Zee Entertainment Launches Startup Show 'Ideabaaz' in Partnership with Ideabaaz Tech

Zee Entertainment has partnered with Ideabaaz Tech to launch "Ideabaaz," a startup show designed to discover, mentor, and fund entrepreneurs from tier II and III cities. The show will have a global broadcast reach through Zee TV and ZEE5, and aims to foster innovation across sectors. This move comes at a time when ZEEL failed to secure the required majority to increase its promoter shareholding.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Ideabaaz Tech Pvt. Ltd. to launch "Ideabaaz," a startup reality show aimed at discovering, mentoring, and funding entrepreneurs from tier II and tier III cities. The show will have a global broadcast reach through Zee TV and ZEE5, leveraging ZEEL's massive viewership of over 1.3 billion viewers worldwide [1].

Ideabaaz, founded by Jeet Wagh and Family, is an integrated start-up platform designed to foster inclusive innovation and entrepreneurial growth. The platform combines media, entrepreneurship, and innovation, aligning with ZEEL's business approach to drive impact through inclusive innovation [1].

The partnership involves the co-development and co-funding of the "Ideabaaz" intellectual property (IP), which will blend ZEEL's pioneering legacy, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong consumer connect with Ideabaaz's entrepreneurial vision. The show will be curated by renowned media expert Raj Nayak, who is also an investor in Ideabaaz, along with Jeet Wagh and Sagoon Wagh [1].

ZEE Entertainment's dual-platform strategy for the show combines the reach and collective viewing experience of linear television with the scale and interactivity of digital platforms. This approach reflects the company's commitment to an omni-channel content strategy that ensures maximum reach and enhanced consumer engagement [1].

The partnership comes at a time when India is stepping up its commitment to fostering research and innovation across sectors. The recently approved Research Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with a Rs. 1 lakh crore fund, underscores the nation's resolve to fuel technology-led entrepreneurship and build a robust startup economy [1].

This move is also significant for ZEEL, which recently failed to secure the required majority to increase its promoter shareholding. Despite this setback, the company is exploring value-accretive merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities and has already announced a strategic equity partnership with content and technology start-up Bullet for micro dramas [2].

The launch of "Ideabaaz" aims to provide Indian entrepreneurs from tier II and tier III markets with a unique opportunity to showcase their business ideas and innovations on a national and international level. The show will break accessibility barriers and secure funding and mentorship for these entrepreneurs [1].

References:
[1] https://mediabrief.com/z-enters-into-strategic-partnership-with-ideabaaz/
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/zee-partners-ideabaaz-tech-new-startup-reality-show-launch-125071401310_1.html