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Startup Leadership Program: Joint Program Leader & Fellow

259 words·2 mins·
Startup Leadership Entrepreneurship Mentorship
Dipankar Sarkar
Author
Dipankar Sarkar
Serial entrepreneur and startup ecosystem builder with 15+ years of experience. Founded multiple ventures including Kwippy (recognized among India’s Top 25 Web 2.0 startups) and Boom Labs. Passionate about bridging technology gaps and mentoring the next generation of founders. As a Westerwelle Young Founders Fellow and Startup Leadership Program leader, I’ve helped shape entrepreneurial journeys across India’s startup landscape. Currently focused on Web3 technologies and building inclusive fintech solutions. Always learning, always building, always giving back to the startup community.
Table of Contents

Leadership Role
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Served as Joint Program Leader and Fellow (2011) in the New Delhi chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, one of the world’s most selective training programs for startup founders and innovators.

About the Program
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The Startup Leadership Program is a prestigious global initiative designed to develop the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders:

  • Selectivity: Highly competitive selection process with acceptance rates typically below 5%
  • Global Network: Connected chapters across 20+ cities worldwide
  • Curriculum: Intensive CEO-level training combining theory and practical application
  • Duration: 6-month immersive program with ongoing alumni engagement
  • Focus: Building world-class startups and fostering innovation leadership

Dual Role Experience
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The unique opportunity to serve as both Joint Program Leader and Fellow provided a multifaceted learning experience:

As a Fellow:
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  • Participated in intensive training modules on leadership, strategy, and scaling
  • Engaged with globally recognized entrepreneurs and investors
  • Developed frameworks for building sustainable, scalable startups
  • Built lasting relationships with fellow founders

As Joint Program Leader:
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  • Helped shape the program curriculum and select future cohorts
  • Mentored emerging entrepreneurs in the New Delhi startup ecosystem
  • Contributed to building the local entrepreneurial community
  • Facilitated connections between startups, mentors, and investors

Impact and Legacy
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This dual role experience fundamentally shaped my approach to entrepreneurship and mentorship. It reinforced the importance of giving back to the ecosystem while continuing to learn and grow. The global network built through this program has been invaluable throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

Read More
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