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The lion roars louder as Startup Singam teases a bigger season 2
MUMBAI: When ambition growls, ecosystems listen. Tamil Nadu’s startup reality platform Startup Singam has unveiled the official teaser of its second season, signalling a sharp escalation in scale, stakes and startup swagger. Branded around the theme “Idhu Kanavukkaana Garjanai”, a roar for dreams, Season 2 promises louder pitches, deeper capital pools and founders who are ready to think beyond survival and straight into scale.
The teaser drop follows a strong debut season that firmly established Startup Singam as more than a television experiment. Season 1 featured 39 startups, backed by 12 investors and over 20 high-net-worth individuals, with more than Rs 24 crore deployed through on-show and post-show funding. Several participating brands, particularly in the D2C segment, reported revenue growth of up to seven times post-appearance, underlining the platform’s credibility as a growth catalyst rather than just prime-time content.
Season 2 is set to raise the bar significantly. The upcoming edition will showcase over 75 startups across 26 episodes, supported by a substantially expanded investor base comprising more than 30 institutional investors and 100 plus HNIs. The total funding kitty is expected to cross Rs 100 crore, positioning Startup Singam among the largest founder-focused funding platforms in the region, spanning early-stage ventures to scale-ready businesses.
The teaser was unveiled at a closed-door gathering titled The Roar Table, attended by founders from Season 1 and the leadership team of Season 2, marking a symbolic handover between two landmark editions. The preview hints at sharper founder narratives, higher-stakes negotiations and stronger mentorship, a reflection of the platform’s growing maturity.
The show will premiere on January 25 on Vijay TV and stream digitally on JioHotstar, expanding its reach beyond linear television to a wider digital-first audience.
Commenting on the new season, Startup Singam, chief mentor and Mudhal Partners founder and CEO Kumar Vembu said the platform continues to spotlight authentic founder journeys, with Season 2 reflecting a bolder ambition in line with its rallying cry. Startup Singam Co-founders Hemachandran and Balachandar noted that the first season validated the depth of Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem, and the second will be sharper, bigger and more consequential.
Season 2 is presented by Zoho as title sponsor, with TTK Prestige as co-presenting partner and DAC as trusted home partner. Associate sponsors include Lalithaa Jewellery, Vdart Ventures, XB Group and City Union Bank, under an initiative by Baanhem Ventures.
As Startup Singam sharpens its claws for a bigger run, the message is clear, this season isn’t just about ideas finding airtime, it’s about dreams finding capital, conviction and a much louder roar.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
