On 10th December 2025, my team had the opportunity to pitch our product CANSPLA, a recruitment software for recruiters and hiring teams, at FundQuest’25: The Shark Tank Event. The event was hosted at IIM Mumbai and stood out as one of the most professionally managed startup pitching events I have attended.
About FundQuest’25
FundQuest’25 was structured into two rounds:
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An online qualification round, and
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An offline pitching round, where the top 20 selected teams were invited to present their startup ideas at IIM Mumbai.
The format closely resembled Shark Tank, giving founders the chance to pitch in front of distinguished investors and network with them in a meaningful way.
Smooth Organization and Clear Communication
One of the most impressive aspects of FundQuest’25 was its clear and timely communication, both before and during the event. All important details were shared well in advance, eliminating confusion and last-minute chaos.
The volunteers were warm, polite, and approachable, and they actively helped participants with queries, ensuring a smooth experience throughout the day.
Well-Structured Pitching Sessions
Since some teams were pitching online, the organizers smartly divided the pitching sessions into two parts:
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The first half for offline pitches, and
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The second half for online pitches.
This thoughtful structure ensured that the event ran efficiently without disrupting the flow for either set of participants.
The pitching was scheduled to start at 10:00 AM, and unlike the common delays seen in many events, FundQuest’25 started exactly on time. The transitions between pitches were seamless, and the entire session progressed smoothly.
Respect for Participants’ Freedom and Time
Unlike some poorly managed events where participants are forced to sit through unrelated sessions, FundQuest’25 respected everyone’s time. Participants were free to watch other pitches, move around the campus, or network, creating a relaxed and professional environment.
This freedom made the experience far more engaging and enjoyable.
A Thoughtful Closing Gesture
As we were leaving, one of the volunteers politely asked for feedback, which reflected the organizers’ genuine interest in improving the event further. It was a small gesture, but it left a strong positive impression.
Final Thoughts
Overall, FundQuest’25 delivered an excellent and memorable experience. From organization and communication to volunteer support and punctuality, everything was handled with professionalism.
I would strongly recommend early-stage startup founders to look forward to this event in the coming years. If FundQuest’25 is any indication, future editions will be well worth participating in.
