SuperStartUps by Superbrands - Helps Startups to Differentiate Their Brands and Engage Users in Their Brand Journey
Being the highest accolade for over 20
years for top brands across the world, Superbrands has announced the launch
of SuperStartUps for India. Superbrands invites entries from
start-ups in India to be part of the SuperStartUp honour. This initiative will
enable startups to differentiate their brands from an idea perspective and
engage users in their brand journey. Startup brands can aim to stand a class
apart by being recognized not just for their idea, but also presentation,
execution and user satisfaction.
The SuperStartUp Council in India will be led by legendary ad guru & brand
builder turned online entrepreneur, Shivjeet Kullar, who has over 100 national
and international awards to his credit.
BWDisrupt Team interacts with Shivjeet Kullar, Council head,
SuperStartUps and spoke to him
1. How will SuperStartUps help Indian Startup ecosystem?
Super Start Ups will help deserving startups to be applauded and recognised by
the people who matter most - the Indian internet users. It is a validation of a
start up's mission and strength. It would help the Start Up ecosystem because
finally there will be an international standard recognition to prove to the
world we have quantity as well as quality!
2. What services SuperBrands wants to provide to India Startups through this
initiative?
Super Start Up recognition has a number of entitlements:
a) They will get a trophy and be allowed to use the Super Start Up logo in all
their communications - this signals trust, quality and strong execution.
b) They will get a research report which will show them why their users
appreciate them, which demographics have what reactions - a/s/l.
c) They will feature in the Super Start Ups book which will be launched at a
public ceremony where there will be peers, dignitaries, angel investors and VCs
present
3. How can Start Ups enter in SuperStartUps program? What is your
selection criteria?
Any start Up operating in the geographical boundary of India with
a primarily online model can enter.
There is a simple 4 step process: register – test – screening – confirm! This
is basically a consumer driven process wherein thousands of users will
participate in over a lakh of reviews to determine which START UP gets the
Super Start Up status. For more details, logon to www.superstartupsindia.com.
4. What is the entry fees for startups and for how much time?
There is no entry fee. A start up only needs to pay if it qualifies as a super
brand. It is worth noting that while SuperBrand Status in the Indian corporate
world has a fee of INR 6 lacs, under the Super Start Up program, it has been
kept to $1100 for the first year.
The title can be used for one year.
5. There are already existing portals who provide mentorship,
training and fundraising help to start ups. How is SuperStartUps different from
them?
1, Usually, other awards are decided by only a panel, or by users themselves.
These awards, however, are decided by 1000's of internet users across 25
cities.
2. This is an international award program - already existing in 90 countries
3. You understand (and can prove) why you got this award - from an actual
research report.
4. The stamp/seal of being a SuperStartUp by Superbrands adds great value to a
business, and propels it in the circles of VC’s and consumers alike.
6. What are the future plans of SuperStartUps in India?
We plan to take SuperStartUps beyond awards and into workshops and knowledge
sessions. People will get a taste of this at the award ceremony. With the
success of this first edition, we will then extend this property for years to
come, increase and evolve the panel, and increase the scale of this initiative.
7. As the Head of the SuperStartUp Council, what goals have you
decided for this initiative for the coming 2-3 years?
We would begin worldwide launches-under the aegis of Superbrands International
- probably beginning with Malaysia, UK and Indonesia. As the scheme expands we
will help Start Ups across the world to cross fertilise.
8. As funding is a major concern for Indian Start Ups, then how
will SuperStartUps help in fundraising and what will be range of funding and in
which round?
1. An award can't guarantee funding - but the right honour can help validate
your model and 'prove' to VCs that you deserve to stand out.
2. We will have VCs on our panel as well invite the biggest ones to the
ceremony.
3. Since the Superbrands scheme exists in 90 countries it will give you an edge
when you talk to funders in countries like South Africa, China and USA.
9. On which sector, SuperStartUps is concentrating right now?
We will begin with all categories in the B2C sector.
