Invited Talk

Organized by:

Department of MBA in Association with Institution’s Innovation Council, St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous), Mysore

Date & Venue:

29th August 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
MBA & MCA Conference Hall

Resource Person:

Dr. M. Sriram
MBA, FCMA, M.Com, MPhil, PhD
Associate Professor – Finance
SDMIMD, Mysore

Program Overview:

The Department of MBA at St. Philomena’s College, in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council, conducted an insightful session on “Angel Investment / Venture Capital Funding Opportunity for Early Stage Entrepreneurs.” The program was designed to expose students and budding entrepreneurs to the critical role of alternative financing options like angel investment and venture capital in nurturing startups and fostering innovation.

The resource person, Dr. M. Sriram, a seasoned finance academician and practitioner, shared his expertise on how startups can access funding beyond traditional bank loans. He also provided practical guidance on preparing business models, pitching to investors, and understanding the expectations of venture capitalists and angel investors.

Key Learnings from the Session:

1. Understanding Angel Investment & Venture Capital
   • Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who invest in early-stage startups.
   • Venture capitalists are professional firms that provide larger funding in exchange for equity and active involvement in business strategy.
2. Stages of Startup Funding
   • Idea stage → Seed funding → Early-stage investment → Growth stage financing.
   • How entrepreneurs should plan their financial needs at each stage.
3. Investor Expectations
   • Importance of scalability, innovation, and sustainability in business models.
   • Need for strong leadership and management teams.
   • Return on investment (ROI) and exit strategies

Outcomes of the Session:

• Awareness Creation: Participants gained clarity about alternative funding opportunities apart from traditional loans.
• Practical Insights: Students learned the nuances of preparing for investment pitches and aligning their ideas with investor expectations.
• Skill Development: Enhanced knowledge of financial planning, valuation, and negotiation skills.
• Entrepreneurial Motivation: Encouraged young minds to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path with financial support available.