Youth reject Rs 100 crore package to build startup ecosystem in Jodhpur

Jodhpur: On the occasion of International Youth Day, we present the inspiring story of Rounak Singhvi, a 33-year-old entrepreneur who turned down a package worth Rs 100 crore to develop a startup ecosystem in his hometown of Jodhpur.

Rounak, who has invested in several startups, currently mentors over 80 startups under the Rajasthan government’s iStart program. As an advisor to the government, he plays a key role in shaping startup policies.

Born and raised in Jodhpur, Rounak earned his CA, CM and B.Com (Hons) degrees from the city. After completing his education, he worked in top financial advisory groups for seven years before returning to his hometown to focus on startups.

Focus on the startup ecosystem

In 2020, Rounak co-founded a startup venture firm in Jodhpur, where he worked with several founders. When the Rajasthan government launched the iStart centre in Jodhpur, he was approached by IAS officer Sandesh Nayak to join as a mentor and advisor. Since then, Rounak has dedicated himself to growing the startup ecosystem in Jodhpur.

Bringing investors back home

Rounak is currently focused on bringing investors and entrepreneurs back to Jodhpur to invest in the city’s startups. He believes that many young entrepreneurs in Jodhpur have innovative concepts and investors who invest in companies outside the city can be brought back to invest in these startups.

(Author: Avinash Kewaliya, Jodhpur)