Description of the Experience

I participated in the Summer Startup Weekend hosted by Master Union, where we got the opportunity to learn directly from top industry leaders from companies such as Zomato and Spinny. During the program, we built a startup idea from scratch, developed a business plan, and pitched it to real investors. Alongside this, we learned about the stock market, problem-solving through simulations, and future-ready skills in entrepreneurship, finance, and management. The experience gave me a true taste of what it means to be an entrepreneur and opened my eyes to the challenges and rewards of building a business.

Learning Outcomes Demonstrated

• LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
  I realized that I am strong in ideation and brainstorming, as I could come up with creative solutions. However, I also identified growth areas, such as presenting ideas more confidently in front of investors and improving my financial knowledge.
• LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
  The short timeline of only five days to build and pitch a startup was challenging. I had to quickly adapt, work under pressure, and develop new skills in market research, pitching, and teamwork.
• LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
  The program was intensive, with long hours of sessions, team discussions, and project work. Staying committed despite the demanding schedule taught me the importance of perseverance.
• LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
  Collaboration was at the core of this experience. I learned how to divide tasks, trust my teammates, and make collective decisions, which ultimately made our startup pitch stronger.
• LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance
  Our startup ideas and discussions often revolved around solving real-world problems such as sustainability, urban challenges, and consumer needs. This made me aware of the role entrepreneurs play in addressing global issues.
• LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
  Building a startup also meant discussing ethical responsibilities, such as sustainability in production, customer transparency, and fair business practices. I learned that good business is not just about profit, but also about responsibility.

Reflection

This experience was one of the most eye-opening I have had so far. In just five days, I got a taste of what it feels like to build a company, from brainstorming ideas to pitching to actual investors. The exposure to industry experts from companies like Zomato and Spinny gave me practical insights into how startups operate and survive in the real world.

I learned that entrepreneurship is not just about having a great idea but also about execution, teamwork, and resilience. At the same time, I discovered personal growth areas like becoming more confident while pitching and deepening my understanding of financial concepts.

Overall, this CAS experience has reinforced my passion for entrepreneurship and management, making me even more motivated to pursue this pathway in the future. It showed me that business can be both impactful and ethical, and that small ideas, when executed well, can create big change.