ITEF Kuwait Chapter conducted workshop on Scalable Startup & Risk Capital

The International Tamil Engineers Forum (ITEF) Kuwait Chapter, in association with The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Kuwait Chapter (ICAIKC), hosted a workshop on "Scalable Startup & Risk Capital" on September 19, 2026, aimed at promoting the startup ecosystem among professionals in Kuwait. The event brought together members of ITEF Kuwait Chapter, ICAIKC and IEIKC and featured two guest speakers with expertise in startup building and angel investing: Shivarajah and CA. Aswin Sundar.

"Scalable Startup & Risk Capital" was the central theme addressed across presentations and panel discussions, with Shivarajah focusing on startup strategies and angel investing and CA. Aswin Sundar detailing the "Challenges & Risk involved in Investing, especially Angel Investing."

The workshop was attended by ITEF Global leadership — Chairman Er. Krishna Jegan and Managing Director Er. Selvam — alongside ICAI Kuwait Chapter Chairperson CA Venkata Ramana Badida and IEI Kuwait Chapter Chairman Er. Kartik Elangovan. Guests of honor included Eng. Atallah A. Almutairi, Chairman of Rank General Trading Co. WLL, and Eng. Sulaiman Ashkanani.

Organizers opened the event with both national anthems; the programme "started on a traditional and respectful note with the Kuwait National Anthem followed by the Indian National Anthem." Er. Ananthakumar presented the day's "Safety Moment" and Er. Anantharaj offered the "Startup Thought for the day" before Er. Suresh, President of ITEF Kuwait Chapter, formally welcomed the speakers, guests of honor and delegates.

CA Venkata Ramana Badida reflected on the value of collaborative efforts between professional bodies in Kuwait, stressing the expected impact of the workshop on local entrepreneurship and investor readiness. Guest speakers were introduced by Er. Rajkumar and Er. Kalaiarasan, and the programme included a preview of ITEF’s flagship event: Dr. Makenthiran, Director of ITEF Conference, invited patrons, sponsors and delegates to GCC Connect-2026, scheduled for November 29–30, 2026 at the Badriya Ballroom in Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel, Kuwait.

Shivarajah’s session centered on practical guidance for building scalable ventures and identifying early-stage investment opportunities, while CA. Aswin Sundar outlined investor perspectives, with particular attention to due diligence, risk allocation and the unique challenges of angel funding. The pair addressed audience questions during the formal Q&A and continued discussions over dinner, signalling strong engagement from attendees.

Felicitation ceremonies recognized the guest speakers, guests of honor and event sponsor; Er. Venkatesh, ITEF General Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was emceed by Er. Nisha Arumugam and Er. Middleton, who thanked speakers and participants for an "insightful & interactive event."

Organizers positioned the workshop as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen networks between engineers, chartered accountants and investors in Kuwait. With GCC Connect-2026 on the horizon and sustained dialogue between professional chapters, the session aimed to translate discussion into actionable support for startups seeking angel and venture capital in the region.