Pilot program

XSEED’s pilot incubation wasn’t just a program—it was a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to turn ideas into impact. Over 1.5 years, founders dived into a powerful mix of training material curated by researchers from INSEAD, one-on-one mentorship, and game-changing networking.

It all kicked off with an intensive 3-month training that empowered startups with scientific strategies—from cracking market validation to becoming investment-ready. Then, month after month, participants gained insider knowledge from industry leaders, sharpened their strategies through expert mentorship, and built connections with peers, investors, and partners.

The journey peaked with a milestone Graduation Day alongside INSEAD researchers, and an exclusive Demo Day where selected startups pitched to a powerhouse panel—opening doors to funding, partnerships, and exponential growth.

                      Training

We delivered a 3-month, research-backed training program for ideation-stage entrepreneurs, designed by INSEAD Professors and brought to life by top coaches — Abid Butt, Fareesh Shah, Farwah Tapal, Imran Azhar, Junaid Saleem, Sana Shah, Sheikh Hammad Amjad, and Ziana Sakhia. Using a scientific approach, startups worked on their business model canvas, customer journey mapping, MVP testing, and other core areas, gaining practical skills to shape and validate their business ideas.

                       Mentoring

We paired each entrepreneur with experienced industry experts, successful startup founders, and active ecosystem players for one-on-one mentoring with our esteemed mentors: Ziana Sakhia, Junaid Saleem & Sheikh Hammad Amjad. These sessions addressed individual business challenges, offered tailored feedback, and provided strategic direction, helping founders move from idea to a validated business model. Mentors also opened doors to their own networks, creating opportunities for collaboration and support beyond the program.

                  Investment

Investment opportunities were concentrated at Demo Day, where selected startups pitched directly to investors and industry leaders. This provided entrepreneurs with valuable exposure, real-time feedback, and potential pathways to secure future funding as they progress beyond the ideation stage.

  Monthly Networking Events

As part of the pilot, we hosted monthly networking events that brought together some of the best in the business to share their expertise with our entrepreneurs. Topics ranged from funding and investment, marketing and branding, and team building, to legal considerations, financial management, pitching, personal branding, and grant writing. Industry leaders such as Ishaq Khootawala, Mubariz Siddiqui, Halima Iqbal, Imran Khan, Kassim Shroff, and Aman Nasir led these sessions, giving participants practical insights, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections to advance their entrepreneurial journey.

                Certification

Upon the culmination of the program, the founders received an exclusive online certificate signed by researchers from INSEAD, thereby giving the startups global recognition and credibility.