It is a universally agreed truth that startup expos are a significant part of a startup ecosystem. But why? What are the benefits of such startup expos?
21BY72 has been organizing various startup events, including our Global Startup Summit. We aim to strengthen the startup ecosystem and attract global investors and entrepreneurs.
Based on our extensive experience and valuable feedback from past attendees, we can confidently highlight the numerous tangible benefits that startup exhibitions offer to participants. Let’s explore these advantages in detail.
What is a Startup Exhibition?
A startup exhibition or expo is a showcase of sorts, a platform for startups to present their products or services. The goal is to secure leads or funding from investors.
Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts mostly attend a startup expo to network or explore promising startups. There are holistic and industry-specific startup events, depending on their goals, such as networking, raising funds, getting market traction, or establishing their brand.
Benefits of Startup Exhibitions for the Startup Ecosystem
After three successful Global Startup Summits since 2021, we are intimately aware of how powerful these startup expos can be. They are a haven for
entrepreneurs to network and grow and for investors to find new and promising startups and catch up to industry trends. Let’s explore some of the most important benefits of visiting and exhibiting at a startup expo.
1. Establish a brand presence in the market
87% of exhibitors showcase to promote their business in the industry (source)! Meaning startups expos are a great stage for a startup to unveil their business to the world.
Whether you are an early-stage startup or a unicorn, promoting your business in events like these attracts customers and investors. Actively participating will get your startup the exposure it needs to establish itself while building a credible image. While repeated encounters with industry folks allow you to build a brand reputation and gain exposure in the industry.
2. Attract investors for diverse funding
Startup exhibitions in India aren’t just for promoting; they bring investors and startups under one roof. A startup exhibition allows local and global investors to explore promising startups at various stages.
Whether you are an angel investor looking for seed-stage startups or a venture capital firm on the hunt for early-stage startups for investment, these
exhibitions are for exploring startups’ products and analyzing if they are worth investing in.
For startups, such startup events in India help them exhibit their startup in front of many investors, increasing their chances of securing funding. They can present their startup to global investors to secure FDI and boost their brand image.
3. Building a reliable network for growth
While brand building and fundraising are essential, networking is vital for startups to thrive in competitive markets. Startup conferences and exhibitions allow entrepreneurs and investors to connect and foster a strategic bond. Here, startups can connect with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors who can help them improve their operations and performance. Investors can connect with fellow investors, incubators, and accelerators to explore investment opportunities.
4. Secure market validation for a startup
Exhibition spaces provide startups with a valuable platform to showcase their products and pitch their strategies directly to potential investors. This
real-world interaction serves as crucial market validation for their business concepts. Through meaningful conversations with fellow entrepreneurs and experienced mentors, founders can gain objective insights into their startup’s potential market performance and competitive positioning.
5. Get product feedback from experts
Industry veterans and experts attend these startup exhibitions. Many of whom will give you guidance or feedback that you can use to improve your business. Their experienced perspectives can help you identify blind spots in your business model, refine your approach, and implement strategic improvements that might otherwise take months of trial and error to discover.
How to Exhibit your Startup at Startup Expos?
If you want to exhibit at Startup Events 2025, the following tips will help you set up a successful stall that attracts visitors and achieves your desired goals from the exhibition.
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Choose the right startup event:
First, choose an event that aligns with your goals, whether it is funding, lead generation, or market exposure. Search for relevant startup events and check if your desired audience is visiting them. Make an early booking to secure a good stall.
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Present your startup:
Your stall should align with your brand image and have relevant information available at a glance. Include some posters and video booths to inform the visitors about what your startup does, and set up a demo space.
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Create an elevator pitch:
This is not the time for lengthy pitches. Create a short and engaging pitch of no more than 1-2 minutes with a catchy first few lines to attract the visitors’ attention.
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Follow up:
While giving your contact information is essential, you can’t forget to get the visitor’s contact details. Collect the information and follow up immediately after the event to build a connection.
21BY72 is coming back with our annual Global Startup Summit Season 4! The startup event has a startup exhibition, pitching competition, panel discussion, and more. Pick your stall now because early birds get lucrative discounts!
Conclusion
Startup exhibitions are essential in the startup ecosystem to foster networking and help investors and startups connect. The startup expo and conferences help startups establish their brand image, validate their idea, and get feedback to improve performance. The investors can connect with fellow investors, incubators, and entrepreneurs to identify funding opportunities. The Global Startup Summit helps investors, industry experts, and entrepreneurs connect and interact to grow and secure funding. Book your stall now!
FAQs
1. What is the importance of the startup ecosystem?
The startup ecosystem is crucial for startups’ growth and fueling innovation. The startup ecosystem connects investors, entrepreneurs, industry experts, incubators, and government entities to boost growth. Organizing startup events such as exhibitions helps these people connect, create a growth-oriented environment, build a network, and increase the visibility of startups in global markets.
2. How to choose the right startup exhibitions for your startup?
When choosing the expo to exhibit your startup, you must focus on your goal first. Determine whether you want to generate leads or secure funding. Based on these, you can narrow down the startup events based on whether your target audience is attending. Once you have the list, research if the event is credible, check their previous events and the visitors, and determine how successful it was in choosing the one that will benefit you the most.
3. What’s the difference between a startup expo and a conference?
The startup expo offers a platform for startups to showcase their product/services to generate leads, secure funding, and get market traction. A
startup conference is focused on learning through panel discussions and workshops led by industry experts. Our Global Startup Summit has two goals: to help attendees promote themselves and learn from industry experts.
4. How to pitch your startup at startup events?
When creating a pitch for a startup exhibition, focus on constructing a clear message regarding your startup’s product/service, traction, and some
projection. Make it as short as possible, limit the pitch to 2 – 3 minutes to keep the investors interested, and focus on each visitor. Answer each of their queries and tailor your pitch based on the investors. If you have the list of attendees, shortlist a few investors and create a personalized pitch to appeal to them for a more detailed pitching opportunity.
