NetApp Excellerator Demo Day 11 Plays Catalyst to Innovation, Brings Forth Six Deep Tech Startups

NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP), a global cloud-led, data-centric software company, saw six startups from the 11^th cohort of its flagship accelerator program, the NetApp Excellerator, graduate at a demo day event. Six deep tech startups: Zluri, AppSenitels, RapL, PrivaSapien, Firefly, and Squadcast, pitched to investors, industry leaders, mentors, and NetApp leaders. The event was graced by the presence of Indian ace Badminton coach and former player Pullela Gopichand, who is also an entrepreneur, a startup founder, and mentor.

“To act as a catalyst in the growth journeys of remarkable startups, is undoubtedly a matter of pride. Increased interest from startups across the world, and investors is a clear indication of India’s growing relevance as a technology hub that meets global standards. Through the NetApp Excellerator, our aim is to create a thriving innovation ecosystem for deep tech-focused startups and help them accelerate their growth, said Ravi Chhabria, managing director, NetApp India.“Together, we are shaping the future of technology and driving progress at an unprecedented pace.”

Cohort 11 saw an increased focus from startups developing cutting-edge solutions in the field of data security. At a time when security threats continue to pose significant risks to businesses and individuals alike, startups like PrivaSapien and AppSentinels provide solutions that mitigate these risks and safeguard sensitive information. These startups worked with NetApp mentors to refine their technology and go-to-market strategies which gives them an edge over their competitors.

Among the graduating startups PrivaSapien was mentored under NetApp Excellerate HER – an initiative of the NetApp Excellerator program that is dedicated to promoting women-led startups. Since its inception, NetApp Excellerate HER has mentored 12 women-led startups operating in the B2B deep tech space.

Sharing his mentoring journey and startup success at the Demo Day graduation, Pullela Gopichand, Indian Badminton Player and Coach, said, “What I witnessed today at the NetApp Excellerator Demo Day 11 will create a huge impact not only in the enterprise world, but in all walks of life. When I began my entrepreneurial journey, the goal was simple – to redefine the opportunities available in the field of badminton, sports at large and fitness. I realised that technology can be capitalised to make sports accessible to everyone, improve performances, and create new business models to aid sports. Now I believe that technology, like sports, is a great leveler. I am very excited to be here with these startups, and witness them unlock new opportunities.”

A collective sum of over USD 330Mn was raised in funding by different startups participating in the program. Out of the USD 330Mn, USD 160Mn was raised in the calendar year 2022 alone. A total of 72 deep tech startups have been mentored so far and 18 have engaged in proofs of concept (POCs), with NetApp’s backing in funding and technology support. A program with a truly global outlook, the NetApp Excellerator has graduated 24 startups based outside the country. From the current cohort, POCs for AppSentinels and RapL have already been successfully implemented. In addition, seven startups have achieved successful exits, further showcasing the program’s success.

The NetApp Excellerator program has been recognised as one of India’s top five accelerator programs for corporate innovation by NexTT Awards. Throughout the program, startups are matched with experienced senior technologists who serve as mentors, offering valuable guidance and expertise.

The program is now accepting applications for its next cohort, which will focus on cloud, IoT, big data and analytics, machine learning, virtualization, data security, data management, and storage. For more information, please log on to https://startup.netapp.in/.

Here are the NetApp Excellerator Program cohort 11 startups at a glance.