Graphisads, IIM Lucknow launch G Force accelerator for media startups

Graphisads Limited, a leading advertising and outdoor media company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) to launch "G Force," an innovative accelerator program designed to empower aspiring media and MarTech entrepreneurs.

This initiative leverages the combined strengths of industry expertise from Graphisads and academic leadership from IIM Lucknow to cultivate a new generation of successful businesses. The program marks a significant milestone for the Indian media landscape, fostering collaboration and innovation between the advertising world and academia.

"This collaboration is a unique effort in India, uniting an advertising agency with a renowned academic institution to propel media startups forward," said Mukesh Gupta, CMD of Graphisads. "With our extensive media presence, strong client relationships, and vast network, we are confident in creating numerous success stories. We are targeting around ₹100 Crore in achieved success by these startups within the next three years."

Arunodaya Bajpai, COO of IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Center, echoed the sentiment, stating, "We are delighted to collaborate with Graphisads' G-Force program and welcome startups in the dynamic Media & Entertainment sector. This industry is experiencing rapid growth and holds immense potential due to ongoing disruptions. Our focus areas include gamification, event automation, influencer marketing, adtech, DOOH platforms, programmatic media opportunities, and MarTech. Through personalized guidance, we aim to equip these startups with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the market."

To further enrich the program and provide invaluable mentorship to participating startups, Graphisads has assembled a distinguished Mentor Board comprised of industry stalwarts. These mentors include top media professionals such as Anurag Batra (Chairman of Exchange4Media & Business World), Anil Dua (CRO of HT Media), Varun Kohli (COO of Times Network), Mona Jain (CRO of Zee Media), and Rajeev Gupta (CEO of Adaan Digital Solutions).

"We are incredibly grateful to these industry leaders who have generously offered their expertise to this initiative," said Alok Gupta, Director of Graphisads and the brain behind the G Force concept. "This collaboration reflects our commitment to giving back to the industry that has nurtured our own success."