This Way to Start Up Alley

Abstract

T'S half past seven on a Monday evening. The 'footfalls' haven't begun yet in earnest at Prost Brewpub which has five home brews on the menu. A group of three is among the handful sipping their drinks quietly. Cut to half hour later, and the place is buzzing with activity. A large group of 11 troops in for what seems a reunion party. The tables fill up. Some step out onto the balcony with their beer mugs for a smoke. The din throws up snatches of a conversation. "Scaling up...demand hai," one ofthe trio says to her companions .••....you need that value addition," says another, a bit sceptically. Out comes a notebook and they rummage around for a pen. Then furious scribbling and lots of questions and answers. Another round of drinks. It's been an hour, but the conversation is far from over.