The Entrepreneurial Heartbeat
a n o t e f r o m i v a n
Dear KE Family,
It is with immense pride and excitement that I welcome you to the very first edition of KE Pulse, our very own home-grown News Bulletin
This marks not just the launch of a news bulletin, but the beginning of a vibrant new initiative in our global journey one rooted in connection, learning, and collaboration.
KE was founded with a simple belief: When entrepreneurs support each other, possibilities multiply As you read these pages, I invite you to celebrate the achievements of our members, draw inspiration from their stories, and reach out to one another as peers and mentors.
Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into impact. Let this bulletin be a source of insight, encouragement, and unity for all. The future belongs to those who dare to build, together.
Warm regards,
Ivan Fernandes Global Chairman
Kanara Entrepreneurs
S p o t l i g h t S t o r y
KE Goa Chapter Officially Launched: A New Era for Goan Entrepreneurs
KE marked a major milestone in its journey with the official launch of KE Goa on 18th January 2025.
The launch event, held in the presence of distinguished guests including His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, keynote speaker Blaise Costabir, and KE Global Chairman Ivan Fernandes, celebrated Goa’s growing start-up ecosystem
Ivan Fernandes expressed his dream for Goa to become a hub for sustainable start-ups across tourism, agriculture, tech, and culture, calling for collective action to drive innovation and leave a legacy of excellence.
Keynote speaker Blaise Costabir urged aspiring entrepreneurs to seize unmet opportunities, keep evolving with technology, and pursue their vision with passion and resilience.
Cardinal Ferrão inspired attendees to use their talents for the greater good, stressing the importance of community, ethical leadership, and faith-driven entrepreneurship.
The evening concluded with the unveiling of a special business souvenir, networking, live music, and Goan folk dance signalling a promising new chapter for Goa’s business landscape
Click to view photos
Pramod D’Souza Takes Over as KE Bangalore President
The KE Bangalore Members Meet on 20th June 2025 at The Grand Magrath, Bangalore, marked a significant transition as Pramod D’Souza was appointed as the new President of KE Bangalore. The event was graced by Former Lokayukta and Supreme Court Judge, N. Santosh Hegde, who left the audience inspired with his powerful message on honesty, contentment, and social change
Outgoing President Claudius Pereira handed over the baton with reflections on leadership, gratitude, and growth. The Board with the new Directors Vijay Prakash Lobo (Finance), Eugene Mathias (Marketing & Sponsorship), and Sunil Attavar (Mentoring) was officially inducted by Past President Robinson D’Souza
The highlight included the unveiling of KE Bangalore’s annual newsletter, the induction of 14 new members, and heartfelt testimonials from new joiners. Pramod D’Souza introduced his vision for the term with the mantra: KE is a GIFT – Growth, Inspiration, Family, and Time.
The evening was a perfect blend of wisdom, warmth, and renewed commitment to KE’s mission of entrepreneurial empowerment
Alwyn Pinto Derebail Honoured with Inaugural Sadhan Puraskar
In a landmark ceremony attended by community leaders and dignitaries, Mr. Alwyn Pinto Derebail, a prominent member of KE Dubai, was named the first-ever recipient of the Sadhan Puraskar, a lifetime achievement award instituted by Mangalore Konkans Dubai.
Widely recognized for his transformative role in the hospitality and real estate sectors, Alwyn has helped shape the local economy through successful ventures and job creation. However, it is his dedication to philanthropy supporting education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives that truly sets him apart. A founding member of Mangalore Konkans, Alwyn’s efforts in preserving Konkani heritage and fostering community spirit were lauded by attendees.
During his acceptance speech, Alwyn expressed deep gratitude to his family, mentors, and the broader Konkani community “This honor fuels my commitment to serve and inspire” he remarked, as applause filled the room.
Ivan Fernandes - A Global Voice for the Voiceless
Ivan Fernandes, Board Director of Eyes Open International, was honored by President Harold D’Souza for his tireless work in fighting human trafficking. A passionate advocate for the voiceless, Ivan’s journey from Dubai to Ohio for the 2025 Liberator Awards shines as a powerful symbol of hope, compassion, and true leadership.
KE Shines at FKCA's 27th Federation Day
Three Trailblazers Honored
It was a proud moment for the KE community as three of its leading lights were recognized for their exceptional contributions at the 27th Federation Day ceremony of the FKCA (Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations), held on Sunday, 29th June 2025, at the majestic St Joseph's University Auditorium, Bangalore
�� Valerian Fernandes was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to decades of unwavering dedication and impactful service to the community and industry.
