ETtechWhile sentiment globally has turned negative, digital India still has much potential, and startups here can have a positive impact on the whole world, say jury members. And that is why they will be keenly evaluating fledglings that have the potential to go global in the coming years and help the world learn from innovations made in India.
Salil Parekh, CEO & MD, Infosys
“One of the main areas of differentiation for a new business is the idea that it brings to the world. This, backed by a strong team with the ability to execute relentlessly, makes for a successful business. We will be privileged to learn more about entrepreneurs and their creations as we look across industry landscapes. The value that they have created and the potential they have to create an impact in India and the world is something we will look to support.”
Hemant Taneja, MD, General Catalyst
Partnering with incredible founders in India is very personal for me and our partners at General Catalyst. As India is expected to grow from the fifth to the third-largest economy in the next decade or less, it opens up huge opportunities for the digitisation of various sectors locally.
The nominees reflect the enormity of this opportunity and it's exciting to see them start to build enduring businesses that are inclusive of various stakeholders.
I value excellence in founders, and in particular it's great for businesses to be spun out of academic research in India's top universities. I expect many of them to also become global in the coming years as the world learns from innovations originally built for India. I wish them the best on their journeys. We look forward to deepening our focus on India in the coming years and both investing and co-creating enduring businesses in the country.
Satyan Gajwani, vice chairman, Times Internet
The continuous ups and downs of a startup founder are now par for the course. Founders must be able to find balance between ambitious visions and drives for innovation, alongside prudent business management and conservative planning. We are fortunate, though, that digital India still has so much potential and optimism ahead, even as sentiment globally has become considerably more negative.
Last year, we awarded those who have been able to reach enough scale to become public companies. This year, alongside the potential for scale, I expect there to be more emphasis on improved margins, positive cash flows, sustained business models, and ultimately, the ability to build lasting businesses.
Salil Parekh, CEO & MD, Infosys
“One of the main areas of differentiation for a new business is the idea that it brings to the world. This, backed by a strong team with the ability to execute relentlessly, makes for a successful business. We will be privileged to learn more about entrepreneurs and their creations as we look across industry landscapes. The value that they have created and the potential they have to create an impact in India and the world is something we will look to support.”
Hemant Taneja, MD, General Catalyst
Partnering with incredible founders in India is very personal for me and our partners at General Catalyst. As India is expected to grow from the fifth to the third-largest economy in the next decade or less, it opens up huge opportunities for the digitisation of various sectors locally.
The nominees reflect the enormity of this opportunity and it's exciting to see them start to build enduring businesses that are inclusive of various stakeholders.
I value excellence in founders, and in particular it's great for businesses to be spun out of academic research in India's top universities. I expect many of them to also become global in the coming years as the world learns from innovations originally built for India. I wish them the best on their journeys. We look forward to deepening our focus on India in the coming years and both investing and co-creating enduring businesses in the country.
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Satyan Gajwani, vice chairman, Times Internet
The continuous ups and downs of a startup founder are now par for the course. Founders must be able to find balance between ambitious visions and drives for innovation, alongside prudent business management and conservative planning. We are fortunate, though, that digital India still has so much potential and optimism ahead, even as sentiment globally has become considerably more negative.
Last year, we awarded those who have been able to reach enough scale to become public companies. This year, alongside the potential for scale, I expect there to be more emphasis on improved margins, positive cash flows, sustained business models, and ultimately, the ability to build lasting businesses.
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