In a vibrant gathering of entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers, SMEStreet successfully launched the Lucknow Chapter of its Future Ready Forum, aimed at building grassroots-level support for MSMEs and startups in Uttar Pradesh. Held at the Navachar Incubation Center, Faculty of Architecture & Planning, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, the event brought together over 30 MSME stakeholders for an evening of insights, networking, and future-ready business strategies.
With the theme “Empowering Entrepreneurs – Enabling Growth, Funding & Global Reach,” the event focused on practical approaches to financial management, capital raising, and the role of technology in MSME transformation.
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Faiz Askari, Founder of SMEStreet and the event’s moderator, emphasized,
“Lucknow has a vibrant and fast-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through this Chapter, we aim to offer practical knowledge and a strong community to help MSMEs scale up.”
The session began with a formal announcement of the SMEStreet Lucknow Chapter, which will serve as a regional peer network facilitating growth-centric resources, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
One of the key highlights was a talk by Shri Deepak Maheshwari, Founder of DealPlexus. He explained how Dealplexus and its vast network of finance professionals across india is playing an important role in supporting companies from Angel funding to IPO situations . He also introduced the Nandan Fund – a SEBI-approved Rs. 600 Cr growth fund designed specifically to support startups and SMEs. Dealplexus is one of the co sponsors of the fund . This fund is geared to support the growth capital needs of companies with both debt and equity based on the requirement of each company.
“Access to structured capital with hand holding support is a game-changer. The Nandan Fund is committed to making capital accessible for credible, growth-oriented enterprises,” said Mr. Maheshwari during his keynote.
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The next session featured Mr. Hasan Yaqoob, Chairman, E-Commerce Council UP & Co-Chair, ASSOCHAM UP, who discussed the crucial role of emerging technologies and AI in building globally competitive MSMEs:
“Technology is not just a tool anymore—it’s a business strategy. MSMEs in UP must now integrate AI and digital frameworks to compete globally.”
Adding a personal and regional touch, Mr. Amit Mishra, a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder of Dazeinfo, reflected on the evolving startup culture in Uttar Pradesh:
“UP’s youth and Tier-II city founders are brimming with ambition. The state is ready to produce national-level startups if guided with the right mentorship and capital frameworks.”
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The final session featured a high-powered panel discussion titled “Taking Local MSMEs Global: New Age Capital Raising Tools”, moderated by Faiz Askari. The panelists included Mr. Monish Bhandari, Founder of SS Medical, Dr. S. Oberoi, CEO of Heritage Golf Club Resorts, Mr. Qais Mujeeb, Founder of Ascezen Consulting Pvt. Ltd. and Lucknow Pulse, and Mr. Deepak Maheshwari, Founder of DealPlexus.
This session explored key capital access strategies for MSMEs, from IPO readiness to digital outreach and hybrid funding models.
“Through both the Nandan Fund and the Jindigi Live Fund which is focussed on early stage startups , we are offering MSMEs a unique mix of debt and equity-based support. These are tailored instruments to meet real business needs to help drive scale and create shareholder value .. said Deepak Maheshwari during the discussion.
“Startups today must look beyond debt. Equity, strategic partnerships, and market-linked instruments are the future,” added Monish Bhandari.
Dr. S. Oberoi remarked, “Luxury and heritage-driven businesses also need innovative funding approaches. MSMEs must align with global capital narratives while retaining their identity.”
Qais Mujeeb highlighted, “Digital marketing is the bridge to global audiences. MSMEs must leverage their unique value propositions through the right digital narratives to attract investors and buyers.”
The event concluded with a dynamic Open Mic session, allowing attendees to introduce their businesses and explore potential collaborations. Attendees were also onboarded to the SMEStreet Lucknow Chapter’s WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups for continued peer engagement and knowledge exchange.
Organizers & Partners:
The event was supported by DealPlexus, and co-organized by Startup Trak, with knowledge collaboration from Navachar Incubation Center, Lucknow Angels, and Faculty of Architecture & Planning, AKTU.