The Boardroom by Masters’ Union’s for Young Entrepreneurs & Strategic Thinkers

What does it take to evaluate a startup, craft a winning strategy, and convince investors that your vision is worth backing? That was the challenge Masters’ Union students faced during the Startup Weekend, where first-round admits of Cohort 6 stepped into the shoes of future entrepreneurs.

Guided by industry experts, mentors, and the Masters’ Union learning model, the two-day event wasn’t a mere competition. It was a real-world immersion into startup evaluation, go-to-market strategies, and investor pitching — skills that define the world’s best entrepreneurs in India and beyond.

A Weekend of Startup Building and Strategy

The Startup Weekend was structured as an intensive, team-based challenge designed to mimic the real-world pressures entrepreneurs face. Students had to select an early-stage, pre-seed startup (with funding under $5 million) and build a winning pitch deck. The objective was clear: sharpen critical thinking, strategic analysis, and presentation skills while receiving guidance from successful entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals.

Students not only learned how to evaluate business models but also understood the challenges faced by entrepreneurs when positioning a young company in competitive markets.

Learning from the programme:

1. Hands-on experience in startup evaluation and scaling strategies

2. Exposure to teamwork, ideation, and structured problem-solving

3. Opportunities to practice communication and persuasion skills

4. Guidance from industry experts who’ve navigated similar challenges

Day One: Virtual Foundations and Startup Selection

The journey began with 95 students tuning in virtually for expert-led masterclasses in startup building and go-to-market (GTM) strategy. The focus was on identifying market opportunities, evaluating business potential, and creating frameworks for growth.

Students formed teams of 6–8 and collaborated to select promising early-stage startups. With inputs from mentors, they refined their ideas and began laying the foundation for the final pitch presentation.

Lessons from the Foundation Stage

1. The importance of strong product-market fit in early ventures

2. Frameworks for analyzing GTM strategies in different industries

3. Collaborative decision-making within entrepreneurial teams

4. Early exposure to the entrepreneurial skills that define scalable businesses

Day Two: On-Campus Action and the Final Pitch

The excitement peaked when students gathered at the Masters’ Union Gurugram campus for a day of live learning and competitive pitching.

The day opened with two impactful masterclasses in the masterclass space:

1. Dr. Bhupesh Manoharan (Marketing Professor, Masters’ Union) shared deep insights into GTM strategies, dissecting how startups penetrate new markets and establish sustainable growth.

2. Saksham Kotiya (ex-VC and consultant) conducted a session on “Startup Building 101,” walking students through evaluation frameworks and strategies for positioning ventures effectively.

3. Armed with this knowledge, teams worked intensively to refine their pitch decks. They blended creativity with data-driven insights, demonstrating both innovation and strategic clarity.

The competition concluded with the top three teams presenting standout pitches. Their clarity of vision, innovative solutions, and structured strategies earned them accolades and cash prizes. The winners were felicitated by Pratham Mittal, Founder of Masters’ Union, underscoring the institution’s commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs.

Exclusivity from the On-Campus Experience

1. Practical exposure to high-stakes pitching and investor engagement

2. First-hand lessons on presenting under time pressure

3. Mentorship-driven improvements in deck-building and storytelling

4. Recognition for innovation, strategic clarity, and teamwork

Industry Experts Share Their Insights

The involvement of experts was a defining feature of the event. Their guidance helped students connect theory with practice and offered a realistic view of entrepreneurship in action.

Both masterclasses emphasized that building a startup requires much more than a bright idea. Founders must understand markets, adapt strategies, and cultivate resilience. The students learned that adaptability and strategic discipline are often what separate successful entrepreneurs from those who fail.

Insights from the Experts

1. GTM strategies must align with customer needs and cultural contexts

2. Strong leadership and team dynamics drive growth

3. Community and mentor networks can accelerate entrepreneurial journeys

4. Investor communication requires clarity, precision, and vision

Masters’ Union’s Learning Model in Action

The Startup Weekend reflected the very essence of the Masters’ Union learning model: hands-on, immersive, and guided by industry leaders. Unlike traditional classroom education, this approach ensures students don’t just study theory but actively practice entrepreneurship.

For Cohort 6 admits, this experience demonstrated what sets Masters’ Union apart: real-world application, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to simulate high-stakes decision-making.

Learning Outcomes from the Model

1. Understanding that entrepreneurship is a lived experience, not just a subject

2. Practical learning reinforced by structured mentorship

3. Confidence-building through direct application of skills

4. An introduction to the demanding yet rewarding journey of startup building

End Thoughts

For the students, Startup Weekend was more than just an event; it was the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. It showcased the challenges of entrepreneurship — from ideation to execution — and offered a safe yet competitive environment to practice critical skills.

With similar experiences awaiting them throughout their Masters’ Union journey, these future entrepreneurs are being prepared to enter the business world with confidence and capability.

The Road Ahead for Young Entrepreneurs

1. Continued exposure to industry leaders and practitioners

2. More opportunities to build, test, and scale entrepreneurial ideas

3. A dynamic ecosystem that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and adaptability

4. A network of mentors, peers, and alumni driving collective success

FAQs

Q1. What is the significance of Startup Weekend for students?

It provides students with real-world exposure to startup evaluation, strategy building, and investor pitching, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills.

Q2. How does the Masters’ Union learning model differ from traditional education?

It focuses on experiential learning, combining masterclasses with practical challenges that mirror real business scenarios.

Q3. What challenges faced by entrepreneurs were highlighted in the event?

Key challenges included market penetration, adapting to customer needs, and effectively managing investor expectations.

Q4. How do industry experts contribute to the program?

Experts offer real-world insights, frameworks, and mentorship, helping students connect theory with practical business challenges.

Q5. Why is team-based learning important for future entrepreneurs?

Teamwork mirrors the collaboration required in startups, teaching students how to align diverse skill sets toward a common goal.

Q6. What skills did students gain through Startup Weekend?

Students developed skills in strategy, pitching, negotiation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Q7. How does Masters’ Union prepare young entrepreneurs for the future?

Through hands-on events like Startup Weekend, networking opportunities, and mentorship, Masters’ Union builds practical skills and entrepreneurial confidence.