Hyderabad, April 15, 2025 – In the heart of Hyderabad’s booming startup ecosystem, one name continues to inspire, mentor, and transform the journeys of hundreds of entrepreneurs—Viiveck Verma.

A TEDx Hyderabad licensee, angel investor in over 35 startups, and mentor to more than 300 ventures, Viiveck’s impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. His mentorship philosophy is clear: mentorship is not about advice, but empowerment.

“A startup’s journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Mentorship provides the clarity and support needed to stay the course,” Viiveck said during an interaction at FTCCI, Hyderabad.

Viiveck believes that the next wave of startups in India will emerge from sectors like Defence, Drones, Aerospace, Geriatrics, Sustainability, and Deep Tech. Hyderabad, he says, is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution.

“More Defence startups will emerge post Indo-Pak conflict. Hyderabad will play a major role in this, as it is the Defence Hub of India,” Viiveck said.

Hyderabad is home to DRDO, BDL, BEL, and RCI, alongside global giants like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Tata Advanced Systems. Telangana’s progressive Drone Policy and robust innovation infrastructure, including T-Hub and T-Works, make it an ideal launchpad for dual-use (military + civilian) applications.

Armed conflicts often act as catalysts for national introspection. Viiveck points out that after the Kargil War in 1999, India ramped up indigenous defence programs. Recent border tensions and geopolitical risks, particularly with Pakistan and China, have triggered an urgent need to localise defence technology and reduce import dependence.

“We don’t just face a job crisis—we face a job-ready crisis. Startups can solve this by building real-world, scalable, and mission-critical innovations,” he said.

Key emerging areas include:

• AI-based border surveillance
• Drone swarms for defence and rescue
• Soldier-wearable tech
• Encrypted battlefield communications

India’s iDEX platform under the Ministry of Defence is playing a pivotal role in funding such startups, offering grants up to ₹1.5 crore and direct procurement pathways.

To build a startup nation, Viiveck believes India must institutionalise mentorship. His key recommendations include:

• Structured Mentorship Networks: Nationwide mentor-startup frameworks.
• Incentivised Mentorship Programs: Tax benefits and formal recognition for active mentors.
• Educational Integration: Mentorship modules in entrepreneurship curricula.
• Government-Supported Digital Matchmaking Platforms
• Purpose-Driven Mentoring: For climate action, diversity, and social impact.

Viiveck also mentors over 20+ social enterprises and is a Global Carbon Warrior, guiding climate tech startups that often operate outside the spotlight of traditional incubators.

“We support them virtually, helping refine their vision and story—even without cohort-based programs,” he explains.

The Mentorship trends observed by Viiveck are

• AI-Powered Mentorship Matching: Platforms like Clarity.fm & GrowthMentor
• Specialised Guidance in Sectors: Fintech, Healthtech, Web3
• Equity-Based Mentorship: Performance-linked engagement models
• Peer-Driven Communities: Slack groups, OnDeck, Y Combinator, etc.

“Viiveck doesn’t just guide you—he challenges you to own your story,” says Archana Purohit, Co-Founder, Agency Adda.

Viiveck currently serves in advisory capacities with:

• Goonj
• Centre for Sustainable Agriculture
• SAHE (Society for the Advancement of Human Endeavour)
• NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore)
• IIIT Hyderabad, and others.

From startups to social impact, from innovation to inclusion—Viiveck Verma is redefining mentorship for India’s startup future.

Don’t change value creation, think of creating value, Viiveck concluded