Sequoia Capital partners with YourStory for TechSparks 2011

Sequoia Capital has joined hands with YourStory, India’s leading online platform for entrepreneurs and startups to present “TechSparks 2011", a multi-city event designed to bring to the fore India’s finest product technology startups. It may be recalled that the previous edition, TechSparks 2010, was referred to as “India’s biggest product technology startup showcase” by a number of media outlets.

So, why product tech startups?

“How many Indian product technology companies can you readily think of?”, asks Shradha Sharma, the founder of YourStory.in . “It’s not a question that evokes a flurry of answers. On the contrary, most people are stumped when this question is posed to them. That is why we do TechSparks. It’s not that India does not have product tech startups emerging. It’s just that they aren’t as visible. They have trouble getting out of the proverbial garage and getting into the market. That’s what TechSparks is all about – getting product tech startups access to meaningful opportunities.”, reasons Shradha.

With Sequoia Capital coming on board as the VC partner, YourStory’s attempt to turn the spotlight on India’s best product tech startups has received a shot in the arm. Speaking about the association with TechSparks and YourStory, Shailendra Singh, Managing Director, Sequoia Capital, said “We’re very excited about the opportunity that TechSparks offers. We believe that Indian technology companies are capable of coming up with great product innovations and would like to encourage this eco-system with our support. Recognizing new ideas will further motivate entrepreneurs in the product technology space and make it more attractive for them as well as for investors. In the last year, we have made multiple investments in exciting technology companies like Druva, Quickheal, iYogi, and Fashion & You and are continuing to focus on investing in early stage companies.”

Entries are already being accepted for TechSparks 2011. Startups registering for TechSparks will also receive invites to the by-invitation-only TechSparks Regional RoundTables (RRTs), a city-centric mini-event designed for startups to network with VCs and corporates. The RRTs will be conducted in Delhi, Cochin, Chennai, Mumbai during the months of May, June and July 2011. The grand finale, featuring the top 20 tech startups among all the entries received, is scheduled for August 2011 in Bangalore.

So, it looks like exciting times are here for product tech startups. To get recognized nationally, get access to genuine support and substantive networking opportunities, register your product tech startup for TechSparks 2011 by clicking here.Follow TechSparks 2011 on facebook here.