NEW DELHI:- WalkAbout has launched the second edition of its Startup Accelerator programme for adults aged 55 and above, aiming to support experienced professionals looking to build businesses and pursue entrepreneurship beyond their primary careers. The 12-week accelerator will select 100 founders from across India and culminate in a Demo Day scheduled in Mumbai later this year.
The initiative reflects a growing shift in India’s startup ecosystem, where entrepreneurship is no longer limited to younger founders and first-time professionals. Instead, platforms like WalkAbout are tapping into a demographic that brings decades of industry experience, leadership exposure, and operational understanding.
According to the company, participants in the programme will receive mentorship from founders and investors, structured business-building sessions, and practical guidance on product development, pricing strategies, and market expansion. The programme will primarily run online through June, July, and August, with selected in-person interactions integrated into the schedule.
Twenty-five shortlisted founders will get the opportunity to present their ventures at a Demo Day in Mumbai on 27th September 2026, where selected startups will receive milestone-linked funding support. Unlike conventional accelerator models, WalkAbout stated that it will not take equity in participating ventures, positioning the programme as a grant-based initiative focused on enabling entrepreneurship later in life.
The first edition of the accelerator, launched in 2022, received more than 400 applications and selected 20 founders whose ventures spanned categories such as food, apparel, coaching, and arts. The outcomes highlighted the growing entrepreneurial potential among India’s active ageing population, particularly as more professionals seek meaningful engagement after retirement or corporate careers.
Deval Delivala said the initiative is designed to provide experienced professionals with the structure, mentorship, and community required to pursue ambitious second careers with purpose and confidence. Mentor Prabh Simran Singh added that the first cohort demonstrated how experienced founders evolve with clarity and confidence when supported with the right ecosystem.
The accelerator is open to applicants aged 55 and above with business ideas at any stage, ranging from early concepts to revenue-generating ventures. Categories include technology, consulting, food, coaching, apparel, arts, and service-led businesses, although applicants from all sectors are eligible to apply.
As conversations around active ageing and second-career entrepreneurship continue to grow globally, initiatives like WalkAbout’s accelerator are increasingly positioning older professionals as a serious and underexplored segment within India’s startup economy.
