Three out of five graduating women co-founded start-ups received mentorship through NetApp ExcellerateHER, an initiative of the NetApp Excellerator programme.
Intelligent data infrastructure company, NetApp announced the graduation of five start-ups from the 12th cohort of its flagship accelerator programme, NetApp Excellerator at the demo day. Five data-driven deep tech start-ups: NEMA AI, Zeron, Chaos Genius, Kensu, and Blockfenders, pitched to investors, industry leaders, mentors, and NetApp leaders.
Cohort 12 start-ups focused on developing cutting-edge solutions in data management, neuroscience, and AI-based consumer insights.
"Through the cohorts we have seen an increase in the number of start-ups that are leveraging deep tech to offer data-centric and unique business solutions. The entrepreneurs exemplify the power of collaboration and perseverance in shaping the future of technology” said Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director at NetApp India. “This cohort also marks the graduation of 18 startups mentored under NetApp ExcellerateHER - an initiative that mentors start-ups with women founders to help them navigate specific challenges. Congratulations to all the participating startups, we applaud the innovative spirit and transformative ideas that have emerged.”
Three out of five graduating women co-founded start-ups received mentorship through NetApp ExcellerateHER, an initiative of the NetApp Excellerator programme aimed at supporting women-led start-ups. Over the last seven years, the company has mentored a total of 77 start-ups, including 29 global start-ups and 18 women-led start-ups. In the past five years, eight start-ups have had successful exits.
The alumni start-ups have collectively raised over $360 million – a testament to the success of the programme, NetApp added in a statement.
Launched in 2017, the NetApp Excellerator Programme has garnered recognition as one of the top five accelerator programs in India for corporate innovation, by NexTT Awards. The programme features a proof-of-concept (PoC) model that enables entrepreneurs to showcase the efficacy of their solutions in real-world scenarios.