.
“These aren’t recycled ideas — they’re built around local challenges, and that’s where genuine innovation begins.”
The initiative holds particular importance in a region that lacks formal venture capital presence, has very few incubators, and offers limited exposure for budding entrepreneurs.
While Kashmir’s 2018 startup policy aimed to support 500 ventures, fewer than 10% have managed to take off.
Now, with Prakasam’s involvement, selected startups will enter a structured growth pipeline — gaining access to expert mentorship, market connections, and funding visibility — resources that have long been out of reach for most founders in the Valley.
Startup Kashmir, a grassroots initiative led by Shahid Ansari and Khair Ull Nissa Shah, thanked Mr. Prakasam for his valuable insights and encouragement.
“It was a truly inspiring and transformational session for our startup community,” said Mr. Ansari. “We deeply appreciate Mr. Naga’s faith in the potential of Kashmiri youth.”
For many young entrepreneurs in Kashmir, who often feel compelled to leave the region for recognition, the message was clear:
Maybe you no longer have to go to Bengaluru or Mumbai to get noticed — someone is finally looking back. (Sources)
