Transforming Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow: Inside Master’s Union’s Venture Initiation Programme

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about ideas—it’s about execution, perseverance, and navigating challenges. The Venture Initiation Programme (VIP) at Master’s Union captures this essence by creating an ecosystem where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn, build, and thrive. Anchored in the principle of “learning by doing,” the VIP is more than a curriculum—it’s a real-world entrepreneurial journey designed to empower students to transition seamlessly from the classroom to the competitive startup landscape.

Watch the video to hear from our PGP TBM Director how the VIP challenge transforms the experience of building a startup:

An Ecosystem Built for Founders

What makes the VIP truly unique is its ability to simulate the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. It’s not just about launching a business; it’s about fostering a startup ecosystem that embraces the diversity of ideas, industries, and challenges. Each student brings a unique context to the program, shaped by their vision and the hurdles they encounter along the way. From scaling tech platforms to creating sustainable consumer products, the VIP equips students with the tools to tackle these challenges head-on.

The Founders’ Fellowship: A Safety Net for Risk-Takers

Entrepreneurship often comes with financial uncertainty. Recognizing this, Master’s Union offers the Founders’ Fellowship, which provides student entrepreneurs with a stipend of ₹50,000 per month. This financial support allows them to focus entirely on building their startups without the immediate pressure of placements or financial instability.

For many students, this fellowship has been a game-changer, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their ventures while also managing the demands of academic life. Whether it’s funding prototyping costs or covering living expenses, the fellowship provides a much-needed cushion, encouraging students to take calculated risks.

The Four Stages of Startup Building

The VIP follows a structured yet flexible framework, guiding students through the critical stages of building a startup.

1. Pre-Seed Stage
   At this stage, students validate their ideas, diving deep into market research and consumer needs. They learn to question assumptions, identify gaps, and refine their concepts into viable business opportunities.

2. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
   Turning ideas into reality begins here. Students focus on building an MVP, a functional prototype that addresses core user needs. This stage teaches resourcefulness and agility as they balance limited resources with the need for functionality.

3. Go-To-Market (GTM):
   With their MVP in hand, students develop go-to-market strategies, exploring customer acquisition channels and positioning their products effectively. The program emphasizes practical learning, encouraging students to iterate based on real-world feedback.

4. Product-Market Fit (PMF):
   Achieving PMF is where the startup truly begins to take shape. Students refine their offerings based on user feedback, ensuring that their product meets a genuine market need. This stage is marked by constant iteration and validation.
   
   

Demo Day: A Platform for Growth

The VIP culminates in Demo Day, where students pitch their startups to a room filled with over 100 venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry leaders. It’s not just a presentation—it’s a launchpad for funding, partnerships, and industry exposure.

For many participants, Demo Day marks the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey in the real world, armed with confidence, mentorship, and tangible experience.

Here are some of the Top Campus Startups:

Hive School: India’s First MBA for Sales

Hive School is reimagining sales education by launching a B-school exclusively for sales. Founded by Nikhil Gaur, Simar Sekhri, and Prabal Monga, this institution focuses on equipping graduates with advanced skills in B2B SaaS sales, GTM strategies, and enterprise deal-making. With partnerships spanning 30+ companies like MongoDB and Gartner, Hive School aims to train 300+ sales leaders annually through its hybrid programmes. Their ultimate vision? Achieve ₹50 crore in revenue within five years while putting sales front and center in the business world.

PlaySuper: Monetizing Casual Gaming Through G-Commerce

PlaySuper, India’s first gaming commerce startup, bridges virtual play and real-world rewards. Founded by Masters’ Union alumni Upamanyu Chatterjee and Shouradeep Chakraborty, the company has secured $500K in funding and partnerships with 16 gaming studios and 109 brands. Their innovative SaaS plugin enhances player engagement and in-app purchases. Building on their past entrepreneurial successes, including scaling LectureNotes and CollegeShala, the team is now targeting Southeast Asia's gaming market, aiming for 100M monthly active users and $5M in ARR within three years.

Lexi’s: Redefining Gourmet Sandwiches

Lexi’s is elevating India’s food delivery landscape with its gourmet sandwich brand. Launched by Masters’ Union graduates Naveen Balaji, Rhea Melwani, Ayush Melwani, and Alex Francis Puthusserry, this startup combines culinary excellence with innovative delivery experiences. With ₹15 lakh in bootstrapped funding, the team leverages their extensive experience managing global F&B outlets to tap into the untapped sandwich category. Looking forward, Lexi’s plans to scale to 40 cloud kitchens, achieve ₹25 crore ARR, and establish sandwiches as a mainstay in India’s delivery market.

A Catalyst for Change

The Venture Initiation Programme isn’t just an academic initiative—it’s a movement. By lowering the barriers to entrepreneurship through financial support, mentorship, and real-world exposure, the VIP is shaping a new generation of founders. These students aren’t just building businesses—they’re building confidence, networks, and the foundation for long-term success.

The success stories emerging from the program are a testament to its impact, with students transforming ideas into ventures that are solving real-world problems. As India’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, programs like VIP will play a pivotal role in nurturing the leaders who will drive innovation and economic growth.

The Venture Initiation Program at Master’s Union is more than just an educational offering—it’s a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with the right support and guidance, no dream is too ambitious to achieve.

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