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Day 3 of The Startup Mafia Series: The IIT & IIM Startup Pipeline – Why They Keep Winning The startup world loves the idea of the self-made founder—someone with nothing but an idea, grinding their way to success. But in India, there’s an open secret: Most of the biggest startup founders come from IITs and IIMs. Flipkart. Ola. Zomato. Razorpay. Dream11. Nykaa. Freshworks. The list goes on. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a system. Why Do IIT & IIM Founders Keep Winning? These institutions don’t just provide a degree. They create a startup pipeline. 1. Investor Trust – If you’re from IIT/IIM, VCs assume you’re smart, capable, and worth funding. A non-IIT founder has to prove themselves 10X more. 2. Co-Founder Network – Many top startups were founded by IIT/IIM batchmates. Your best connections are built before you even graduate. 3. Alumni Advantage – Once inside, you’re part of a powerful network that funds, hires, and opens doors for you. While an outsider struggles for a meeting, IIT/IIM founders get warm introductions. While others pitch investors for months, IIT/IIM founders get funded in days. The Hidden Startup Hierarchy IIT/IIM founders start ahead. YC-backed founders start even further ahead. The rest? They’re playing catch-up. The uncomfortable truth? Talent isn’t always the deciding factor. It’s who you know before you even start. But does that mean outsiders have no chance? Not at all. Tomorrow: The Hidden Power of Networks – Why Who You Know Matters More Than What You Know Follow Vishu Bheda now. The next post will change how you see success.