SMK 2025: “The Josh is High,” Says Rukam Capital’s Archana Jahagirdar

The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh—India’s largest congregation of startups, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers—came to a thundering close, leaving behind an electrifying trail of innovation, energy, and ambition. Among those at the heart of this mega-event was Archana Jahagirdar, Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, who also served as one of the key members of the organising committee.

Reflecting on the atmosphere, Jahagirdar said the “josh is high,” with an energy that was not just visible but deeply palpable throughout the three-day event. “People are truly benefiting from this, and that was always the intent behind putting Startup Mahakumbh together,” she said.

Exceeded Expectations—But Eyes Already on the Next Edition

While the scale and success of the event surpassed expectations, Jahagirdar believes there’s always room for growth.

“Events like these take on a life of their own once they go live. It has certainly exceeded expectations, but we’re already thinking about how to make it bigger and better next year,” she added.

With Union Minister Piyush Goyal already encouraging the team to begin planning for the next edition, Jahagirdar confirmed that the groundwork for 2026 is underway. “From the moment this idea was mentioned at another event, we welcomed it wholeheartedly. Now with the second edition a success, we’re looking forward to scaling it up further,” she noted.

Key Moments That Defined the Mahakumbh

The event saw participation from notable dignitaries, including the Chief Economic Adviser, Amitabh Kant, and cultural icons like Bhuvan Bam, CarryMinati, and Kusha Kapila. Jahagirdar highlighted a powerful moment when the Union Minister walked through the venue, interacting with startups and listening to their ideas firsthand. “It was a meaningful experience for founders to present their innovations directly to the government,” she said.

Trends and Innovation on Display

From her lens as an investor, Jahagirdar emphasized that the event was a showcase of true innovation.

“Every founder is typically working in their own silo, whether it’s a fab lab, office, or research facility. Startup Mahakumbh brings them together, allowing for idea exchange and visibility. The level of innovation we saw was truly exciting.”

She added that this kind of exposure is vital for India’s startup ecosystem and looks forward to seeing “even more groundbreaking ideas next year.”

On the Minister’s Startup Reality Check

Addressing the “Startup Reality Check” issued by Minister Goyal during the inaugural session—which received mixed reactions—Jahagirdar said his message was misunderstood.

“It was a forward-looking statement. He acknowledged the progress we've made but also emphasized the need to adapt in this new era of generative AI and deep tech. It was a call to step up, not a critique.”

Backing Founders Beyond the Event

Talking about Rukam Capital’s role beyond Startup Mahakumbh, Jahagirdar stressed the importance of risk capital in nurturing startups.

“Capital is like blood in the veins of a startup. Without it, especially in deep tech or capital-heavy ventures, sustaining becomes tough. At Rukam, that’s exactly what we provide—lifeblood for startups that are trying to do something different.”

What More Needs to be Done?

According to Jahagirdar, India's startup ecosystem is constantly evolving, and its support systems must evolve too.

“This is an iterative process. Founders discover new niches, the government tries to understand and support them. What’s needed is a vision that works across short, medium, and long-term goals,” she said.

As Startup Mahakumbh 2025 wraps up, it is evident that the event was not just about numbers or footfall—it was about celebrating innovation, connecting the ecosystem, and laying the foundation for a stronger, future-ready startup India.