FAIL? Ashes to Ascent – Turning Startup Failure into Lessons for Entrepreneurship

The journey of entrepreneurship is never a straight line. It is filled with risks, experiments, setbacks, and comebacks. On the 7th of this month, the E-Cell of IIIT Hyderabad hosted its much-awaited event – FAIL? Ashes to Ascent, a thought-provoking initiative that highlighted the importance of learning from startup failure and embracing it as a stepping stone to success.

The event brought together industry leaders, legal experts, and academic voices to share their experiences and guide the next generation of entrepreneurs. Adding strength to the event, Startups India partnered as the official Media Partner, amplifying its message to a wider audience.

About the Event

FAIL? Ashes to Ascent was designed to break the stigma around failure in the world of entrepreneurship. Organized by the Entrepreneurship Cell of IIIT Hyderabad, the event provided a platform for students, startup enthusiasts, and budding founders to openly discuss challenges, setbacks, and ways to rise stronger.

With support from partners like Unibic (Snacking Partner), ixigo (Travel Partner), and Startups India (Media Partner), the event was not just informative but also an engaging experience for attendees.

Esteemed Speakers

The panel featured distinguished speakers who shared their journeys and practical insights:

• Mr. Pradeep Lokhande – Postcard Man of India, Founder of Rural Relations
• Mr. Kishan P – Founding Member, Pepper Content
• Mr. Thangminlal Haokip – Esteemed Lawyer
• Ms. Rama Devi Lanka – Former Director, Emerging Technologies
• Dr. Vishnu Sreekumar – Assistant Professor, IIIT Hyderabad

Each speaker highlighted how failures are inevitable in the startup world but emphasized that the right mindset can turn setbacks into future growth.

Key Highlights

• Why Startups Fail? – Judges and speakers discussed the most common reasons for startup failure, including lack of market research, weak financial planning, and execution gaps.
• Overcoming Fear – Insights were shared on how founders can tackle the fear of failure, build resilience, and stay motivated.
• Path to Success – Real-life examples and case studies inspired attendees to believe that success often comes after multiple attempts.
• Interactive Discussions – Students had the chance to directly engage with the speakers, making the session lively and practical.

Role of Startups India

As the Media Partner, Startups India (startupsindia) played a key role in supporting and promoting the event. Ravi Tilekar (Founder), Avinash Tilekar (CEO), and Vishwaraj Saude (COO) attended the program as Guests of Honour, adding prestige to the occasion. Their presence highlighted Startups India’s commitment to empowering the startup ecosystem and amplifying the voices of budding entrepreneurs.

Takeaways and Impact

The biggest message of FAIL? Ashes to Ascent was clear – failure is not the end, but the beginning of learning. The event inspired students and aspiring founders to embrace challenges, look at mistakes as lessons, and continue their pursuit of entrepreneurship with renewed courage.

As the session concluded, one thought echoed in every mind:
“From ashes, we rise. Every failure is just another step toward success.”

FAQs

Q1. What was the purpose of the FAIL? Ashes to Ascent event?
The event aimed to address the challenges of startup failure, help founders overcome the fear of failing, and promote resilience in entrepreneurship.

Q2. Who organized the event?
The event was organized by the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) of IIIT Hyderabad.

Q3. Who were the key speakers at the event?
Notable speakers included Mr. Pradeep Lokhande, Mr. Kishan P, Mr. Thangminlal Haokip, Ms. Rama Devi Lanka, and Dr. Vishnu Sreekumar.

Q4. How did Startups India contribute to the event?
Startups India (startupsindia) was the Media Partner. Representatives Vishwaraj, Ravi Tilekar, and Avinash Tilekar attended and supported the event, ensuring its message reached a wider audience.

Q5. What was the key takeaway for students and startups?
The event emphasized that failure is not an end but a step toward success in entrepreneurship, encouraging participants to learn, adapt, and grow from setbacks.