Entrepreneur First (EF), an early-stage talent investing firm, has announced the launch of its ‘Graduate program’ for the best of India’s current students and recent graduates. The program is focused on promoting entrepreneurship amongst young Indians by backing them even before they have an idea or a co-founder and providing them with the necessary tools including the capital, mentorship, and network to build successful businesses.

 In just over a decade, Entrepreneur First claims that via its programs in London, Paris, Berlin, and Bangalore, it has enabled over 3000 individuals to build more than 600 companies that are now worth over USD 10 billion. With its Graduate program, EF India is setting out to invest in people with zero to two years of industry experience.

 The company in a statement said that its Talent Investors carefully handpick individuals who display the qualities intrinsic to being a successful founder, regardless of background or educational pedigree. Once selected, the Graduate cohort will embark on a fast-tracked journey from student to startup founder - where they will receive a stipend towards living expenses; the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional pool of potential co-founders; access to top mentors and advisors; and a platform to pitch for pre-seed investment.

With a rising number of graduates exploring entrepreneurship, there is an increasing need for resources and support that can help nurture them into successful founders. "We believe India has the potential to become a global leader in technology entrepreneurship, and our Graduate program is focused on identifying high-potential individuals with a passion for building impactful startups from scratch," said Rahul Samat, Partner and India Head.