�� Mark D’Souza received the Professional Excellence Award, applauding his stellar accomplishments and consistent leadership in his field.
�� Errol Fernandes received the Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing his bold vision, innovation, and inspiring journey in the business world
This momentous recognition is not just a celebration of individual success, but a shining reflection of the KE spirit resilient, innovative, and rooted in community values. Congratulations to all three awardees! You’ve made us proud.
Brewing Bonds & Building Futures: KE Dubai’s Power-Packed Morning Meetups
KE Dubai successfully hosted two exclusive Morning Meet & Greet events of the year bringing together its vibrant member base for purposeful networking and knowledgesharing
The session held on March 1st 2025 at Winny’s Restaurant in Karama, Dubai, welcomed 18 members and kicked off with each participant sharing insights about their business journeys and personal learnings. New members also introduced their offerings, sparking collaborative possibilities An open forum followed, inviting suggestions to elevate the community’s impact on a broader societal level.
The next session built on that momentum, hosting 20 members in an energetic gathering A highlight of the morning was a compelling keynote address by Dr. Rajesh Pai, a highly respected financial expert and corporate mentor in the GCC. His talk, “Navigating the Fundraising Journey,” decoded the complex investment landscape with real-life case studies, strategic insights, and actionable fundraising tips, all delivered with clarity and engagement
Both events concluded with high-energy networking and a renewed commitment to collaboration, thanks to the ongoing dedication of the board, mentors, and active members in growing the KE Dubai community
KE Dubai Hosts Transformative Evening of Entrepreneurial Insights
KE Dubai hosted a dynamic members’ event on May 24 at MENA Plaza Hotel, Al Barsha, all in line with their mission to empower entrepreneurial minds.
Keynote speaker and business dynamo Muneer Samnani, CEO of Oxygen Mastermind Group, delivered a high-energy session packed with real-world wisdom He addressed how to navigate both long-term and short-term business hurdles, stressing the power of:
Knowing and owning your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)
Keeping communication crystal clear
Prioritizing talent engagement
Tracking performance metrics consistently (daily/weekly/monthly KPIs)
Mastering networking and relationship management to keep the cash flowing
Samnani, dubbed the “Master of the Mastermind,” brought nearly 20 years of firepower in leadership and business coaching He's also the co-author of Mastering Time and a pro at transforming chaos into clarity.
The event kicked off with President KE Dubai, Dorothy Fernandes, welcoming members with encouragement to grow through curiosity and community collaboration. Two new members were formally inducted with all due ceremony
Charmaine Albuquerque smoothly emceed the evening, while Avil Pinto wrapped it all up with a gracious vote of thanks
Konkan Yuva Empowers Youth Through Wealth & Entrepreneurship Workshop in Dubai
Konkan Yuva, the youth wing of the Konkani Catholic community in Dubai, hosted a dynamic workshop titled Unlock the Edge: From Money Mastery to Entrepreneurial Success on May 17 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Over 150 students, young professionals, and budding entrepreneurs attended the event. th
Organised in collaboration with KE Dubai, the workshop delivered practical insights on financial planning, investment, and entrepreneurship through interactive sessions and reallife success stories.
Wealth expert Dr. Maria Pramila led the first session, emphasizing smart money habits and long-term planning. A lively panel discussion followed, moderated by Ivan Fernandes of Regent Technologies, featuring entrepreneurs Desma & Elrona D’Souza (The HR Sisters) and Sunny Fernandes (Sunshine Blinds), who shared lessons from their own journeys.
With themes ranging from branding to business modeling, the event inspired attendees to take bold steps toward financial independence and entrepreneurial success.
Konkan Yuva’s General Secretary Sherul Nazareth closed the session by thanking the community for its strong support in making the workshop a meaningful success.
KE Bangalore Deepens Networking at Founders’ Fiesta
KE Bangalore have been inspiring members with the monthly Founders’ Fiesta with tremendous success. The early morning meetings start over breakfast giving members a special time to bond and network. The meetings present a unique opportunity for members to learn from raw accounts of the entrepreneurial journey – the success along with the struggles, challenges, renewed opportunities, wins and losses. The collective strength and experience from these meetups have been a source of inspiration, motivation and industry expertise.
