Startup Kashmir Second Pitch Deck Event.
By Syed Sammar Mehdi
Kashmir’s top hotelier Mushtaq Chaya walked into the Radisson Hotel Srinagar on Wednesday as an eager listener. Within minutes, he had become the heartbeat of Startup Kashmir’s second pitch deck event, encouraging young founders to see opportunity where others see obstacles.
“We face challenges every day,” Chaya told the audience of founders, investors, and mentors. “Every challenge is an opportunity. Persistence, resilience, and clear vision will take you farther than you imagine.”
The conversation quickly turned global. USA-based angel investor Tasawur Jalali emphasized the importance of connecting Kashmir’s startups with international markets. “These ideas have potential far beyond the Valley,” he said. “With the right guidance and support, founders here can access US markets, attract investors, and scale globally.”
The event brought together five of the valley’s most promising early-stage ventures: Abdul Barii’s Zorawar, Syed Zaman’s Makaseb International, Furqan Qureshi’s Cartzu, Sheikh Rizwan’s Biowealth-Helixion, and Abul Kalam Azad’s Credistralia.
Each founder spoke with hope, determination, and ambition, presenting ideas that reflected the drive to create meaningful change in Kashmir.
Among them was Fiza Masoodi of The Healing Grove, whose startup on mental wellness impressed the audience and the chief guest alike. “Mushtaq Chaya appreciated our approach to building resilience,” she said. “That recognition strengthened my belief that what we do matters.”
Mushtaq Chaya addressing founders.
Chaya’s words carried the weight of experience. Having built businesses amid uncertainty, he spoke as someone who had faced failure, learned from it, and emerged stronger.
“This ecosystem needs belief,” he said. “It needs people who think beyond barriers. Each one of you is part of that movement. You are the change Kashmir seeks.”
Syed Rais, President of J&K Bank, emphasized the value of mentorship and financial support.
Khair ull Nissa Shah, Director at Alson Motors and Startup Kashmir, talked about the importance of mentorship and access to networks, reminding entrepreneurs that guidance can be as crucial as capital.
Meanwhile, Shahid Ansari, Founder and CEO of Startup Kashmir, spoke of a larger vision, building platforms that not only nurture local talent but also connect them with international markets and global opportunities.
For Kashmir, the Pitch Deck Event was a statement that ambition is alive, innovation is possible, and the valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is gaining momentum.