India’s startup ecosystem has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past decade, driven by stable policymaking, consistent government support, and a rapidly evolving entrepreneurial culture, leading startup founders said on Thursday.
As the Startup India initiative completes ten years on January 16, entrepreneurs believe that India has firmly established itself as one of the most attractive global destinations for investors, with a promising future for innovation and enterprise.
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath described the past decade as a defining period for Indian startups, particularly when compared to several global markets facing economic uncertainty. He said policy stability and consistency have given India a competitive edge, making it a preferred destination for global capital.
Kamath noted that while investors have grown cautious about regions such as Europe, China and even the United States, confidence in India remains strong. He attributed this optimism to India’s well-articulated startup narrative and the growing global recognition of its entrepreneurial potential. He also observed that entrepreneurship has become socially acceptable and aspirational among India’s younger population.
OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Aggarwal highlighted the role of leadership in shaping the startup ecosystem, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “startup Prime Minister.” He said the Prime Minister’s ability to combine visionary thinking with a focus on execution has created an enabling environment for entrepreneurs across the country.
Aggarwal credited initiatives like Startup India for transforming social attitudes toward entrepreneurship, noting that government backing helped families across India view startups as a legitimate and respectable career path.
MapmyIndia CEO and Executive Director Rohan Verma said the long-term vision behind Digital India and Startup India has inspired a new generation of innovators. He added that such leadership sends a powerful signal to young entrepreneurs and will have a lasting impact on India’s innovation ecosystem over the next two decades.
Meesho co-founder Sanjeev Barnwal said the startup ecosystem has flourished since 2014, supported by flagship initiatives such as Startup India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which have strengthened domestic innovation and self-reliance.
Policybazaar CEO and co-founder Yashish Dahiya said the government’s focus on “less government, more governance” laid a strong foundation for entrepreneurial growth. He added that Startup India helped build a nationwide movement, extending the startup culture beyond major cities to districts and states across the country.
Together, founders believe that sustained policy clarity, digital infrastructure, and a growing culture of risk-taking have positioned India as a global startup powerhouse, with the next decade expected to further strengthen its innovation-led growth story.
