Every startup begins with an idea. Founders want to disrupt industries and solve real problems. However, transforming an idea into a business is difficult. Many struggle to secure funding, build an MVP, and gain traction. Investors often demand results before investing, leaving startups stuck.

This is where Alpha Seed Network steps in. Founded by Chirag Thakker, Alpha Seed Network is an angel investors syndicate. It provides funding, mentorship, and hands-on support to help startups succeed. By bridging the gap between idea and market, it helps early-stage startups grow.

The Journey Behind Alpha Seed Network

Chirag Thakker’s journey into venture investing was unexpected. As a passionate networker, he often attended startup events. Most were in Mumbai, requiring long commutes from Navi Mumbai. Frustrated, he saw an opportunity to build a startup ecosystem closer to home.

He began with small networking meetups, which quickly grew. Seeing a demand for funding, he organized a startup event. It attracted 288+ registrations from across India. Eleven startups pitched live to five VCs, generating massive interest. This event was a turning point. Recognizing the need for structured funding, Chirag launched Alpha Seed Network.

Bridging the Pre-Seed Funding Gap

Most investors hesitate to fund idea-stage startups. They often advise founders to “come back in six months with traction.” But how can a startup gain traction without resources? This is where Alpha Seed Network makes a difference.

Alpha Seed Network funds startups with ₹10 lakh to ₹75 lakh. It helps them build an MVP, refine their GTM strategy, and gain traction. Unlike traditional investors, it works closely with founders. The goal is to make startups investable for larger funding rounds.

How Startups Are Selected

The selection process is rigorous but founder-friendly. It consists of two key stages:

1. Initial Screening: Marketing expert Shardul Gayal and tech entrepreneur Aryan Kumar review applications. They assess scalability, market potential, and execution capabilities.

2. The Final Pitch: Shortlisted startups pitch directly to Chirag Thakker. He evaluates:

○ Founder’s Vision: Is the problem real? Is the founder committed?

○ Execution Capability: Can they turn their vision into a viable business?

○ Market Potential: Can the startup scale and attract further investments?

Startups that pass these tests receive funding and execution support. 

The Biggest Challenges for Early-Stage Startups

Every pre-seed startup faces three major challenges:

● Building an MVP: Many founders lack technical expertise or financial resources.

● Gaining Initial Traction: A startup without customers is just an idea.

● Crafting a GTM Strategy: Even the best product can fail without a solid strategy.

Alpha Seed Network solves these problems with a structured approach. By funding early stages, it ensures founders don’t lose momentum.

More Than Just Investors—Execution Partners

Unlike traditional investors, Alpha Seed Network partners with startups post-investment. Their support includes:

● Hands-on guidance in executing GTM strategies.

● Help in building scalable technology infrastructure.

● Introductions to future investors and strategic partners.

● Access to SaaS tools, cloud services, and co-working spaces.

This reduces risk and increases startup success rates. It’s not just funding—it’s about building strong businesses.

The Pitch Den and Upcoming Initiatives

To connect startups with investors, Alpha Seed Network hosts The Pitch Den. Founders pitch their ideas to investors. The next edition, “Roar in the Villa,” is even more ambitious. Startups will have 36 hours to build their MVPs before pitching for funding up to ₹25 lakh.

Other upcoming initiatives include:

● A women-led startup funding event to support female entrepreneurs.

● A Startup Expo in Navi Mumbai to attract talent and investors nationwide.

These events support Alpha Seed Network’s mission to empower startups. 

Lessons from 15+ Years in Startups

Having worked with startups like Infibeam, CarWale, UpGrad, Paysense, Livspace, and Emeritus, Chirag Thakker shares one key lesson: Execution is everything.

A startup is like a car moving at 100 km/hr. Roadblocks will appear, but stopping is not an option. Over-planning kills momentum. The best approach is to start, iterate, and refine along the way. Success comes from persistence.  

The Future of Alpha Seed Network

Chirag’s vision is to evolve Alpha Seed Network into a VC gfund. With backing from fund-of-funds investors, he plans to launch a ₹50 crore VC fund by 2025. This fund will integrate a Venture Studio + Accelerator Partnership Model to de-risk investments and accelerate startup success.

By combining capital with execution support, Alpha Seed Network is redefining early-stage investing. It ensures the next generation of startups has the resources and mentorship to thrive. 

Final Thoughts for Founders

If you’re pitching to Alpha Seed Network, remember these key takeaways:

● Show progress, even at the idea stage.

● Have strong conviction in solving a real problem.

● Execution matters more than just planning.

For startups looking to raise capital and scale efficiently, Alpha Seed Network is the right partner. For more such stories keep reading Gujpreneur.