This year we ’ ve had the privilege of listening to Anil Rego, Steven Pinto, Rohit Fernandes, Pramod D’souza, Ivan Fernandes, Victor Edward D’souza & Anand Edward D’souza.
“Your unwavering vision, grit, & the support of your family inspires all of us to believe in and pursue our own dreams ” – Cyril Nazareth on Victor Edward D’souza
“Understanding the hardship, challenges & success of an entrepreneur.” – Nathan on Anil Rego
“Steven’s session was filled with his passion, commitment & dedication towards building a brand known as Mangalore Pearl today.” – Vilina Sequeira on Steven Pinto
“A journey worthy of being made into a movie!” – Anil Rego on Rohit Fernandes
“From a modest background despite all your achievements, you have remained just as humble ” – Sabitha Lasrado on Pramod D’souza
“A journey marked by humility, bold decisions, remarkable success, & your unwavering support for entrepreneurs and society through charity.” Dr. Maria Pramila on Ivan Fernandes
“It was inspiring to notice how you allow humour to not make everything serious in life.”
Jyoti Menezes on Anand Edward Dsouza
Propelling Forward: Lessons from KE GenNow Alumni
The KE GenNow Meet held on 11th July 2025 at the Catholic Club, Bangalore was a dynamic and interactive gathering that brought together GenNow members, GenNow alumni (KE Members who have graduated from GenNow), KE Board Directors, Lead Members and guests for an insightful evening of sharing, learning, and collaboration.
Dr. Bryan Menezes set the tone for the evening as the emcee, beginning with a warm welcome and prayer. He then introduced the esteemed panelists of the evening, each of whom had previously been part of the KE GenNow and had grown through their journey with Kanara Entrepreneurs.
The Panel Discussion –‘Propelling Forward: Lessons from KE GenNow Alumni’ was moderated by Carol Pereira, featured:
Luvena Rangel (Founder, The Curvy Yogi, DEIAB Strategist) R f M t i (F d Li i A uatic Systemz Pvt Ltd) eriors Pvt Ltd) agle10 Ventures)
The panel explored themes that set KE GenNo s full potential. Questions posed included: Why p ge connections? Growth and collaboration within the KE community. The candid honesty with which the panel shared their experiences was very well received – further strengthening the bond and establishing access to mentoring, friendship and a space for collaborative understanding
Following the panel discussion, Carol Pereira led two fun and engaging activities: KE Compatibility Bingo and Wild Goose Chase These games encouraged interaction and laughter, helping members get to know one another better in a relaxed and informal setting.
KE Women Entrepreneurs: Creators, Collaborators, Champions
The KE Women Entrepreneurs (KE WE) are indeed a force to reckon with Their contribution to KE extends beyond social planning and has witnessed significant recognition in their varied industries, making this niche vertical of KE Bangalore a proud feather in the KE cap of accolades!
The year highlighted a momentous KE Women’s Day Exclusive on 28th March 2025 at The Grand Magrath with Guest of Honor, Sweezal Furtado, Miss Global India 2024. Furtado joined us for a fireside chat to explore the start and growth of Sweezal’s journey, professional challenges, pageant stories and the unique experiences of having the support of women, the Mangalorean community – including many KE members and the fanbase at large Keynote speaker, Dr. Geetha Appachu Chief Head of Swapreran, addressed a vital are of Mental Health and Wellbeing for the Woman Entrepreneur.
Aside from the event planning, it is noteworthy to mention the dynamic collaboration and relationship building that was at play where KE WE members reached out to KE Members and Lead Members for sponsorship that was extended with wholehearted support KE WE members were gifted with a goodie bag overflowing with gifts and products from our members – a generous show of support and community!
Passing on the baton of KE WE leadership from Luvena Rangel to Laveena D’souza and her Core Team including Anitha Gomes and Sabitha Lasrado, in June 2025, our members commenced the new term with a resoundingly successful first KE WE meet on 26 July 2025 at St Joseph’s Institute of Management The breakfast meet saw networking as well as learning as we explored Image Management with Vrinda Lewis and the intricacies of Invisible Load and Mental Wellbeing with Leanne Pais. th
Definitely a force to reckon, as mentioned earlier, and so much more to watch out for!
