[Exclusive Interview] See how this technology-powered platform connects startups and investors and encourages entrepreneurship – Trak.in

We recently had a conversation with Vittal Ramakrishnan, CEO and Founder of POD, a full-stack fundraising platform. We asked him how an automated platform could help startups create impactful businesses and make it easier to create presentations. Today, POD empowers startups and VCs by forming a technology-enabled bridge between them.

Interview highlights include:

1. How does your company work to provide investment for startups?

We provide a tech-based platform to facilitate funding and showcase vetted startup deals with the help of our network of over 4000 investors. has successfully closed deals for 15 startups.

2. how does that work?

Startups can apply for funding on our platform that must pass a 10-point screening process. Posts that allow startups to pitch their ventures to network investors. Posting a virtual pitch gets your startup featured on the platform and launches a fundraising campaign.

3. What is the fundraising process?

step 1: Startups create a profile and submit a pitch deck on podworld.in through a simple onboarding process.

Step 2: POD’s seasoned investment team reviews pitch decks and conducts screening calls with startup founders.

Step 3: If the startup is shortlisted after the screening call, the next step is to successfully clear the POD’s 10-point metric rating system.

Step 4: After clearing a 10-step metric rating system, startups are shortlisted for a virtual pitch titled POP Series, which founders pitch to POD’s network investors.

Step 5: Depending on investor feedback and interest, startups will be listed on the platform and a fundraising campaign will be launched

Step 6: Received funds are held securely in a SEBI registered escrow account and once the target is reached, the legal documentation process will begin

Step 7: Upon completion of compliance, funds will be disbursed to startups and securities will be issued to investors

4. How does the company profit while raising capital?

The startup takes a digital-first approach throughout the fundraising process. Additionally, startups can raise funds in a seamless, secure and transparent manner. Traditional fundraising typically takes 3 months or longer. However, the end-to-end fundraising cycle on podworld.in takes just 3 weeks.

5. What are the criteria and sectors that can participate in the fundraising?

The mandatory criteria for a startup to raise funds on podworld.in are:

i) Startups must be incorporated as a private company in India

ii) Startup should prepare MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

iii) The funding requirement is a maximum of INR 1 CRORE.

iv) PODs are sector agnostic, so startups from any sector do not matter.

6. What are the company’s top priorities for the upcoming fiscal year?

In 2023, POD’s goal is to enable over 100 early-stage startups to successfully raise funds through its platform. Additionally, POD aims to pioneer a funding stack to redefine startup funding in India.

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