What is the definition of “Start-up” and its contribution to the Indian economy? Why do we use the term “Start-up” Instead of “Business”?

Technically, a start-up is any business focused on developing, commercializing, and developing novel goods, services, or systems that are powered by new technology or intellectual property. The Indian startup ecosystem has expanded quickly over the past 20 years, and more support is now accessible in all areas. Startups do not exist in a vacuum; rather, they are part of a larger business environment that is committed to developing solutions with a significant social and economic effect.

The fact that start-ups are hubs for cutting-edge innovations means that they produce jobs, which implies more career possibilities; more employment leads to a stronger economy, and a stronger economy has a direct impact on the growth of cities where startups are located. Take Bangalore as an example of how Infosys transformed the metropolis.

Therefore, the Government of India has implemented a number of steps to support the start-up culture in India and strengthen the Indian economy. For instance, in August 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the “Standup India” program. The overall objective is to assist new businesses with bank funding, ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of young Indians, create frameworks for fostering startups, and position India as the best location for tech businesses. 

Let’s analyze how startups have contributed to the expansion of the Indian economy:

The creation of jobs:

Compared to China, which has 94 million, India has 112 million individuals who are working age and between the ages of 20 and 24. This demographic dividend is accelerating the nation’s startup culture in the absence of government employment. India had become the third-largest startup environment in the world as of August 29, 2022, with over 77,000 DPIIT-recognized startups dispersed across 656 districts. In the same time frame, these startups create more employment than big businesses or enterprises in the same sector. Consequently, this will reduce the issue of unemployment in emerging countries like India.

New Investing:

In order to concentrate on their primary competencies, many multinational corporations are now outsourcing their tasks to small businesses. Due to this tendency, many multinational corporations as well as Indian venture capitalists are carefully monitoring the development of Indian start-ups in order to invest their money. For instance, Accenture gave startups $1.35 million in business within the past year, giving them the chance to have a significant effect on both the Indian and international markets.

Studying and Developing:

As they frequently deal with high-tech and knowledge-based services, startups in nations like India significantly subsidize research and development (R&D). The R&D staff at the startup actively seeks out innovations and keeps the business informed. Therefore, startups promote a practical approach or autonomous research at academic institutions. This encourages researchers or students to work together to put their ideas into reality. 

Improved GDP:

Despite increased inflationary pressures brought on by rising food and fuel costs globally, it is anticipated that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) will rise by 6.9% in fiscal year (FY) 2022–2023 and 6.2% in FY 2023–2024. Since GDP is a key factor in a nation’s economic growth, if we continue to support and encourage more start-up endeavors, it will be possible to increase domestic revenue and consumer capital can also flow throughout the country.

Benefits of Democratizing Technology:

Numerous startups show how their advantages can reach even the most distant consumers while also advancing innovation and technology. With their solutions, fintech companies are now reaching out to rural areas and making financial services simple to access in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. One answer to all rural issues is Hesa, a Fintech and Agritech startup that uses technology and labor to bridge the rural-urban gap. It effectively manages supply networks, facilitates banking transactions, and raises the visibility of rural farmers’ products. Similar to this, EV technology is used by e-commerce companies like Zypp to make last-mile delivery sustainable and emission-free. These creative startups have made it simpler for regional business owners working in rural areas to market and sell their goods.

Why do we use the term “Start-up Instead of “Business”?

Business is what you do when there is an established market for your goods. Let’s take the case of someone starting a panipuri company as an illustration. Panipuri is a product with a market. A startup is one that sells novel, original, and innovative products with no existing market for them. Let’s take an example where you are producing a novel food item and there is no market for you. (since no one knows your food item).

In this situation, you must develop a market for your novel culinary product. A startup is a specific kind of new company that is intended to expand quickly, frequently with the intention of upsetting an existing market or establishing a new one. Even though starting and expanding a new company can be difficult, there are some significant distinctions between startups and other new businesses:

Technology or innovative ideas that have the ability to open up new markets or disrupt ones that already exist are frequently the foundation of startups. Other start-up companies might sell an item or service that is already available on the market.

Growth potential: Startups are made to expand rapidly and to take on a sizable customer base, frequently with the intention of making an exit through a purchase or an initial public offering (IPO). Other start-up companies might prioritize slower, more sustainable development.

Funding: Startups frequently need large sums of money to get started and expand. They may look to venture capitalists, angel investors, or other sources for funding. Other start-up companies might be self-funded or depend on grants or loans.

Risk: Due to their innovative nature and the uncertainty regarding their potential market success, startups are frequently thought of as riskier than other new businesses.

Scalability: While other new companies may have less scalability, startups frequently have a business model that enables them to scale up quickly as they expand.

While new businesses in general and startups, in particular, may have many similarities, startups are usually distinguished by their emphasis on innovation, growth potential, financing, risk, and scalability.