Mohit Bobade’s Post

India's Tech Sector: A Rising Global Force India's tech landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, positioning the country as a key player in the global arena. Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang sees India's potential as an AI software export hub, proposing collaborative chip development. This partnership could spark a new wave of innovation, merging India's software expertise with cutting-edge hardware technology. The startup ecosystem is buzzing with activity: Acko General Insurance is close to securing a $120 million secondary deal, strengthening its insurtech foothold. E-commerce giant Udaan is in talks with M&G Prudential for a $100 million investment, potentially fueling its expansion plans. Shadowfax, a logistics startup, aims to raise $50 million, possibly doubling its valuation and highlighting the sector's rapid growth. Zomato's plans to raise Rs 8,500 crore through a QIP showcase its ambitious growth strategy in the food delivery space. Investment platform Groww's significant tax payment of Rs 1,340 crore for its domicile shift underscores the financial implications of strategic corporate moves. Upgrad's $60 million funding from Temasek at a $2.25 billion valuation reaffirms investor confidence in the edtech sector. These developments paint a picture of a dynamic tech ecosystem in India, attracting substantial investments and driving innovation across various sectors. India's tech landscape is evolving rapidly, with both global players and homegrown startups at the forefront. The country's growing influence in AI, chip development, and diverse tech sectors signals its emergence as a global tech powerhouse. What's your take on India's tech trajectory? Share your thoughts! #IndianTech #TechInnovation #GlobalTech

Many critics and casual observers have been vocal about their concerns regarding the Indian tech ecosystem and recent IPOs. Currently, tech excluding ITES forms a very small portion of our $4 trillion stock market. While some of the criticism is valid, having a myopic view of the future of new-age tech companies and their contribution to a developed India overlooks the fact that if India is to become a developed economy by 2047, tech will be one of the biggest contributors. This is akin to missing the forest for the trees. Despite a few lackluster IPOs, the future of tech is bright, and this sector will be the shining star that lifts the nation and brings us closer to our goal of a $30 trillion economy. In this blog, Utkarsh Pande analyzes the dilemma of the IPO question for Indian startups and attempts to answer it. While the tech sector currently holds a small market share, its broader contributions to the national ecosystem, especially in areas like AI and skill development, underscore its critical importance. By understanding these nuances, we can better appreciate the sector's true value and its role in shaping a prosperous future for India. https://lnkd.in/d9sQMasQ

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬: 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐏𝐎 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the Indian startup landscape, bringing both challenges and incredible opportunities. In an article I recently read, I explored how companies like Zomato and Freshworks are turning AI-driven innovation into successful IPOs, while addressing the disruption it causes in the workforce.  Here are a few takeaways I found particularly insightful: 1️⃣ 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Indian startups are harnessing AI to drive innovation and secure investments, transforming industries. 2️⃣ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 While AI has caused layoffs, it's also created opportunities for new roles and business models. 3️⃣ 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Initiatives like 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢’𝘴 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘐 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺 are fostering AI adoption and growth in the startup ecosystem. 4️⃣ 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐏𝐎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 Startups like Zomato and Freshworks exemplify how leveraging AI has led to public market success. For the full article, check out here: 🔗https://bit.ly/3ASXqHe #AI #Innovation #IndianStartups #IPOs #TechTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #TiceNews #Zomato #Freshworks #NationalAIStrategy

