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NEXT UNICORN - SEASON 1

For founders who have already started.

Now it's time to build something extraordinary.

Building a business is never just about having a great idea. It's about making hundreds of difficult decisions, taking risks when there's no certainty, learning through failures, and continuing to move forward when most people would choose to stop.

The first few years are often the most defining. It's the stage where ambition is high, but experience is still being built. Where every right decision can accelerate growth, and every wrong one can cost months or even years.

NEXT UNICORN is built for founders who are in exactly that phase.

An initiative by RASA, led by Founder Rahul Agarwal, NEXT UNICORN is designed to identify high-potential businesses that are already in motion and give them access to something that's difficult to find at an early stage, real entrepreneurial experience.

If your business is between one and three years old, this could be the opportunity that changes everything.

Applications Now Open!

TRUSTED BY

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+ Apply Now +

Ready To Take Your Business Beyond Borders?

Tell us about yourself, your business, and your vision.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Business must be operational for at least 1 year.
  • Applicant must be the Founder, Co-founder, or Authorized Director.
  • Valid business registration and supporting documents are mandatory.
  • A valid passport is required to be eligible for the sponsored Canton Fair trip.
  • Final selection will be based on document verification, business performance, innovation, and jury evaluation.
  • The organizer reserves the right to accept or reject applications at its sole discretion.
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Applicant Information

Gender *

Business Details

Is your business at least one year old? *

This is mandatory.

Business Performance

Your Story & Vision

Documents

Passport & Travel Eligibility

Do you have a valid passport? *
Have you travelled internationally before? *
Have you ever been denied a visa? *

Event Participation

Have you ever pitched your business before? *
Can you deliver a 5-minute business pitch on stage? *
Preferred Language *

Declaration

Why Should You Participate?

Because the right mentor can change the trajectory of a business. For over 25 years, Rahul Agarwal has built businesses, navigated global markets and helped entrepreneurs scale with experience that can't be learned from books or classrooms. NEXT UNICORN gives a select group of founders the opportunity to learn directly from that journey.

Strategic Mentorship

Strategic Mentorship

Get practical guidance to solve real business challenges and scale sustainably.

Growth Backing

Growth Backing

Receive business support for ventures that demonstrate exceptional potential.

Founder Pitch

Founder Pitch

Present your business directly to Rahul Agarwal and the RASA leadership team.

China Immersion

China Immersion

Join an exclusive, fully hosted business immersion with Rahul Agarwal.

Canton Fair

Canton Fair

Experience the world's largest trade and sourcing exhibition firsthand.

Hosted Experience

Hosted Experience

Flights, accommodation, and the complete China business itinerary are fully covered by RASA.

Global Exposure

Global Exposure

Gain international market insights, manufacturing knowledge, and sourcing opportunities.

Founder Network

Founder Network

Build meaningful relationships with ambitious founders and industry leaders.

Meet Your Mentor

Rahul Agarwal 25+ Years of Building Businesses.

Over the years, I've built businesses, made mistakes, celebrated milestones and learned lessons that no classroom could teach. Today, NEXT UNICORN is my way of passing those lessons forward, helping a handful of founders grow faster, think bigger and avoid the mistakes that experience has already taught me. Watch his story.

Built Multiple Businesses

25+ Years Experience

Mentored 1000+ Entrepreneurs

Global Business Network

+ China Experience +

The Road to NEXT UNICORN

During this experience, founders will explore:

NEXT UNICORN S1 CHINA

  • Step 1: Apply

    Submit your business details, achievements and growth journey.

  • Step 2: Shortlisting

    The shortlisted founders will be invited to Delhi to present their businesses before Rahul Agarwal and the RASA leadership team.

  • Step 3: Founder Presentation

    Visit manufacturing facilities and understand how businesses create products at scale.

  • Step 4: Final Selection

    6 exceptional founders will be selected based on business potential, execution capability and founder mindset.

  • Step 5: The Canton Fair Experience

    The selected founders will travel to China alongside Rahul Agarwal for an exclusive business learning experience at the Canton Fair. All travel, stay and event expenses will be covered by RASA.

  • Step 6: Beyond the Event

    The journey doesn't end there.
    Selected founders will continue receiving strategic guidance, business mentorship and growth opportunities from Rahul Agarwal.

BACKED
If it doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough. If it sounds unreal, we’re already building it.
BY RASA

+ Frequently Asked Questions +

Everything You Need To Know Before Applying

Founders with businesses that have been operational for 1 to 3 years and are actively involved in running them.

Your business must be live, operational and demonstrate real market presence. Idea-stage startups are not eligible.

Founders from all industries are welcome, including D2C, technology, food & beverage, fashion, beauty, manufacturing, services and more.

30 founders will be shortlisted for the Delhi presentation, and 6 founders will be selected for the final NEXT UNICORN journey.

Direct mentorship from Rahul Agarwal, strategic business guidance, and an exclusive business immersion to China, including the Canton Fair.

The China business immersion is scheduled forOctober. The exact travel dates and itinerary will be shared with the six selected founders after the final selection.

The complete China business immersion, including flights, accommodation and the business itinerary, will be hosted by RASA.

No.NEXT UNICORN is exclusively for businesses that are already operational.

No. Applying to NEXT UNICORN is completely free.

It helps us evaluate applications fairly and shortlist the founders with the highest growth potential.

Passport details and recent travel history help us assess eligibility and prepare for the international travel process. This information is requested only to facilitate the selection and travel planning.

+ Apply Now +

Ready To Take Your Business Beyond Borders?

Tell us about yourself, your business, and your vision.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Business must be operational for at least 1 year.
  • Applicant must be the Founder, Co-founder, or Authorized Director.
  • Valid business registration and supporting documents are mandatory.
  • A valid passport is required to be eligible for the sponsored Canton Fair trip.
  • Final selection will be based on document verification, business performance, innovation, and jury evaluation.
  • The organizer reserves the right to accept or reject applications at its sole discretion.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Applicant Information

Gender *

Business Details

Is your business at least one year old? *

This is mandatory.

Business Performance

Your Story & Vision

Documents

Passport & Travel Eligibility

Do you have a valid passport? *
Have you travelled internationally before? *
Have you ever been denied a visa? *

Event Participation

Have you ever pitched your business before? *
Can you deliver a 5-minute business pitch on stage? *
Preferred Language *

Declaration