Inclusive ventures are shaping the future of ventures, feel experts

Trivandrum / December 13, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 13: Experts who participated in the panel discussions on “The Inclusive Edge: Inclusive Ventures Shaping the Future” at Huddle Global 2025 in Kovalam have highlighted the rise of impact investing, which is reshaping future economies. 

Moderator Surya Thankam, KSUM manager, led the discussion on Identity, Innovation, and Impact, featuring insights from a Deaf entrepreneur, a queer-feminist community leader, and an impact investment professional.

“The world is open for all genders and marginalised people, and Kerala is a place for all genders who wish to start their ventures,” she said. 

“The ecosystem needs more stakeholders focused on inclusivity, making it part of society’s DNA, where everyone is celebrated as a human.”

Remya Raj shared her journey as a deaf founder building Daad.io, emphasising how lived experience drives accessible design, visual learning, and inclusive leadership.

She reflected on overcoming communication barriers and on the role of enabling ecosystems, such as KSUM, in her growth. 

Remya also discussed using technology and AI to educate deaf children from age six, helping them make their mark in various sectors.

Veena Kulkarni addressed the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community regarding visibility, safety, and entrepreneurship. 

Through Road to Utopia, she highlighted how community-led initiatives, inclusive marketplaces, and DEI efforts can foster social and economic empowerment. 

She highlighted the need for supportive policies, safe spaces, and technology-enabled inclusion to address the challenges faced by underserved groups in homes and society.

Richa Kothari discussed the role of impact investing in promoting gender equity and inclusion, highlighting IIX's mission, the importance of technology in scaling impact, and the Orange Movement for inclusive finance.

Ms Kothari emphasised the need for policy alignment and innovative capital models to achieve meaningful impact by 2030.

The panel concluded that culture, technology, and innovation should be designed to uplift marginalised communities, as inclusivity is key to a more equitable future.

Ends