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 (𝐒𝐏𝐅): 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 🌟 Startup Policy Forum Founded by Shweta Rajpal Kohli, a public policy veteran, It aims to address one of the biggest challenges faced by Indian startups—effective engagement with policymakers and civil society. With a roster of over 30 prominent members, including Razorpay, CRED, Swiggy, Dream11, and OYO, SPF is setting a new benchmark for collaboration in India’s startup landscape. 🔷 What Makes SPF Unique? -Sector-Specific Councils: SPF introduces four councils focusing on Fintech Policy, Consumer & Commerce, Emerging Tech & AI, and New-Age Public Companies to ensure tailored policy engagement. Exclusive Membership: Limited to 100 startups, SPF ensures focused and impactful collaboration. Expert Leadership: Led by Kohli, with extensive experience in public policy at Peak XV Partners, Salesforce, and Uber, and supported by VP Avantika Gode. 🔷 Why Now? -Despite startups driving India’s economic growth, many feel blindsided by regulatory changes or hindered by policies favoring legacy giants. SPF seeks to bridge this gap by creating an inclusive dialogue between founders and government stakeholders to shape policies that reflect the realities of today’s innovation-driven economy. Launching officially on National Startup Day (January 16, 2025), SPF is poised to reinforce India’s leadership in the global new-age economy. Follow Jobaaj Stories (the media arm of Jobaaj.com group) for more such insights of the industry #StartupPolicyForum #InnovationLeadership #PublicPolicy #IndiaStartups #jobaajstories

🇮🇳 Beyond Business as Usual - Traditional Companies and Startup Playbook In the past month, I've connected with decision-makers across traditional industries—FMCG, industrials, and beyond—who are eager to harness Gen AI to drive transformation in India. The urgency is undeniable and interest is real. 📈 What's equally fascinating is the high valuations of many mid- and small-cap companies, mirroring the startup world. Why? Many of these companies are priced with significant “optionality”—an expectation of future growth, similar to early-stage startups. Look around: ▶️ D2C playbook by traditional consumer retail and durable brands ▶️ Distillers doing premium single malts embracing digital channels  ▶️ Retail, financial services—all are adopting the startup playbook 👉 This is more than just innovation; it’s a fundamental shift in how public markets view these companies, valuing their potential with a fresh perspective influenced by the growth-driven startup culture in India. 👉 This shift isn’t just about new products; it’s a mindset change in public markets, fueled by digital-native brands like Zomato and Paytm . As startup-inspired growth culture takes hold, traditional businesses have the tools and opportunity to lead in digital transformation. 👉 With a wave of startups offering everything from AI infrastructure to digital tools, traditional businesses have never had more resources at their fingertips to embrace the next big thing in the tech revolution. ✨ The story of GenAI is going to be entirely different in India - The future is right next door!

As we’re well into a new year, we have summarized below macro themes that we expect will define the startup ecosystem in India for 2024 1. Global & Indian Venture Funding With increasing interest from global investors and a growing pool of domestic capital, we anticipate a surge in venture funding. 2. The IPO Market: India's IPO market is witnessing a remarkable evolution, with startups gearing up for public offerings. This trend signifies the maturing of the ecosystem and provides exit opportunities for investors while enabling startups to raise significant capital for growth. 3. Funding and Future of AI: Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be a focal point, with startups leveraging AI-driven solutions across industries, there seems to be a decline in predicted growth for AI Funding. 4. Boom of B2B Commerce: B2B commerce is experiencing a renaissance, driven by digital transformation and the shift towards online platforms. 5. Unicorns & Profitability: While the race to unicorn status remains fierce, there's a growing emphasis on achieving profitability and sustainable growth. Startups are focusing on unit economics, operational efficiency, and customer retention to ensure long-term viability. What trends do you see that will influence funding in 2024? #VentureCapital #India #Startups #trends #funding

Is a $100B valuation within grasp for the India Tech ecosystem? What are the emerging trends? As featured on Forbes India, our Managing Partner Ben Mathias contributed to an article that shares how India's technology landscape has evolved leaps and bounds over the recent years. He observes that Indian founders have developed an intrepidness and conviction that they can build world-beating companies from here. The Venture Capital ecosystem in the country has grown consequently to more than 1,500 VC firms backing over 16,000 startups. Click this Iink to read more of his insights. https://lnkd.in/gBepyuCs At Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, we are bullish about opportunities in the India and Southeast Asia region. Reach out to us if you are fundraising at https://lnkd.in/gnVbsz8H. #vc #startupindia #funding #ai

