Ishank Gupta

Blog

  • From Food Delivery to Deep Tech: What Piyush Goyal’s Message Really Means for Indian Startups

    At Startup Mahakumbh, when Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal asked—“Will we remain limited to food delivery and gig work?”—it created a buzz across India’s startup circles.

    It Wasn’t Criticism. It Was a Challenge.

    I was there. I heard his full session live. While many perceived his words as critical, I saw them as a bold and honest reminder. India’s startup ecosystem is already the third largest in the world. But if we truly want to become number one, we need to move beyond comfort and convenience.

    Time to Go Beyond Food Delivery

    We’ve built successful companies in food delivery, e-commerce, and gig economy—but now it’s time to step into deep-tech, AI, semiconductors, space-tech, and climate-tech. These are the areas where the future is being shaped.

    The Government Has Taken the First Step

    Infrastructure is improving. Policies are becoming founder-friendly. PLI schemes, semiconductor missions, AI research funding—all of this is already in motion. Now it’s our turn as founders to lead innovation that positions India on the global tech map.

    Don’t Take It Personally. Take It Seriously.

    Piyush Goyal ji is not against founders. He is rooting for us. He is encouraging us to aim higher—not just to build what’s trending, but what will matter 10 years from now. The real question isn’t “Why did he say that?”—it’s “What are we doing next?”

    Conclusion

    What we’ve already built is inspiring. But what we’re capable of building—there’s no limit to that. Let’s not settle for being the largest convenience economy. Let’s aim to be the world’s innovation powerhouse.

    For more insights, check out our YouTube Short (in Hindi) on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

     

  • Can India Build a Global AI Product Like ChatGPT?

    Can India ever build a global AI product like ChatGPT? The question is important—and the answer depends on how we solve two big challenges: talent and infrastructure.

    India Has the Talent, But It’s Abroad

    There is no shortage of talent. In fact, many top engineers working at companies like Google, OpenAI, and Meta are Indian. But most of this talent is working outside India. Building powerful AI models like ChatGPT requires not just smart minds—but for those minds to be here, in India.

    What’s Missing? Compute Power and Infrastructure

    Building models like ChatGPT isn’t just about talent—it needs massive computing resources and world-class infrastructure. This is where India still lags behind. Without large-scale GPU clusters, data centers, and AI research environments, even the best talent can’t build at scale.

    Enter the IndiaAI Mission

    To bridge this gap, the Government of India has launched the IndiaAI Mission. This initiative will support Indian startups with AI infrastructure, R&D funding, and efforts to bring global talent back to India. It’s a bold move to make India self-reliant in AI innovation.

    The Road Ahead

    If we can bring both compute power and AI talent back to India, building a world-class product like ChatGPT—or even better—is absolutely possible. The potential is there. What we need now is execution at a global level.

    Conclusion

    The IndiaAI Mission is a strong beginning. But to become a global leader in AI, we must think big, act fast, and build infrastructure that rivals the best in the world. The future of India’s AI leadership is not a dream—it’s a possibility, if we move now.

    Watch our YouTube Short on this topic here:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • Will Traditional Colleges Stay Relevant by 2030?

    Will traditional colleges still be relevant by 2030? Or will AI-based EdTech platforms completely change the way we learn? It’s a question we can no longer ignore.

    The Growing Industry-Education Gap

    Today, there’s a widening gap between what colleges teach and what the industry actually needs. Many colleges are stuck with outdated theory-heavy curricula, while companies are hiring people with practical skills and knowledge of the latest technologies.

    How AI-Based EdTech Is Changing the Game

    AI-powered EdTech startups are stepping in to bridge this gap. Using artificial intelligence, these platforms provide real-time learning based on current industry trends and demands. Students now have access to job-relevant skills faster and more efficiently than ever before.

    Degrees Are Not Enough Anymore

    Colleges will still exist in 2030, but just having a degree won’t be enough. Institutions that don’t adopt practical, AI-driven learning methods risk becoming irrelevant. The future of education will belong to those who evolve with technology.

    Conclusion

    AI won’t kill traditional colleges, but it will transform them. Only those that adapt—by embracing AI, updating their teaching methods, and focusing on skills that truly matter—will stay relevant in the coming decade.

    For a quick take on this topic, watch our YouTube Short (in Hindi):
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • Can India Create Global Giants? Rethinking Domestic Success for Global Impact

    Can India ever create global giants like Google, Meta, Apple, or Amazon? It’s a big question, and one that Indian entrepreneurs need to ask themselves seriously.

    The Current Mindset

    Many successful Indian entrepreneurs build large companies but then tend to focus only on diversifying within the domestic market. Often, this results in missed opportunities for global expansion.

    The Need for a Global Mindset

    To compete on the global stage, this mindset must change. Success cannot be limited to India alone. Entrepreneurs must start focusing on global standards, international markets, and world-class innovation from the very beginning.

