The debate over which city is the best for launching a startup in India has been reignited, with recent statements from prominent entrepreneurs questioning Bengaluru’s status as the nation’s startup capital. Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, has added fuel to the discussion, asserting that Delhi is “1,000 per cent” better than Bengaluru for entrepreneurs.
In a recent interview with Bengaluru-based YouTuber Ishan Sharma, Deshpande praised Delhi’s business environment, citing its “less froth, more substance” mindset as a key reason why it surpasses Bengaluru as a startup hub. According to him, while Bengaluru is comparable to Silicon Valley with its potential for disruptive businesses, Delhi offers a higher chance of building what he refers to as “average high-quality businesses.”
Deshpande explained his reference to “froth” by describing it as people who chase after “shiny, new objects” without focusing on sustainable and substantive business practices. He contrasted this with Delhi’s business culture, which he believes fosters solid companies.
Deshpande’s comments come on the heels of remarks made by Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who recently stated that aspiring entrepreneurs do not need to be in Bengaluru to start a business. “Last I was in Bengaluru in 2017, seven years ago… You don’t need to come here to build a startup. That’s just what people here think, but it’s not the case,” Goyal said at an event organised by The Economic Times.
Deshpande further supported his argument by pointing out the strong talent pool in Delhi, particularly from well-established companies like Zomato, Paytm, and Snapdeal. He believes Delhi’s business culture is more grounded, whereas cities like Bengaluru and Pune are more service-oriented.
The comments have sparked widespread discussion in the startup ecosystem, with many weighing in on the merits of both cities. Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, has long been considered the nation’s top destination for tech and startup ventures, but increasing voices from industry leaders suggest other cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Pune may also offer significant advantages for entrepreneurs.
The debate remains ongoing, with entrepreneurs and industry experts continuing to evaluate which city offers the most conducive environment for startups in India’s rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Sources By Agencies