KE Goa Members Meet: A Resounding Success
Held at the scenic Carina Beach Resort, Benaulim, on June 27 , 2025 the KE Goa Members Meet was a vibrant mix of insight, inspiration, and celebration
Chapter President Baylon Sequeira Vaz kicked off the evening, sharing reflections from his visit to KE Bangalore and applauding the energy of its new President, Pramod D’Souza. He spotlighted KE Goa’ s own Sunil Attavar, now Director Mentoring (KE Bangalore) a big win for KE Goa With KE Goa’s first year wrapping in August, Baylon urged members to renew and gear up for bigger things ahead.
Keynote Spotlight: Entrepreneur, Solopreneur, or Intrapreneur?
Renowned SME Coach Raymond D’Souza delivered a powerful session challenging members to rethink their roles in business He introduced the “Value Escalators” framework and left attendees with a bold reminder: “If you can’t think, AI will. ” People before profit always.
Insights from KE Bangalore: Guest speaker Sunil Attavar shared how KE Bangalore was setting the pace structured programs, consistent meets, and a reboot of 1:1 mentoring His message: Passion and competence need process and purpose.
Highlights & High-Fives
Ninio Correia’ s electric emceeing kept the evening lively.
Rhona Gama E Menezes wrapped with a warm vote of thanks Members mingled over dinner and cocktails, buzzing with ideas and anticipation.
Everyone left with the signature KE Goa business souvenir and the latest newsletter a night to remember, and just a hint of what's to come.
The Rise of Resilient Startups: What’s Shaping 2025
This Knowledge Centre explores the top trends driving the startup world in 2025 and highlights practical lessons for founders and business leaders:
Key Ideas:
AI for All: Artificial intelligence is no longer just for big tech Startups are now building AI-powered tools like smart CRMs and payroll solutions tailored for small businesses.
Local Problems, Global Impact: The hottest opportunities come from startups tackling region-specific challenges, such as digital payment solutions in India or logistics platforms tailored to the Middle East These solutions often scale rapidly as others face the same pain points.
Collaboration is Power: Indian and Middle Eastern startups are joining forces sharing expertise and tapping into each other’s markets. Recent cross-border accelerators and joint ventures are making it easier to enter new regions
Sustainability Over Hype: Startups are focusing less on hype and more on real, lasting value Sectors like agri-tech, fintech, and climate innovation are gaining traction, with founders building business models that last beyond the initial funding rush.
Bottom line:
Founders who adapt to these trends by embracing tech, solving real needs, and building strong partnerships are best positioned to thrive in the new era of entrepreneurship
The Making of the KE Pulse!
The KE Pulse is not just any news bulletin! It is the culmination of many months of discussion, planning, envisioning and laughing, joking and collaborating with the collective expertise of members from Dubai, Bangalore & Goa under the mentorship of Ivan Fernandes, key inputs from Eugene Mathias (Director Marketing, KE Bangalore), and the support of all the Board Members Desma D'Souza, the whiz behind the project, spearheaded the idea with power-packed contributions from Venzil Fernandes & Vinisha Menezes (KE Dubai), Luvena Rangel (KE Bangalore) & Ninio J. Correia (KE Goa) - pure collaboration!
Aside from shaping the bulletin and taking end-of-meeting ‘Behind-the-scenes’ pictures, working on the KE Pulse helped us find some key skills & competencies within the team!! So don't think twice before hiring us for our services!
Say, 'Hello!' to the Editorial Team!!
Desma D'Souza – The Instigator-in-Chief
Started the fire. Kept it burning. Made it real. Venzil Fernandes – Design Alchemist
The one who turned ideas into eye candy.
Luvena Rangel – Word Weaver & Flow Curator
She shaped the story, provided insights from Bangalore, refined the voice, and made everything sing.
Vinisha Menezes – KE Dubai Story Scout
Ninio J. Correia – KE Goa Chapter Story Scout
They spotlighted the energy and insights from Dubai & Goa
Venzil Fernandes DesignAlchemist
Ninio J. Correia KE Goa Story Scout
Luvena Rangel
Word Weaver & Flow Curator
Vinisha Menezes KE Dubai Story Scout
D’Souza The in-ChiefInstigator-
Desma
KE Dubai: New Members
KE Bangalore: New Members
Kindly connect with our members through the KE App and support them in their initiatives
KE Bangalore: New Members contd.
Kindly connect with our members through the KE App and support them in their initiatives
KE Goa: New Members contd.
Kindly connect with our members through the KE App and support them in their initiatives
LukeSequeira Vaz
LewisSequeira Vaz
JosephLRVaz
MarioDickson MarioVaz
Until