We recently released our quarterly market update on Indian startup ecosystem. Some Key highlights from the report: ➡️ Early-stage funding witnessed 242 deals, up from Q1 which witnessed 154 early-stage deals ➡️ Growth stage funding witnessed 88 deals, remained flat QoQ ➡️ In Q22024, late-stage deals drove the market, comprising 17 deals accounting for ~50% of the total Q2 deal value Following discussions with the founders, several key themes have emerged: ❇️ Gen Z: We're seeing a notable shift in consumer behavior driven by Generation Z. This demographic cohort, known for its digital nativism and distinct preferences, is increasingly influencing market trends particularly in Food and beverages sector   ❇️ Premiumization: There's a growing trend towards premiumization in the market. Consumers are showing a willingness to invest more in products and experiences that offer higher quality, exclusivity, or enhanced features   ❇️ Personalization: The demand for personalized products and experiences continues to gain momentum. Consumers increasingly expect tailored solutions that cater to their unique needs and preferences Thank you to all the founders for their contribution:     Aditya Khanna (Co - founder Assembly); Devansh Jain Nawal (Founder and CEO - Culture Circle); Dhruv Kohli (Founder - Boba Bhai); Kartik Sheth (Founder and CEO - Foxy); Mansi Baranwal (Founder - Troovy); Poojan Shah (Co - founder ICON.in); Raksha Kothari (Co - founder GO DESi ) Shashank Saurabh (Co - founder Que Universe); Suraj Vernekar (Co - founder and CEO - Aegeus Technologies Pvt Ltd) Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gDhqXai3 Akshay Garg Preksha Razdan Rohit Rawat Kulmani Rana

India's Startup Ecosystem: Fueling Innovation and Growth 🚀 India's startup ecosystem is nothing short of a powerhouse, driving innovation and economic growth at an unprecedented pace. With over 100 unicorns and a thriving community of entrepreneurs, India is fast becoming a global hub for technological advancement and creative solutions. One fascinating trend is the rise of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands, which are revolutionizing the retail sector. Companies like Lenskart, Mamaearth, and Boat are leveraging digital platforms to connect directly with customers, offering personalized experiences and cutting out the middlemen. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also boosts profit margins. Another area to watch is Fintech. With groundbreaking innovations in digital payments, lending, and financial services, fintech startups are reshaping how Indians interact with money. The success of Razorpay and Zerodha showcases the immense potential of this sector. Let's not forget the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). From healthcare to agriculture, AI and ML are providing smart solutions to some of India's most pressing challenges. Companies like Niramai are using AI to improve early cancer detection, while CropIn leverages ML to enhance agricultural productivity. It's an exciting time for Indian businesses as they harness the power of technology to create value and drive growth. What trends in the Indian startup ecosystem excite you the most? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss! #Startups #Innovation #India #BusinessGrowth #Fintech #D2C #AI #MachineLearning

The startups making all the noises from India are mostly consumer services focused startups because the investors look at the scale of consumers of hundreds of millions with a rising middle-class from India as the next big market. These startups have no solid moat other than ability of the founders to execute operations to raise massive funds to keep fueling customer acquisition and try capturing as much market share as possible in quick time. If India needs to promote building of DeepTech startups that generate hard core intellectual properties (IP) to spread around the world, especially in hardware (ignore the current breed of most of the hardware startups most of which buy white label Chinese goods first and then move operations to India once they gain scale to do it locally), one of the things the government should focus on is creating better norms for import and export of hardware / electronics components / products at individual components / product level to let innovators be innovate. Forget scale, make the infrastructure as easy as possible even for a single unit purchase. India has some of the most archaic and trouble some import / export regulations including customs duties / taxes, that prevent quick turnaround for hardware stuff to get in and get out of the country when you are starting small. Big scaled companies have established channels to get it done already, but startups don't have that liberty. Unless you see a good overhaul of these systems, the IP based innovation at DeepTech level in a massive level from India remains an elusive dream, because a lot of time is lost in things that otherwise happen quickly outside India. It does not mean that some of it is not already happening, but its very little and needs a massive scale. #deeptech #hardware #india #innovation #startup