‘G Force’ Accelerator—Unleashing Untapped Potential of Media Startups
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Through Unprecedented Collaboration What could prove to be a game-changing alliance, Graphisads Limited, an advertising firm and out-of-home media owner, has come together with the country’s prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow to bring in an accelerator programme called ‘G Force’ for young entrepreneurs in the Media sector. The new strategic relationship can bridge the existing gaps between the ad industry and academia concerning innovations and entrepreneurship in the constantly fast-moving environment.
Signing of the memorandum of understanding between IIM Lucknow and Graphisads marks the first time in India when an ad agency and one of the finest academic institutions come together for the betterment of media startups. According to Mukesh Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Graphisads, “We are truly excited about this unique partnership that will give so many success stories.”. The great media presence of Graphisads, the strong relationships with clients, and the great network that the platform has, envision an investment of upwards of Rs 100 crore in a span of three years, along with other investing institutions.
Media in India is on an amazing path of growth, likely to reach Rs 1 trillion. On the other hand, it is currently under continuous disruption. According to Arunodaya Bajpai, the Chief Operating Officer of IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Center, with huge growth potential, the areas that this program would focus on would be gamification, event automation, influencer marketing, Adtech, digital out-of-home platforms, programmatic media opportunities, and mar-tech. For that purpose, the program is tailored to avail personalized mentoring so that the startups are endowed with ‘market readiness’ capability. Bajpai was excited about the prospect of partnering with Graphisads’ G Force and extending a warm welcome to startups in the vibrant media and entertainment segment.
To guide the startup entrepreneurial journey, Graphisads has constituted a mentor board comprising industry stalwarts. The list includes mentors such as Anil Dua, Chief Revenue Officer, HT Media; Annurag Batra, Chairman, Exchange4Media and BW Businessworld; Mona Jain, Chief Revenue Officer, Zee Media; Rajeev Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Adaan Digital Solutions; and Varun Kohli, Chief Operating Officer, Times Network. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable in shaping the success for the startups in the programme.
Alok Gupta, Director of Graphisads and the brain behind the G Force concept, placed on record his deep appreciation for the munificence displayed by these industry leaders towards this initiative. He also emphasized that one way the collaboration is the advertising firm’s way of giving back to the industry that has fostered their growth.With the launch of G Force, the media startup landscape is all set for a complete evolution. This program comprehensively brings together acumen that Graphisads possesses, the academic excellence of IIM Lucknow, and the mentorship of industry leaders to start empowering aspiring media entrepreneurs like never before—with extended help, resources, and opportunities. The future for the sector can only be rosier when ‘G Force’ takes charge as the propellant factor in the success of the next generation of media startups.
