Lead Invest (formerly Lead Angels), in collaboration with WE Hub and Draper Startup House India, has launched the Hyderabad edition of Huddle Hour, an informal networking initiative tailored to early-stage startup founders and investors.
Following a successful pilot in Bengaluru earlier this year, Huddle Hour’s arrival in Hyderabad signals Lead Invest’s broader vision to cultivate a national founders-first ecosystem. Unlike traditional investor meetups focused on pitching, Huddle Hour fosters relaxed, candid interactions aimed at relationship-building and problem-solving.
“We are happy to witness overwhelming response across cities for Huddle Hour – a platform envisioned to promote authentic, insightful interactions between today’s founders and investors,” said Naveena Reddy, Vice President at Lead Invest.
A Founder-Friendly Format
Huddle Hour’s core format diverges sharply from conventional pitch events. Instead of formal presentations, it encourages open dialogue, enabling early-stage entrepreneurs to:
- Discuss real-time challenges
- Seek targeted feedback from investors and mentors
- Explore collaborative growth opportunities
The Hyderabad edition brought together a dynamic mix of emerging startups, angel investors, and ecosystem mentors, further boosting the city’s vibrant startup culture.
“By creating an open, relaxed space where founders can engage meaningfully with veteran investors... Huddle Hour is poised to become a game-changer,” said Karan Bahadur, Founder of Draper Startup House India.
Strategic Collaborations Fuel Growth
Lead Invest has strategically partnered with WE Hub, Telangana's first state-led incubator for women entrepreneurs, and Draper Startup House India, part of the global Draper Network, known for its strong commitment to early-stage innovation.
This synergy allowed the Hyderabad edition to cater not just to tech startups, but also to diverse founder segments, including underrepresented and women-led ventures.
What’s Next: Delhi and Mumbai
With Bengaluru and Hyderabad now completed, Lead Invest will take Huddle Hour to Delhi and Mumbai in the coming months. Each edition is expected to be co-hosted by local startup enablers, incubators, and legal and financial advisors, ensuring founders get access to a 360-degree support network.
About Lead Invest
Lead Invest is an investment platform focused on unlisted equity, helping connect high-potential startups with strategic investors. It has backed nearly 100 startups across sectors and offers services spanning advisory, cap-table management, and pre-IPO opportunities. The firm continues to position itself as India’s most trusted growth-driven investment platform.
Our Opinion on the News
The expansion of Huddle Hour is a timely and strategic move that reflects an evolving startup culture in India—one that values mentorship and community over pressure and pitching. As more founders seek not just capital but meaningful engagement, this format could redefine how early-stage ecosystems function in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities alike.
Moreover, the involvement of entities like WE Hub and Draper Startup House enhances the credibility and reach of the initiative. With upcoming editions in major metro cities, Huddle Hour may soon become a national barometer for founder-investor connectivity, offering a softer, more human approach to startup building.