Event Name: Raising and managing investment in a startup	Event Date: 10.08.2024
Faculty Coordinators: Mr. Sachin Sinha	Event Timings: 10:30 AM
Number of Participants: 76	Venue: Lloyd Business School, Greater Noida

Objectives:

The primary objectives of Diksharambh 2.0, the orientation ceremony of the PGDM program at Lloyd Business School, were to welcome the incoming batch of students and to introduce them to the academic environment, values, and expectations of the institution. The event aimed to help students understand the structure of the PGDM programme and prepare them for the professional journey ahead. Another major objective was to provide early exposure to entrepreneurship and real-world business challenges by inviting an esteemed industry expert, Mr. Gaurav Arora, Head of Investor Relations and M&A at Car Dekho. Through his session on “Raising and Managing Investment in a Startup,” the event sought to inspire students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, understand the dynamics of startup funding, and prepare themselves for the evolving business landscape.

Detailed Report:

Diksharambh 2.0, the official orientation ceremony for the PGDM batch of 2024–26, was held on August 10th, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Lloyd Business School. The event began with a warm welcome by the faculty and programme coordinators, who introduced students to the institutional mission, academic culture, and the support systems designed to guide them throughout their PGDM journey. Students were briefed on the curriculum, specializations, assessments, and the resources available for academic and professional growth.

The highlight of the event was the expert session conducted by Mr. Gaurav Arora, Head of Investor Relations and M&A at Car Dekho. His session focused on the theme “Raising and Managing Investment in a Startup.” With extensive experience in entrepreneurship, mergers & acquisitions, and investment strategy, Mr. Arora shared valuable insights into the rapidly changing world of startups. He explained the importance of financial planning, investor relationships, business scalability, and strategic decision-making for early-stage ventures.

Mr. Arora discussed key stages of startup funding, including seed investment, venture capital, and angel funding, helping students understand how entrepreneurs raise capital and manage investor expectations. He elaborated on the challenges founders face in securing funding and emphasized the significance of building a strong business model, value proposition, and market understanding. Using real-life examples and industry experiences, he helped students connect theoretical entrepreneurship concepts with practical realities. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students asked questions related to startup development, funding mechanisms, and investment management, making the discussion engaging and deeply informative.

Learning Outcomes:

The orientation event provided several impactful learning outcomes for the students. They gained a clear understanding of the PGDM programme structure and institutional expectations, helping them begin their academic journey with clarity and confidence. The session by Mr. Arora enhanced their understanding of entrepreneurship, especially the processes and challenges involved in raising and managing investment for startups. Students learned about key funding stages, investor relations, business planning, financial structuring, and the mindset required to build a successful venture.

The event motivated students to think like entrepreneurs—encouraging them to embrace innovation, take calculated risks, and explore opportunities within the startup ecosystem. They also gained exposure to real-world investment strategies and current trends in the Indian startup landscape. Additionally, students strengthened their communication skills, analytical thinking, and ability to connect with industry experts, which are crucial for their future careers.

Prepared by:

Mr. Gaurav Arora