Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Advocates Corporate Mentorship At Startup Mahakumbh Curtain Raiser

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal emphasized the need for established businesses to fund startups with the aim of nurturing them, not owning them in an event, Startup Mahakumbh. The curtain raiser event, graced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, highlighted startups as the backbone of 'New India' and urged entrepreneurs to seize opportunities for India's ambitious economic goals.

Speaking at the curtain raiser event for Startup Mahakumbh, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal advocated a culture shift where established businesses actively fund startups to help them grow, emphasizing that the intention should not be ownership but rather nurturing. Goyal highlighted the absence of such a culture and stressed the importance of larger businesses playing a role in the growth trajectory of startups.

"I think established businesses need to nurture startups. And I don't think we have that kind of culture yet. And larger businesses need to start funding startups not with the intention of owning them, purely with the intention to help them get bigger over time," Goyal remarked during the event.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, present at the event, echoed the sentiment by terming startups as the backbone of 'New India.' He urged entrepreneurs to seize every opportunity as India aspires to become a $32-trillion economy by 2047.

"I believe startups will be the backbone of a new India. This is our time under the sun, and the sun is rising," said Minister Goyal. He expressed hope that the message resonates with all startups, emphasizing the importance of not missing the opportunity. Minister Goyal anticipates that the upcoming Startup Mahakumbh event will showcase the revolutionary spirit sweeping the startup landscape in the country.

"I hope we don't miss the bus. I hope the message goes loud and clear to all startups not to lose this opportunity," Minister Goyal added.

The curtain raiser event also saw active participation from members of the organizing committee and key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. Notable figures present included Prashanth Prakash, executive council member of IVCA, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, co-founder and executive vice chairman of Info Edge, Archana Jahagirdar, founding and managing partner of Rukam Capital, Nivruti Rai, MD & CEO of Invest India, and Sanjay Nayar, senior vice president of ASSOCHAM and founder and chairman of Sorin Investments.

The Startup Mahakumbh event, scheduled for March, promises to be a platform where innovation takes centre stage. With the support of key industry players and government officials, the event aims to provide a conducive environment for startups to showcase their potential and connect with mentors and investors.

As India charts its course to a $ 32 trillion economy, the Startup Mahakumbh becomes a pivotal event in fostering collaboration, mentorship, and growth within the dynamic startup ecosystem.