US entrepreneur network Techstars forays into India

US-based worldwide entrepreneur network Techstars on Thursday forayed into India as a joint venture with ANSR, which builds and operates Global In-House Centres (GICs) for enterprises.

"The launch of Techstars will provide an impetus to the start-up ecosystem in India and make the country emerge as a dominant entrepreneurial network in the world over," ANSR Chief Executive Lalit Ahuja told reporters here.

The US-based ANSR, which is backed by global software major Infosys Ltd and American venture capital firm Accel Partners, also provides end-to-end solutions to enterprises across the GIC lifecycle.

"Our presence in India will give us access to its start-up and entrepreneur network and global enterprises, which have set up their captive centres," said Techstars Chief Executive David Brown.

Noting that India had huge growth potential, he said the government's thrust on entrepreneurship and innovation for productive outlets to the local talent was positive.

"It's heartening to see tech evangelists work with the government for building the digital infrastructure, which start-ups can leverage. India is on a tech, digital and start-up mission of sorts," said Brown.

Through its innovation arm, Kyron, ANSR operates start-up-led innovation programmes for its corporate partners, including Target, L-Brands, Lowes and Swiss Re.

Karnataka IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge, who was present on the occasion, said about 3,200 start-ups had registered with the state government during the last three months, testifying the state's position as the country's largest technology hub.

"As we are focused on building a structured ecosystem, collaboration by Techstars and ANSR will benefit all the stakeholders and strengthen the ecosystem," he added.

--IANS

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