The discussion surrounding the superiority of Delhi or Bengaluru as a startup hub has gained traction following remarks from Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal. At a recent event, Goyal suggested that success in entrepreneurship is not contingent upon being based in Bengaluru, arguing that one can thrive elsewhere, as evidenced by Zomato’s success from Gurgaon.
Joining the conversation, Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, declared Delhi as “1,000 per cent” better for business growth than Bengaluru. In an interview, he emphasized that Delhi’s focus on substance over mere appearance provides a more favorable environment for launching ventures. Deshpande stated that while Bengaluru is likened to Silicon Valley for its startup concentration, Delhi offers a more consistent and sustainable approach to business development.
Deshpande criticized Bengaluru’s startup culture, describing it as “frothy” and driven by trendy innovations. He argued that Delhi prioritizes deeper, more substantial business growth, which he sees as a significant advantage for entrepreneurs. He acknowledged the innovative spirit of Bengaluru but insisted that high-quality businesses are more likely to emerge from Delhi.
Despite the competitive dialogue, both leaders agree that a startup’s success is increasingly less dependent on geographical location. Goyal pointed out that he hasn’t visited Bengaluru since 2017 and stressed that many successful startups operate outside traditional hubs.
Deshpande highlighted Delhi’s rich talent pool, citing major companies like Zomato and Paytm as essential contributors to a supportive entrepreneurial environment. He concluded that Delhi’s stronger business culture is pivotal for fostering startup success.
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