NetApp Excellerator announces eighth cohort

NetApp announced the eight startups selected for the eighth cohort of its flagship startup accelerator program, the NetApp Excellerator. The startups include Data Sutram, FireCompass, Metabob, Maxbyte, Nife, Snapblocs, State of Mind, and Tongadive. These startups leverage AI, cloud computing, and data to deliver creative solutions in areas like location intelligence, smart manufacturing, employee experience, and healthcare.

Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director, NetApp India, at the inaugural session of this cohort said, “Despite the challenges posed by a pandemic, we have accelerated our cloud-led digital transformation. We have partnered in this journey with our customers, partners, and the startup ecosystem as well. With 42 NetApp Excellerator alumni, we are uniquely positioned to offer these startups a network of knowledge, talent, market access, and shared insights. Our program will help them apply growth-hacking frameworks and enable them to build relevance for prospective customers.”

Like the last cohort, and in keeping with the times, this cohort is being launched virtually, which allows for more participation from international startups. Five of the eight companies joining the eighth cohort are international startups. Metabob and Snapblocs are based in the US; Nife and FireCompass are based in Singapore; and Tongadive is based in the UK.

“Working with the mentors at NetApp prepares the startups for the challenges ahead. With our global reach, technology expertise, and industry connections, we look forward to continuing to nurture India’s startup ecosystem. I am also elated to welcome the three startups FireCompass, Tongadive, and Nife that make up our newest additions to the NetApp ExcellerateHER program. These companies are led by women founders with deep tech expertise. The four-month-long program will present opportunities for them to network and receive invaluable support in their entrepreneurial journey”, said Madhurima Agarwal, Director Engineering Programs, and Leader, NetApp Excellerator Program.

Since its inception in 2017, the award-winning NetApp Excellerator program has so far mentored 42 startups. With the induction of this cohort, the total number of startups that have participated in the Excellerator program reaches 50.