 Agencies
JALANDHAR, Feb 19: The 5th Edition of the Indian Entrepreneurship Conclave 2025 (IECON'25) was inaugurated at Lovely Professional University (LPU) by Vineeta Singh, the Shark Tank India judge and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics. Sugar Cosmetics, a prominent Indian makeup and skincare brand valued at an impressive ?4,100 crore, made Vinita's participation in the conclave all the more captivating for students, entrepreneurs, and industry experts alike. As a well-known figure in the startup ecosystem, Vineeta Singh's presence infused the LPU campus with a sense of excitement and motivation.
Vineeta Singh took the stage to share her remarkable journey, emphasizing how Sugar Cosmetics, a brand she co-founded in 2015, has made a mark today. Beginning as an online-only venture in a fiercely competitive beauty industry dominated by foreign brands, Vineeta recounted how Sugar defied the odds, gaining traction with India's increasingly self-aware and locally-focused consumer base.She spoke passionately about the evolution of Sugar Cosmetics, which now boasts over 40,000 retail stores across India. "Rejection is never a dead-end," having faced 100 rejections early on oneself but never viewing rejection as the end of everything. Vineeta urged young entrepreneurs of LPU to focus on finding the right product-market fit rather than rushing to scale a business prematurely. She also encouraged the audience to embrace challenges as part of the journey toward success.
Vineeta's address was a powerful call to action for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Noting the rise of women-led ventures, she pointed out that 45% of entrepreneurs who pitch on Shark Tank India are women-led, underscoring how India is witnessing a fundamental shift. She further lauded LPU's unique Incubator Program, a platform that helps early-stage startups and entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life with mentorship, funding, and support. With over 250+ startups incubated at LPU, the university remains at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurial development, offering students the tools they need to turn their business ideas into successful ventures.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU emphasized that LPU nurtures a hands-on ecosystem where students gain practical experience through startup mentorship, incubation, and real-world learning. Dr. Mittal highlighted that entrepreneurship is deeply embedded in the university's culture, with initiatives like EduRevolution designed to prepare students for the challenges of the startup world. Dr. Mittal also pointed out that live interactions with top entrepreneurs, such as Vineeta, provide invaluable insights into the practical side of entrepreneurship, often sparking ideas for future ventures and inspiring students to become the innovators of tomorrow.
Vineeta also engaged in an interactive live Q&A session with students, sharing invaluable insights on business strategy, innovation, and leadership. The session was an eye-opener for many aspiring entrepreneurs, as Vineeta answered questions ranging from finding investment opportunities to managing team dynamics. She also imparted key lessons on leadership and perseverance; crucial attributes for anyone seeking to venture into the startup world. |
