MentorManthan

MentorManthan
Powered by VentureStudio
Pan-India Pitch Feedback Program
A high-impact mentorship program designed to help Pre-Seed to Series-A stage startups refine their growth strategies and prepare for funding.
Held virtually every Thursday from 6PM - 7PM IST

Apply as Startup
Apply as Mentor
Apply as Investor
About MentorManthan
MentorManthan is a high-impact pitch feedback program designed to help Pre-Seed to Series-A startups refine their growth strategies and prepare for funding. The program connects founders with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts who provide targeted feedback to help startups achieve investor readiness and sustainable growth.
Powered by VentureStudio at Ahmedabad University, this initiative combines expertise from one of Gujarat's oldest incubation centres with a successful startup incubation track record.
Unlike traditional pitch competitions, MentorManthan focuses on structured feedback, strategic insights, and actionable takeaways - helping startups move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why Mentorship Matters for Startups
Startups with mentors are twice as likely to survive beyond five years compared to those without guidance. (U.S. SBA)
90% of Indian startups fail within five years, with lack of mentorship as a key reason. (IBM Entrepreneurial India Report)
Mentored startups raise 7x more funding than those without mentors. (Silicon Valley Study)
Founders with mentors grow their revenue 5x faster than those without structured guidance. (Mowgli Mentoring Report)
92% of mentored entrepreneurs say mentorship directly impacted their success. (Kabbage Survey)
1 in 3 mentored startups become top industry performers, compared to just 1 in 10 non-mentored startups. (Endeavor Insight)
Features
Pan-India accessibility
Open to startups from any location in India, enabling founders nationwide to access expert mentorship and strategic guidance.
Expert mentorship from industry leaders
Connect with accomplished entrepreneurs and domain specialists who understand your sector's unique challenges.
Structured feedback on pitch decks
Receive detailed slide-by-slide critique following the proven Sequoia Capital format.
Investor readiness preparation
Refine your narrative and financials to meet investor expectations and standards.
Growth strategy refinement
Identify scalable channels and optimize your go-to-market approach with expert guidance.
Completely free of charge
Access world-class mentorship with no financial barriers or equity requirements.
Structure

1
10 min - Mentor Introductions
Meet the panel of mentors
2
10 min - Pitch Presentation
Founders present using the Sequoia Capital pitch deck format
3
30 min - Interactive Discussion
Mentors provide feedback on the pitch and ask questions
4
10 min - Open Q&A
Presenter has opportunity to ask questions of the mentors
5
15 min - Mentor Deliberation
Mentors consolidate feedback for actionable insights
Pitch Deck Format
Startups must present their deck in the Sequoia Capital format, which covers 13 essential aspects of your business. This ensures standardized feedback on key areas.
Company Purpose - Your mission and vision
Problem - The challenge you're addressing
Solution - Your approach to solving it
Why Now? - Market timing and opportunity
Market Size - TAM, SAM, and SOM analysis
Competition - Competitive landscape analysis
Product - Your offering and roadmap
Business Model - How you generate revenue
Go-to-Market - Customer acquisition strategy
Traction - Progress and milestones
Financials - Current and projected numbers
Team - Key people and their expertise
Fundraising Ask - What you're seeking and why
After each session, mentors evaluate the pitch using a scorecard, ensuring founders receive specific, actionable feedback on key areas of their business.
Pitch Deck Template
Scorecard
Organizers
Tanvi Shah Rangwala
Startup Investor
Nilesh Dattani
Investment Lead
VentureStudio
Jigar Jiwani
Program Manager
VentureStudio
Jeremy Fritzhand
CEO
VentureStudio
Program Guidelines
For Startups, Mentors, and Investors
For Startups
Four-step application process: application review, acceptance decision, preparatory call, and virtual session
Virtual sessions held every Thursday from 6PM - 7PM IST
Pitch using Sequoia Capital format covering 13 essential business aspects
View Complete Startup Guidelines
For Mentors & Investors
Provide constructive feedback to help startups improve—not to evaluate or judge
75-minute structured format: Introductions, pitch, discussion, Q&A, and deliberation
Post-session engagement opportunities with clear professional boundaries
View Complete Mentor & Investor Guidelines
Ready to participate?

MentorManthan brings together startups, mentors, and investors from across India to create a thriving ecosystem of innovation and growth. Every session builds connections that strengthen our collective entrepreneurial journey.

Apply as Startup
Apply as Mentor
Apply as Investor

MentorManthan

MentorManthan

About MentorManthan

Why Mentorship Matters for Startups

Features

Pan-India accessibility

Expert mentorship from industry leaders

Structured feedback on pitch decks

Investor readiness preparation

Growth strategy refinement

Completely free of charge

Structure

10 min - Mentor Introductions

10 min - Pitch Presentation

30 min - Interactive Discussion

10 min - Open Q&A

15 min - Mentor Deliberation

Pitch Deck Format

Organizers

Tanvi Shah Rangwala

Nilesh Dattani

Jigar Jiwani

Jeremy Fritzhand

Program Guidelines

For Startups, Mentors, and Investors

For Startups

For Mentors & Investors

Ready to participate?

MentorManthan brings together startups, mentors, and investors from across India to create a thriving ecosystem of innovation and growth. Every session builds connections that strengthen our collective entrepreneurial journey.