Prominent Indian business leaders Nikhil Kamath and Kishore Biyani have announced the launch of The Foundery, a novel venture aimed at cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs. This initiative uniquely combines the functions of a school, an accelerator, and a venture studio to support early-stage startups. The Foundery is designed to provide a hands-on, immersive environment where aspiring founders can transform innovative ideas into investment-ready businesses.
A New Paradigm for Entrepreneurship
The Foundery positions itself as a departure from traditional incubators and academic programs, emphasizing practical, execution-led learning. Co-founder Nikhil Kamath noted that conventional education was built for a world that no longer exists, creating managers instead of builders. The program is therefore tailored for individuals who prefer to forge their own path rather than follow an established one.
This philosophy is central to the venture's mission, as articulated by co-founder Kishore Biyani, who described it as a "live business-building environment." He stressed that the goal is to forge founders through direct experience, allowing them to learn by creating, testing, and evolving. The focus remains firmly on practical application and resilience, moving beyond theoretical classroom instruction to foster genuine innovation.
Program Structure and Founder Incentives
At the core of the initiative is an intensive 90-day residential co-founder program designed for deep immersion. During this period, participants will collaborate closely with The Foundery's team and mentors to refine their concepts and validate market demand. The structured curriculum guides them through the critical stages of building a product and preparing it for market entry.
A key differentiator of the program is its compelling incentive structure, which aligns the interests of the founders and the venture. Selected individuals can retain a significant stake in their creations, with up to 25% equity in the businesses they help build. This model empowers participants by giving them substantial ownership over the ventures they develop from the ground up.
Upon successful completion of the program, ventures become eligible for substantial initial capital to fuel their growth. The Foundery offers seed funding of up to Rs 4 Crore (≈ $447,000), coupled with continued strategic support to navigate early-stage challenges. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where founders pitch their businesses to a curated network of investors to secure further funding.
Elite Mentorship and Holistic Development
Participants will gain invaluable access to a network of some of India’s most accomplished business minds. The mentorship panel includes industry stalwarts such as Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Titan Capital’s Kunal Bahl, and investor Haresh Shawla. This direct guidance from seasoned leaders is intended to provide strategic insights and help founders avoid common entrepreneurial pitfalls.
The selection process is designed to identify potential beyond traditional metrics, focusing on intrinsic qualities rather than formal qualifications. Applicants will undergo challenges and interviews that assess creativity, resilience, and a strong founder mindset. Furthermore, the program incorporates a unique "School of Life" track dedicated to addressing the psychological aspects and pressures of entrepreneurship.
The launch of The Foundery marks a significant and innovative addition to India's vibrant startup ecosystem. By blending mentorship, capital, and a unique hands-on building experience, the venture aims to fulfill its vision of forging exceptional entrepreneurs for India and the world. With applications now open nationwide, the initiative represents a promising new pathway for aspiring founders ready to build the future.