Startup Singam, Tamil Nadu’s first startup reality show, is set to captivate audiences with its innovative format and an esteemed panel of judges. This blog post delves into the Startup Singam judges, exploring their backgrounds and expertise. These industry leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of Tamil Nadu.
Inspired by the popular Shark Tank format, Startup Singam aims to showcase the region’s most promising startups. Aspiring entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas to the Startup Singam judges, seeking valuable feedback and potential investments. The tamil version of Shark Tank will be telecast on Vijay Television. The show not only entertains but also educates viewers about the intricacies of the startup world.
Meet the Startup Singam Judges
| Name | Company |
|---|---|
| Keerthy Suresh | Film Industry |
| Suresh Ramanujam | Metis |
| Sriram Sankaran | Native lead |
| Prem Barthasarathy | Pontaq |
| Ajesh Saklecha | JITO JIIF |
| Sathish Ganesan | IN44 Capital |
| Alex Pavan | UAE Tamil Investor |
| Nirmal Jain | JITO JIIF |
| Anand Gupta | Magnifiq Capital Trust |
| Dr. Gurushankar | Meenakshi Mission Hospital |
| Vedha Arun | Native Lead |
| Shailesh Haran | JITO JIIF |
| Surendra Golecha | JITO JIIF |
| Aravind Solamalai Pitchai | Angel Network |
| Sanjay Sethiya | JITO JIIF |
Keerthy Suresh
Renowned film actress Keerthy Suresh joins as a celebrity investor, bringing star power and business acumen. She’s already invested in E-Sandhai platform, showcasing her commitment to supporting innovative startups.
Suresh Ramanujam
Suresh Ramanujam, CEO and Founder of Metis, brings a wealth of experience in family business management. With over 25 years in the field, he advises business families on wealth, legacy, and growth strategies. His insights will be invaluable to contestants navigating family-owned enterprises.
Sriram Sankaran
As a Director at Nativelead, Sriram Sankaran boasts an impressive portfolio spanning real estate, logistics, and angel investing. His diverse background enables him to offer Startup Singam participants a broad perspective on various business models and growth strategies.
Prem Barthasarathy
Prem Barthasarathy, Managing Partner at Pontaq, specializes in cross-border innovation and technology transfer. His expertise in connecting startups with international markets will be a game-changer for contestants eyeing global expansion.
Ajesh Saklecha
Ajesh Saklecha, Honorary Investment at JITO JIIF, brings a unique perspective to the Startup Singam judges’ panel. His experience in evaluating and nurturing early-stage startups will prove crucial in identifying promising ventures on the show.
Sathish Ganesan
As a Partner at IN44 Capital, Sathish Ganesan possesses deep knowledge of venture capital and startup ecosystems. His expertise will help contestants understand the intricacies of fundraising and scaling their businesses effectively.
Alex Pavan
Representing the UAE Tamil Angel Network, Alex brings international perspective and connections. His insights will be valuable for startups looking to expand beyond Indian borders.
Nirmal Jain
As part of JITO JIIF, Nirmal offers expertise in identifying promising investment opportunities. His experience will help contestants refine their pitches and business models.
Anand Gupta
From Magnifiq Capital Trust, Anand brings deep knowledge of capital management. His advice will be crucial for startups seeking to optimize their financial strategies.
Sr. Gurushankar
Representing Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Sr. Gurushankar offers unique insights into healthcare entrepreneurship. His perspective will be invaluable for health-tech startups.
Vedha Arun
Part of the Native Lead Angel Network, Vedha focuses on nurturing local talent. Her guidance will be especially beneficial for startups rooted in Tamil Nadu’s culture and needs.
Shailesh Haran
Another expert from JITO JIIF, Shailesh brings additional depth to the investment panel. His expertise will help contestants understand diverse investment criteria.
Surendra Kolecha
Also from JITO JIIF, Surendra adds to the show’s investment acumen. His insights will help startups navigate the complexities of securing funding.
Aravind Solaimalai Pichai
Representing Nativelead Angel Network, Aravind specializes in identifying and nurturing local entrepreneurial talent. His guidance will be crucial for early-stage startups.
Sanjau Sethiya
Rounding out the JITO JIIF contingent, Sanjau brings additional perspective to the investment panel. His expertise will help contestants understand the nuances of investor expectations.
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Guest Judges & Investors
Startup Singam goes beyond the traditional reality show format by incorporating a unique feature called the “Startup Pavilion.” This dedicated space is a dynamic hub where High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and Guest Investors can directly engage with promising entrepreneurs.
In the Startup Pavilion, HNIs and Guest Investors occupy a special area, often referred to as “the couch.” This arrangement allows them to observe pitches closely and interact with the entrepreneurs in a more personal setting. The Pavilion creates an environment conducive to spontaneous investment decisions and mentorship opportunities.
Visalakshi, METIS FAMILY OFFICE SERVICES PVT LTD
Vetha Arun, NATIVELEAD FOUNDATION
Satheesh Babu, UNIVERCELL
Parvez Alam, CRESCENT INNOVATION AND INCUBATION COUNCIL
Sameer Achan, RIGHT4PAWS
Show Anchor
VJ Angelin, a rising star in Tamil television, hosts Startup Singam on Vijay TV. Known for her dynamic presence and engaging style, Angelin gained popularity through shows like “Jodi Are You Ready” and her podcast on SS Music.
Her journey from journalism student to sought-after anchor has captivated audiences.
The Startup Singam Experience
Startup Singam premiered on January 26, 2025, airing every Sunday at 10 AM on Vijay TV. Viewers can also catch the action on the Hotstar app. The show’s anchor, Angelin B, guides contestants through their pitches to the Startup Singam judges.
By showcasing local talent and innovation, Startup Singam aligns with government initiatives to boost economic growth through entrepreneurship.
The show’s format combines entertainment with valuable insights, making it accessible to a wide audience.
What to Expect
Viewers can anticipate engaging content that goes beyond typical reality TV. Startup Singam features mentorship segments and success stories from established entrepreneurs, providing a holistic view of the startup journey.
The diverse expertise of the Startup Singam judges ensures that contestants receive well-rounded feedback. From family business management to cross-border innovation, each judge brings a unique perspective to the table.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Startup Singam and its esteemed panel of judges are set to revolutionize Tamil Nadu’s startup landscape. By providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and showcasing the expertise of industry leaders, the show promises to be both entertaining and educational.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the birth of Tamil Nadu’s next big startups, guided by the wisdom of the Startup Singam judges.
