Kotak Bank Fuels Bharat Startups with Purpose-Led CSR

Kotak Mahindra Bank is paving a different path, one that puts purpose before valuation, by turning corporate social responsibility (CSR) into a platform for ecosystem growth in a time when others appear to be preoccupied with pursuing the next unicorn.

The  private bank recently unveiled Hausla Empowered, a four-part documentary series that chronicles the experiences of entrepreneurs overcoming India's most difficult obstacles with bravery, tenacity, and creativity, as well as season two of Kotak BizLabs, its accelerator-style CSR program.

Imagine it as the "Shark Tank for Bharat," only with a lot more validation and less valuations.

Also Read:  IOC-GPS Renewables Secures $95M for 9 Biogas Plants

In conversation with Kedarswamy Ravangave, EVP – marketing, Kotak Mahindra Bank, it’s clear this isn’t just a shiny programme dressed up in startup jargon. “Brand building”, he says, “is really about letting the action of the brand speak much louder than campaigns.” It’s a rare moment of candour in a landscape where most marketing strategies still begin with a hashtag.

Through expert talks, founder mixers, and roadshows in 11 cities, the inaugural season of BizLabs brought together over 1,500 entrepreneurs. Over Rs 5 crore in scholarships and finance came through the initiative, and about 55 firms were expedited.

The majority of startup tales are still certified by LinkedIn, born in a metro area, and evaluated by accelerators. However, Kotak's approach is very straightforward: go deeper, go smaller.

“Tier II and III cities are underserved, and more importantly, underfed when it comes to access,” says Ravangave. “There’s someone in Aurangabad solving a real problem, and if you reach them and help one such startup, the entire local community begins to believe it’s possible.”