On 13 October 2025, in a landmark moment for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ideabaaz – the country’s first integrated marketplace connecting start-ups and investors – was officially launched at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). Ideabaaz is more than a platform – it is a movement to democratise access to capital, mentorship and growth opportunities, especially for start-ups in Tier II and III cities. The marketplace will provide start-ups with access to investors and funding opportunities; professional services that include legal, accounting, digital marketing and GTM strategy; as also mentorship from industry leaders and innovators and transparent quarterly updates and tracking systems.
The platform is complemented by a first-of-its-kind entrepreneurial reality show that will air globally on Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV and stream worldwide on the digital entertainment platform Zee 5.
Speaking at the launch, Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, said, “NSE has always been a catalyst in India’s growth journey.” “By hosting the launch of Ideabaaz, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of the country. We look forward to the day when many start-ups born on this platform will stand here, ringing the bell as listed companies.”
The choice of NSE as the launchpad symbolises the journey that every startup aspires to take – growing from an idea into a listed enterprise that creates jobs, wealth and impact for the nation. The show will be hosted by actor Pratik Gandhi, now a household name with immense popularity across cinema, OTT and television. As the narrator and anchor of the journey, he will connect audiences to the dreams, struggles and triumphs of India’s startup ecosystem, ensuring the spirit of entrepreneurship resonates with millions across the country.
Inspiring to imagine
“India has always been a land of ideas, but what makes Ideabaaz unique is how it gives those ideas a stage and a real chance to grow,” says Gandhi. “For me, being part of this journey is more than just hosting a show – it’s about connecting with dreamers from every corner of the country and amplifying their voice. I believe Ideabaaz will inspire a generation to not only imagine big but also to make those dreams real.”
“As the pioneers of entertainment, we at ‘Z’ continue to believe in the unmatched power of culturally rooted storytelling that stems from the heart of Bharat,” adds Punit Goenka, CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises. “To further fuel the innovative spirit of our nation, we are leveraging the strength and reach of our linear and digital platforms to build scale and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by giving them a robust platform to showcase Bharat’s start-up economy.”
“Our mission is simple – to bridge the gap between start-ups and investors, while providing the tools and ecosystem support required to scale,” affirms Jeet Wagh, founder & CEO, Ideabaaz. “Ideabaaz is India’s apna start-up manch, where every dream has a chance to find its wings”.
“We are building an ecosystem that is inclusive, transparent and future-ready,” observes Mudith Kumar, co-founder & COO, Ideabaaz. “By combining capital access, mentorship, and visibility, Ideabaaz aims to fuel India’s start-up revolution”.
Meanwhile, the investing titans who will power the Ideabaaz journey include Rishabh Mariwala, managing partner, Sharrp Ventures; Anupam Bansal, executive director, Liberty Shoes; Shaili Chopra, founder, SheThePeople and Gytree; Arjun Vaidya, partner, V3 Ventures and founder, Dr. Vaidya’s; Archana Jahangir, general partner, Rukam Capital; Jimmy Mistry, CMD, Della group; Sandesh Sharda, serial investor and venture capitalist, Washington DC; Simran Mohapatra, partner, Turbo Start; Pawan Jaggi, founder, Genisys group & global director, Turbo Start; and Priyanka Salot, co-founder, The Sleep Company. Each of them brings deep expertise, resources and credibility.
Sabbas Joseph, Co-founder, Wizcraft & Mentor, Ideabaaz, said, “IdeaBaaz represents a movement to project India’s entrepreneurial spirit onto the global stage. As Bharat progresses towards Viksit Bharat and assumes its role as Vishwaguru, the next frontier is clear – to be recognised not merely as the world’s leading workforce, but as a nation of entrepreneurs whose ideas, enterprises, and foresight will shape the course of the global economy.”
“India’s start-up revolution is no longer confined to metros – it belongs to every young dreamer in every town and city,” sums up Raj Nayak, mentor, investor & chief curator, Ideabaaz. “With Ideabaaz, we are building an inclusive ecosystem that celebrates innovation, gives wings to ideas, and fuels India’s economy. This is not just a show, but a movement to make entrepreneurship part of our national culture”.
With IIT Madras as its knowledge partner and Turbo Start as a strategic partner, Ideabaaz is positioned to become the launchpad for India’s next wave of unicorns, job creators and change-makers.