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Saket Sambhav
Co-Founder, Adjuva L... • 1d
Are Indian startups truly innovating, or are we stuck in the "fancy ice cream and grocery delivery" trap? As someone passionate about India’s entrepreneurial journey, let’s unpack the bigger picture. 👍 The Good: India’s startup ecosystem is booming—160,000+ startups, 120+ unicorns, and 5,000+ DeepTech ventures, as our Minister Mr Goyal highlighted. Initiatives like Startup India have brought tax exemptions (3-year income tax holiday under Section 80IAC), easier compliance, and IPR fast-tracking for DPIIT-recognized startups. The government’s push for DeepTech in AI, semiconductors, and green tech is a step toward global competitiveness. 👎 The Reality Check: But for every unicorn, there are thousands of startups in smaller cities facing unreliable power supply, bureaucratic red tape, and bribe demands. Entrepreneurs are often forced to travel miles for basic approvals—where’s the "Digital India" for them? While tax benefits exist, eligibility criteria (e.g., turnover under ₹100 crore, innovation focus) exclude many. Funding is another hurdle—despite $11.3B in VC funding in 2024 (a 43% rise), domestic capital remains scarce, leaving startups reliant on foreign investors. 🪴 What’s Needed: Goyal’s call for innovation is spot-on, but it must be backed by action. We need: ✅ Reliable infrastructure (24/7 electricity, etc.) ✅ A bribe-free, streamlined bureaucracy ✅ More domestic capital to fuel DeepTech dreams ✅ Support for startups beyond metros—innovation should thrive in every district! India’s entrepreneurial spirit is unstoppable, but it’s time for the government to match that energy with real, on-ground support. Let’s not just build for Bharat—let’s empower every entrepreneur to innovate for the world. What’s your take? Are Indian startups getting the support they need to go global? Drop your thoughts below!
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