Networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru has grown into a meaningful experience that goes beyond business cards and handshakes. In a world where authentic human connections are becoming rare, Eximius creates a rare space where ambition, ideas, and genuine conversations meet. It isn’t just another startup summit, it’s a melting pot of entrepreneurship, investment, and student-led innovation.

Every year, Eximius at IIM Bengaluru attracts some of the brightest startup minds, forward-thinking investors, and energetic student founders from across the country. This article uncovers what truly makes networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru special, how it drives real connections, and why attending can be a game-changing decision for anyone involved in the startup ecosystem.

Networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru

At its core, networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru is about fostering genuine, long-lasting professional relationships. From early morning keynote sessions to relaxed evening mixers, every part of the event is designed to encourage interaction. It’s where someone with a pitch can meet someone with capital. Where an idea can find a partner. Where casual conversations can lead to major business breakthroughs. This isn’t just networking. It’s a platform that brings together some of the most driven minds to inspire, collaborate and build.

Overview Table: A Glance at Networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru

Aspect	Details
Event Type	Entrepreneurship and startup summit
Host	IIM Bengaluru
Focus	Founders, investors, student innovators
Core Activity	Networking, collaboration, idea exchange
Key Attendees	Startup founders, angel investors, VCs, mentors, students
Format	Talks, panels, workshops, mixers, roundtables
Opportunities	Mentorship, funding, partnerships, hiring
Last Year’s Theme	“Ideas That Scale: From Vision to Venture”

What is Eximius at IIM Bengaluru?

Eximius is the flagship entrepreneurship summit of IIM Bengaluru, and it is known as one of India’s largest events focused entirely on startups and innovation. The summit sees a vibrant mix of startup founders, venture capitalists, angel investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Over the years, Eximius has grown in both size and impact, creating a dynamic environment for people looking to build something real.

Unlike traditional startup events, Eximius puts equal emphasis on learning and connecting. The carefully curated mix of workshops, fireside chats, competitions, and social gatherings ensures every participant finds value. Whether you’re looking to pitch your startup, meet potential co-founders, or simply understand how to enter the entrepreneurial world, the event offers a bit of everything.

Why Networking at Eximius Stands Out

There are plenty of startup events across India, but what makes networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru different is the intent behind it. The event isn’t just about showing up and swapping LinkedIn profiles. It’s about real conversations, shared experiences, and finding the right people who align with your goals.

Attendees come from different walks of life but share one thing in common—a strong entrepreneurial mindset. Founders meet funders. Students meet mentors. Startups meet collaborators. The informal and inclusive vibe of Eximius plays a big role in breaking down barriers, making interactions natural and productive.

The diversity in participants also encourages unique collaborations. It’s not unusual to see a tech founder teaming up with a sustainability expert they just met during a workshop or a student getting internship offers from early-stage startups on the spot.

How Founders Benefit from Networking at Eximius

Startup founders often walk into Eximius with ideas, and walk out with opportunities. The platform gives early-stage entrepreneurs a chance to validate their business models, collect real feedback, and attract the attention of investors and industry veterans.

The opportunity to meet investors in an informal setting helps in building authentic rapport. In contrast to the high-pressure pitch rooms, Eximius encourages open-ended conversations that can lead to follow-up meetings, potential funding, and long-term mentorship.

For bootstrapped founders, this environment is invaluable. Whether it’s meeting a tech partner to solve a product issue or connecting with a marketing strategist, networking at Eximius often fills critical gaps in early-stage ventures.

How Investors Engage Through Networking

Investors attending Eximius aren’t just there to speak on panels. Many of them attend with a genuine interest in discovering the next breakout startup. Networking sessions such as investor-founder roundtables and speed networking create structured yet relaxed formats where conversations can naturally evolve into deal flow.

Eximius gives investors direct access to raw, untapped talent that’s not always visible through traditional channels. More importantly, they get to engage with entrepreneurs beyond just the numbers—by understanding their vision, personality, and ability to adapt.

Several angel investors have cited Eximius as one of the few events where early-stage founders come in with fresh, real-world solutions rather than just vanity metrics or pitch decks.

Tips to Make the Most of Networking at Eximius

To maximize value from the event, a bit of planning goes a long way. Here are some practical tips:

• Do your homework: Know which speakers, investors, or companies are attending. Reach out in advance if possible.
  
• Elevator pitch ready: Be able to clearly communicate your startup or interest in 30 seconds or less.
  
• Carry materials: Business cards, one-pagers, or a scannable QR code to your portfolio or deck can be helpful.
  
• Ask questions: Good networkers listen more than they talk. Be curious.
  
• Follow up: Connections made are just the start. Follow up with a thank-you message or a coffee invite post-event.

Key Networking Events at Eximius

1. Investor-Startup Meetups

• These sessions match promising startups with investors in focused 1-on-1 formats.
  
• It allows founders to get real-time feedback and investors to assess ideas up close.
  

2. Casual Networking Mixers

• Held in the evening, these mixers provide a relaxed space to talk freely.
  
• They help attendees connect over shared goals without formal agendas.

Real Stories of Networking Success

Over the years, many real connections made at Eximius have turned into business milestones. A student-founded edtech startup secured seed funding from an angel investor met during a roundtable. In another case, a fintech founder connected with a growth hacker during a panel Q&A, leading to a co-founding partnership.

These aren’t isolated stories. They show how networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru translates into long-term value. People don’t just meet—they build.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Networking

Even in such a rich networking environment, a few common mistakes can hold you back:

• Focusing only on big names. Often, the most valuable connections are peers.
  
• Speaking more than listening. Conversations are two-way streets.
  
• Not following up. A missed follow-up can be a missed opportunity.
  

Networking here is less about quantity, more about quality. Make your connections count.

Final Thoughts

Networking at Eximius IIM Bengaluru is not just another item on the startup calendar. It’s a thoughtfully designed experience where ambitious minds come together to build, learn, and connect. Whether you’re hunting for your next big investor, looking to meet co-founders, or just getting started, this summit provides an ecosystem built to nurture real relationships and real outcomes.

The theme last year, “Ideas That Scale: From Vision to Venture”, captured the essence perfectly—taking ideas and turning them into action through powerful connections. If you’re planning to attend the next edition, prepare yourself not just to network, but to truly engage.

Have an Eximius experience to share? Leave a comment or explore more entrepreneurial stories and event coverage right here.

FAQs

Who can attend Eximius?
Anyone interested in startups—students, entrepreneurs, investors, or professionals—can attend the summit.

Is there a dress code or professional format?
No strict dress code, but smart casuals work best. The event is professional yet relaxed.

Can solo attendees benefit from networking?
Absolutely. Many solo attendees form meaningful connections just by participating in discussions and activities.

Do you need a startup to attend?
No, having a startup is not mandatory. Curiosity and interest in the ecosystem are enough.

How can I stay updated about Eximius?
Follow IIMB’s entrepreneurship cell on social media or visit their website for updates.