- Esteemed industry leaders joined together to empower Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem across metros, Tier-2, and Tier-3 towns
Chennai, September 24, 2025: With Startup Singam emerging as a game-changer for Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial movement, Baanhem Ventures, the creator of the state’s first mainstream startup reality show, today announced the successful close of its second round of funding, bringing on board a distinguished panel of Tamil Nadu’s global business leaders as Advisors and Investors.
Joining early investor and Chief Mentor, Mr. Kumar Vembu, the new shareholders include:
- Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman & Managing Director, TVS Capital Funds
- Mr. Girish Mathrubootham, Founder & Executive Chairman, Freshworks; General Partner – Together Fund
- Mr. Mithun Sacheti, Founder, CaratLane
- Mr. K. Mahalingam, Partner/Director, TSM Group of Companies
- Mr. Mohan Karuppiah, CEO & Co-Founder, IppoPay
- Mr. Shyam Sekhar, Founder, ithought Financial Consulting LLP
- Ms. Ashwini Asokan, Founder, Mad Street Den, Vue.ai
- Mr. Madhusudanan Rangarajan, Managing Director, M2P Fintech
The coming together of these industry icons provides a powerful impetus to Startup Singam’s mission to “Simplify Fundraise and Amplify Success Stories” for early and growth-stage startups across Tamil Nadu and startups of Tamil origin throughout the year, not just on the show. Their collective expertise will accelerate access to capital, unlock strategic growth opportunities, and provide unparalleled mentorship for emerging founders. With this strengthened advisory board, Baanhem Ventures is shaping Startup Singam into more than just a startup reality show. It is a movement, a celebration of entrepreneurship and a launchpad where entrepreneurship, innovation, and Tamil Nadu’s trillion-dollar economic aspirations converge.
In Season 1, Startup Singam created an unprecedented wave in Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial landscape. Thirty-five startups secured over INR 40 crore in funding commitments, with 15 already receiving funds to the tune of INR 13 crore. These startups gained visibility that translated into accelerated sales, customer adoption, and partnerships. Entrepreneurship conversations entered households across metros, Tier-2, and Tier-3 towns, turning startup ambition into a dinner-table discussion. Ventures across agritech, healthtech, D2C, and SaaS sectors sparked job creation and inspired thousands to take the entrepreneurial leap.
In Season 2, Startup Singam raises the bar with INR 100 crore in fresh investor commitments, 75 startups selected out of 2000+ nationwide applications, and more global investors leading the charge. The expanded 26-episode run will amplify founder journeys, showcase investment-ready pitches, and inspire new generations to see startups as Tamil Nadu’s future growth engine.
The Founders of Baanhem Ventures, Mr Hemachandran and Mr. Balachandar, said, “This is a transformative moment for Baanhem Ventures and Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem. The guidance and support of such visionary leaders will accelerate our mission of enabling start-ups with not only investment but also governance, mentorship and networks through the Startup Singam platform.”
Adding to this, Mr. Kumar Vembu, Chief Mentor, Startup Singam said, “Entrepreneurship is Tamil Nadu’s economic backbone. What Baanhem Ventures is enabling through Startup Singam is genuinely inspiring, and I welcome our new shareholders to help make startups in our state grow bigger and better.”
Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman & Managing Director, TVS Capital Funds said, “Joining this esteemed panel is an exciting opportunity to collectively advance Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem to its next stage. Startup Singam offers a unique platform where promising talent meets thoughtful mentorship and strategic capital. I look forward to supporting founders on this transformative journey, helping build businesses with scale and sustainability.”
Mr. Girish Mathrubootham, Founder & Executive Chairman, Freshworks; General Partner – Together Fund said, “Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial potential is vast, spanning vibrant urban hubs to burgeoning rural communities. Partnering with Baanhem Ventures and Startup Singam enables me to contribute to nurturing the next generation of startups by providing mentorship, networks, and the resources necessary to fuel India’s innovation and growth story.”
Mr. K. Mahalingam, Partner/Director, TSM Group of Companies said, “Startup Singam uniquely empowers founders beyond capital, providing strategic guidance crucial to their journey. I am proud to be part of this association that actively nurtures ventures shaping Tamil Nadu’s economic and social landscape.”
Mr. Mohan Karuppiah, CEO & Co-Founder, IppoPay said, “I am excited to join Baanhem Ventures as an advisor and shareholder. This partnership allows me to support early-stage entrepreneurs, helping build scalable and technology-driven solutions that create meaningful impact across markets.”
Mr. Shyam Sekhar, Founder, ithought Financial Consulting LLP said, “Startups need not only capital but strong mentorship and access to robust networks. By joining Baanhem Ventures, I aim to guide founders through challenges and help build sustainable, long-term businesses that strengthen the ecosystem.”
Ms. Ashwini Asokan, CEO & Co-founder, Mad Street Den said, “This association with Baanhem Ventures and Startup Singam is meaningful because it lets me help shape the next generation of tech-enabled ventures, encouraging innovation across both urban and rural markets.”
Mr. Madhusudanan Rangarajan, Managing Director, M2P Fintech said, “My association with Baanhem Ventures and Startup Singam is meaningful because it allows me to help shape the next generation of tech-driven ventures—encouraging innovation and inclusive growth across both urban and rural markets.”
About Baanhem Ventures:
Baanhem Ventures is the company behind Startup Singam, Tamil Nadu’s first mainstream startup reality show that has redefined how early-stage founders connect with investors, mentors, and
markets. Founded by Mr. Hemachandran and Mr. Balachandar, Baanhem Ventures combines investment, mentorship, and storytelling to create a powerful launchpad for entrepreneurs.
In its inaugural season, the platform helped 35 startups secure over ₹40 crore in funding commitments, with ₹13 crore already disbursed across sectors such as agritech, healthtech, SaaS, and D2C. Now entering its second season and supported by leading business figures from Tamil Nadu as shareholders, Baanhem Ventures is cultivating a dynamic ecosystem that drives innovation and supports the state’s ambitious $1-trillion economic vision.
Photo Caption – L to R – Ishwariya Senthil – FounderBlincSmart Homes, Arun Nair- CEO, Startup Singam, Suresh Iyer- Co founder,Lotus Meta, Hemachandran L-Founder CEO Brand Avatar, Founder Startup Singam, K Mahalingam Partner Director,TSM Group of Companies , Anupama Kadambi, Co founder,Mudhal Partners, Kumar Vembu- Founder Mudhal Partners, Mohan K – Co Founder & CEO, Ippopay, Balachandar R- Partner- Bluekoi Ventures & Co Founder Startup Singam, Kannan Hari- CEO and Founder, Palmera, Senthilkumar- Co Founder & CEO, Savemom.
