Union Minister Piyush Goyal sparked a lively discussion at the Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi. While addressing the attendees, he pointed out that Indian entrepreneurs seem more focused on food delivery and convenience apps than on deep technology innovation. He contrasted India’s startup scene with that of China, highlighting China’s advancements in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. Many founders took to social media to express their frustrations, arguing it’s simplistic to compare India’s startup ecosystem with giants like the U.S. and China.
Zepto’s CEO, Aadit Palicha, chimed in with a thought-provoking post on LinkedIn. He asked why India lacks large foundational AI models, suggesting it’s because there hasn’t been a strong enough foundation in internet companies. He pointed out that Zepto, with its vast workforce and significant foreign investment, shows that India can build successful consumer internet businesses. Palicha believes that focusing on such companies could spur further innovation and growth.
Anupam Mittal, CEO of Shaadi.com, took a different angle. He wrote about the futility of networking events, especially if they don’t lead to tangible opportunities. He noted that while Indian entrepreneurs are making strides in deep tech, the necessary funding and support systems are not keeping pace. Mittal emphasized that while networking can be beneficial, it shouldn’t overshadow the hard work of building products.
Developer Shobhit Bakliwal also weighed in, sharing insights on the challenges entrepreneurs face due to excessive regulation. He highlighted that many startups are addressing real problems in India, yet still struggle with bureaucratic hurdles. Bakliwal pointed out that despite having over 280 billionaires and more than a hundred unicorn startups as of 2025, the issues aren’t rooted in a lack of innovation.
India’s startup ecosystem is showing promise, but as highlighted by these discussions, it needs a supportive environment to thrive. Recent statistics indicate that India’s startup funding has crossed $24 billion, according to a report by EY, showing that there is considerable investor interest in the market. However, as entrepreneurs call for better infrastructure, access to capital, and a favorable regulatory landscape, it remains clear that growth will depend on collaboration between the industry and government.
In summary, while India’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, the journey ahead requires thoughtful strategies and support to overcome existing barriers. This conversation reflects a broader sentiment in the startup community that with the right conditions, India can compete on the global stage.
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Source linkZepto CEO Aadit Palicha, Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Piyush Goyal startup criticism, Indian startup ecosystem, Zepto innovation, deep tech India, Aadit Palicha LinkedIn response, foreign direct investment India, India vs China innovation, consumer internet startups. anupam mittal
