top of page

How to Get Funded in World Record Time

So how do you raise money for your company and break the world record for the fastest financing – and get Anand Mahindra to be one of those investors? Here are the rules, but first the background.



The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched the UK Government’s Tech Rocketships initiative to find the innovative Indian companies to go global from India. My role after showing Their Royal Highnesses around some of these companies was to host the launch with four initial companies pitching.


As Senior Dealmaker for the British Government’s Global Entrepreneur Programme I am responsible for India and China and I was about to have the best day of my 10 years in the role.


Showing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in India around some of the most innovative companies, I broke the world record on the quickest funding for a company – 60seconds.

Here’s the story. The Royals arrived at a social entrepreneur centre in Mumbai. I had two jobs. Show them around the Venture Capitalists from the UK who were on the delegation, led by the Head of the British Government’s Venture Capital Unit, Aekta Patel (aka by coincidence, my wife). “These British investors put money into British companies which solve some of the world’s and therefore India’s biggest problems in climate change, education, energy.” I explained to the Duke and Duchess as I introduced them to my wife.


Then it was time for my next role – go on stage and introduce four Indian companies and do a quick fire Q&A with Anand Mahindra and Mohandas Pai – a bit like Dragons Den. This was all part of the UK Government’s Tech Rocketships Campaign which the Duke launched moments earlier.


Here is how one of them – Project Mudra – teaching the world’s blind braille got funding from Anand Mahindra in 60 seconds from my inviting them on stage:


Solve a major problem: This company solves a huge global problem, not just and Indian one. And it’s a social problem – not some fashion blog. This is important. Smart money likes important. 




Comments


Our website offers information about investing and saving, but not personal advice. If you're not sure which investments are right for you, please request from example from a regulated financial advisor. If you decide to invest, read our important investment notes first and remember that investments can go up and down in value, so you could get back less than you put in. Remember all trading is risky. The information provided on this website and all communications is intended for research and educational purposes only. Articles and/or screen shots featuring individual investments are not recommendations to buy or sell. Articles containing investment analysis and related comment may be out-of-date when you read them. You should do your own research into any investment before deciding to buy or sell. The aim of our products and educational resources is to help you to perform this research effectively, quickly and with confidence.It is based on our journalist comment provided elsewhere and in our books and on TV.

London Office

Alpesh Patel Ventures Limited, c/o Praefinium 84 Brook St, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1K 5EH 

24/7 live: +44 34505 63799  paresh@tradermind.com

Luxembourg Office

Alpesh Patel Ventures Limited, c/o Praefinium SICAV-FIS 20, Boulevard Emmmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg

  • TikTok
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • googlePlus
  • flickr

©2025 Alpesh Patel Ventures Limited.

bottom of page