The first episode of TiELINKS was unleashed on December 16, 2008 at Bangalore coinciding with TES (TiE Entrepreneurial Summit) engaging wide ranging business and thought leaders across the globe. This curtain raiser event was a move to further TiE efforts to foster entrepreneurship on a global basis as it sets out for the next phase of growth. In line with the spirit of the central theme - "connecting business leaders to democratize entrepreneurship", the attendees came from disparate regions in India as well as from the international circuit covering more than 15 industry sectors.

Following the masterly opening address by Kauffman Foundation's iconic Carl J. Schramm, the proceedings evolved around two highly interactive panel sessions. These were led by Nandan Nilekani, Co-Chairman, Board of Directors Infosys Technologies, GN Bajpai, Former Chairman Securities and Exchanges Board of India and Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft India. The management guru, Prof. C.K. Prahalad moderated these two informal sessions aiming to connect all participants to democratize entrepreneurship touching upon diverse ecosystems, stakeholders as well as emerging challenges. The event received wide media coverage - both print and electronic with leading TV channels picking up some of the proceedings.

Undaunted by the economic downturn, Carl Schramm sent out a clear message that recession opens doors, which people usually don't see. Furthermore, in a recession, it is the entrepreneurs who hold the key to a fast recovery. G.N. Bajpai, made an attempt to distil the impending challenges posed by the global financial markets. Prof. Prahalad's critical messages to entrepreneurs included the ability to scale up and down rapidly. Apart from increasing productivity and building global efficiencies, entrepreneurs should be able to handle volatility, he added. Whereas, Nandan Nilekani cited that this is another point of inflection for Indian economy and with innovation along with proper regulation, we can be on the fast track of progress. Referring to bottom of the pyramid concept, Ravi Venkatesan said we can learn new things and explore more opportunities in the tough times.

This unique gathering is now expected to become an exclusive forum held on an annual basis with GCMs playing a far more important role in future. TiELINKS 2008 attendees found the event both thought provoking as well as stimulating. Amidst multiple global challenges, the participants chose to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship with TiELINKS 2008. The theme of this event, video coverage, media and photo gallery as well as other captivating information are to be up in the TiE website building a bridge to the next TiELINKS 2009 at Jaipur. A leading TV channel - Zee Business featured TiELINKS as part of its special program called TYCOON, which is dedicated to young entrepreneurs.