In a startup ecosystem filled with inspiration but short on structured guidance, 18startup aims to close a critical gap: helping early-stage founders move from idea to execution with clarity and support. Based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the company was founded in 2023 by Teja Surishetti, Prakash Balasubramanian, and Zeeshan Mohammed.
Their goal is to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, frameworks, and mentorship they need to validate their ideas, build minimum viable products (MVPs), and prepare for early-stage fundraising—all in a focused, action-oriented environment.
About the Founders
The founding team of 18startup brings together complementary expertise from business, technology, and startup operations.
- Teja Surishetti is known for his work in community building and founder support initiatives.
- Prakash Balasubramanian brings product development and tech execution experience.
- Zeeshan Mohammed adds operational insight with a background in building early-stage teams and startup ecosystems.
Together, they share a common belief: founders don’t need more theory, they need real-world guidance, timely feedback, and access to people who’ve done it before.
Spotting the Problem
The early stages of building a startup often feel like a lonely and uncertain path. Most first-time founders struggle to turn rough ideas into testable products. Many are unsure how to validate their business model, build a team, or attract investors. While accelerators and incubators exist, they often cater to startups already beyond the ideation stage.
The 18startup team recognized that aspiring entrepreneurs need structure, mentorship, and clarity right from Day 1, especially in smaller cities and non-metro regions where access to startup resources is limited.
The Solution
18startup was built to serve this early-stage need. Rather than focusing on pitch decks and growth hacks, it emphasizes foundational skills, such as:
- How to go from idea to MVP
- Customer discovery and validation
- Business model refinement
- Early traction strategies
- Investor readiness and pitch practice
The platform offers founder-led learning modules, access to mentors and startup practitioners, and a growing community of early-stage entrepreneurs. Participants are encouraged to work in public, build iteratively, and learn from feedback.
Their approach blends structured curriculum with flexibility, allowing founders to move at their own pace while staying connected to peers and mentors.
About the Startup
Since launching in 2023, 18startup has engaged with a growing base of founders from across India. Its offerings include cohort-based programs, 1:1 mentorship sessions, and access to curated tools and resources.
Unlike traditional business schools or accelerators, 18startup doesn’t assume participants already have a startup, it helps them build one from scratch. The focus is on building “real stuff,” not just business plans.
Its community-first approach, combined with a strong presence in southern India’s startup circles, has helped it attract early attention from aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those outside major metro hubs.
Community and Ecosystem Focus
Beyond its programs, 18startup also plays a role in nurturing local ecosystems. The team has hosted events, founder meetups, and idea-stage pitch forums in Coimbatore and other tier-2 cities, encouraging more individuals to take the first step toward entrepreneurship.
By lowering the barriers to entry and offering practical education, the startup hopes to broaden access to startup building, not just for seasoned professionals but also for college students, solo founders, and first-time builders.
Final Thoughts
18startup fills a niche that’s often overlooked: structured, founder-first support at the idea stage. With a focus on hands-on learning, MVP execution, and startup fundamentals, the platform is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them take the next step.
As India’s startup ecosystem matures, the demand for early-stage support programs like 18startup is expected to grow. By offering a blend of education, community, and mentorship, the team aims to ensure that more ideas get built and more founders get started with confidence.
