Stepping into the serene ambiance of Alila Diwa in Goa, I sensed that Together 2024, hosted by She Capital, would be far more than just another industry event. Curated with care and vision by Anisha Singh, the driving force behind India’s leading diversity-focused fund, the event was designed to facilitate meaningful connections among women founders and investors. Anisha’s work through She Capital, which has empowered women-led startups to scale new heights, was evident in the thoughtfully structured sessions. This was not simply a platform for networking; it was an opportunity to engage deeply with fellow leaders, to exchange experiences, and to reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities we face as women in business.
For me, as the Co-founder of Second Quest, a young studio focused on building immersive, community-driven gaming experiences, it was the perfect setting to gather invaluable insights. The event with its blend of purpose, leadership, and personal connection—made it a transformative experience. I left Goa not just with new ideas but with a renewed sense of purpose, deeply inspired by the women and men championing change in our ecosystem.
A Powerful Opening: The Paralympian Story
The opening keynote set the tone for the entire event. Paralympics Bronze Medalist Simran Sharma, her husband and coach Naik Gajendra Singh, and India’s para-athletics head coach Satyanarayana shared their incredible story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. Simran’s journey of breaking barriers and defying all odds resonated deeply with me, reminding me that with passion, perseverance, and the right support system, we can achieve extraordinary things. It also highlighted the power of teamwork and collaboration, a value that is essential for any successful venture.
Meaningful Conversations with Women Changemakers
One of the most rewarding aspects of Together 2024 was the opportunity to connect with inspiring women changemakers who are making a real difference in the world. It is impossible for me to list down all the 140 inspiring changemakers, but I won’t be able to move forward without mentioning some of them who left a lasting impression. These women are not only successful entrepreneurs but also passionate advocates for social change.
- Shilpa Arora, founder of Insurance Samadhan, is tackling a critical issue that often goes unaddressed: financial grievances related to insurance claims. Her company empowers consumers to navigate the complexities of the insurance industry, ensuring they receive fair treatment and resolution. This resonated with me deeply, as I believe in the power of empowering individuals to take control of their own narratives and experiences.
- Shreyasi Singh of Harappa revolutionised education by focusing on building foundational skills for the future workforce. This aligns perfectly with my belief in the importance of education and mentorship. We need to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in any industry.
- Maithreye Murali Reddy of Miracle Me is transforming wellness by blending the purity of nature with the precision of science. Her company’s approach to crafting health products with natural ingredients and scientific rigor reminded me of the importance of creating personalized experiences. Just as Miracle Me tailors wellness solutions to seamlessly fit into daily life, I believe in designing experiences that cater to individual needs and preferences, ensuring authenticity and impact.
- Tanya Malik of The Biohackers Co. is at the forefront of holistic wellness and personalized nutrition. This resonated with me as well, as I believe that well-being is crucial for everyone, especially those in creative fields. We need to prioritize mental and physical health to foster creativity and innovation.
These conversations reinforced my belief that even small interventions can lead to significant progress in furthering the cause of gender equity.
Men as Champions for Women
It was also incredibly heartening to meet men who are actively championing women in their entrepreneurial journeys. Ravi Mantha, an entrepreneur and holistic health practitioner; Arjun Basu, an investor and advocate for women in technology; and Ronak Kumar Samantray, who is building a cool space-tech startup, were all present at Together 2024, demonstrating their commitment to gender equality and inclusivity. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that the journey towards gender equity is a collective one, and it’s crucial to have men actively participating in this movement.
Podcast Opportunity: Beyond Cricket
My experience of democratizing grassroots sports with MyySports, has solidified my belief in the power of sports to drive positive change. So, when I was invited to participate in a podcast discussion titled “Moneyball: 1.3 Billion Strong – Does Sports Matter in India Beyond Cricket?” alongside Arvind Sivdas, Co-founder of Yuva Kabaddi, and hosted by Kruti Raiyani of She Capital, I was thrilled to share my perspective. We explored how sports beyond cricket can shape India’s future, and the impact of fostering a sports culture across all strata of society. I shared my perspective on the growing convergence of sports and esports, the importance of overcoming challenges like cyberbullying to create a more inclusive environment for women in esports, and how we can inspire the next generation of athletes.
Closing Reflections: Bhumi Pednekar’s Message of Change
The closing keynote by Bhumi Pednekar struck a particularly personal chord. As Bhumi shared her journey and her bold choices in the film industry, I couldn’t help but think of the Banega Swachh India campaign I led with Dettol during my time at NDTV. Bhumi’s film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was a catalyst for change in the sanitation movement in India, and it mirrored the efforts we made in building a cleaner, more hygienic India. It was a powerful reminder of how media, film, and campaigns can create real, tangible impact and drive social change.
Final Thoughts
Leaving Together 2024, I am re-energized by the conversations, the inspiring individuals I met, and the incredible sense of community we built.
At Second Quest, we are driven by the values of building strong communities, fostering creativity, and pushing boundaries. This event reaffirmed my belief in those guiding principles, and I am more committed than ever to creating immersive, player-driven experiences that resonate with a global audience.
Together, we can shape the future—one connection, one story, and one game at a time.
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