    India’s Untapped Potential

    India possesses unmatched talent and enormous potential. It’s time to ask ourselves: “Why settle for local success when we have the potential to lead globally?” The time has come to change our perspective and aim to create companies that are competitive on the global stage.

    Conclusion

    Building global giants is challenging but achievable. With a strategic focus on innovation, global expansion, and a shift in mindset, India can undoubtedly create its own global technology leaders.

    For more insights on India’s global potential, watch our YouTube Short on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • Why 90% of Indian Startups Fail Within 5 Years – Uncovering the Hidden Pitfalls

    In India, it is often said that 90% of startups shut down within 5 years. But why does this happen? Let’s quickly decode some of the hidden pitfalls that many startups face.

    Chasing Growth Without Profit

    One of the biggest mistakes is focusing solely on growth without ensuring profitability. Many startups spend millions on marketing and rapid scaling, hoping that fast expansion will automatically lead to success. However, if revenue remains low or zero, that growth is unsustainable. The example of Byju’s shows us how high spending on growth can sometimes leave profit on the back burner.

    Market Readiness Is Crucial

    Even if your product is excellent, success is not guaranteed if the market is not ready. Understanding your target market and its readiness is essential before scaling up.

    Internal Challenges and Founder Pressures

    Startup failures are often driven by internal issues such as founder conflicts, poor financial planning, and the overwhelming pressure to grow quickly. These internal struggles can derail even the most promising ventures, leaving founders burnt out or forced to exit.

    Moral of the Story

    The key takeaway is simple: focus on profit, understand your market, and build smartly. Rather than chasing unchecked growth, ensure that every decision is backed by solid planning and thorough market research.

    Conclusion

    Venture capital may seem like a golden ticket, but it comes with hidden costs and pressures that can lead to failure if not managed wisely. Focus on profit, understand your market, and build smart. Otherwise, your company might end up in someone else’s hands.

    For more insights on startup challenges, check out our YouTube Short on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • AI Startups in India: Hype or a Golden Opportunity?

    AI startups in India are creating a buzz like never before! But is this truly a golden opportunity, or just hype? In today’s fast-paced world, the potential of AI is immense – and nowhere is this more evident than in India.

    Massive Market Potential

    Consider this: India’s AI market is projected to reach an astonishing ₹1.5 Lakh Crore by 2030. With heavy investments pouring into sectors like AI automation, healthcare AI, and fintech, big business means big money. Venture capitalists are betting heavily on these areas, signaling that the opportunity is enormous.

    Hype Alert: Not Every Startup Is Truly AI

    However, not all that glitters is gold. Many startups claim to be AI-driven, but simply building a chatbot doesn’t cut it. Too many companies create a buzz solely to attract funding without delivering real AI innovation.

    The Opportunity: Act Fast

    The market rewards speed – the sooner you build genuine AI-based solutions, the better your chances of success. Whether it’s AI + SaaS, AI + EdTech, or AI + Finance, the right combination can lead to future unicorns. It’s all about understanding the market and choosing the right AI business model.

    Conclusion

    AI startups in India present both hype and incredible opportunity. To succeed, you must be smart – study the market carefully and invest in the right AI business. For more insights, watch our YouTube Short (in Hindi) on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • The Dark Side of VC Funding: Beware of Hidden Costs

    Venture capital funding is often seen as the golden ticket to rapid business growth—but the reality is far more complex. While VC money can provide the necessary fuel to scale, it comes with hidden costs that every entrepreneur should understand.

    Equity Means Control Lost

    The more funding you raise, the more equity you must give away. This means that with each dollar, you lose a piece of your business’s control. Investors gain influence over decision-making, which may steer your company away from your original vision.

    Growth Over Profit

    Venture capitalists focus on explosive growth and increasing valuation—not profit. The pressure to scale quickly can force you to prioritize rapid expansion over sustainable profitability, often leading to significant losses in the short term.

    Founder Burnout & Exit Pressure

    VC funding comes with strict timelines and exit expectations. If these targets aren’t met, founders may face forced exits or even see their company sold. This intense pressure can lead to burnout and fundamentally change your business’s future.

    Conclusion

    Venture capital is not free money. Before you take on VC funding, it’s crucial to understand its hidden costs—from losing control to dealing with aggressive growth targets and exit pressures. Make informed decisions to ensure that your business remains true to your vision.

    For more insights, check out our YouTube Short (in Hindi) on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • AGI: What It Is and Why It Matters

    Are you ready for a new era of technology? Imagine an AI that can think like a human – that is, without needing constant human control. This is AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence. AGI can learn on its own, improve over time, and handle any challenge it faces.

    What Makes AGI Special?

    Unlike today’s AI, which is good at specific tasks, AGI can understand and solve problems in many different areas. It can generate new ideas and make decisions on its own. This sounds exciting, but it also comes with a big risk.

    The Risks of AGI

    Imagine an AI that starts creating new ideas and making decisions without any control. If this system goes out of control, the results could be very dangerous. Powerful AGI that does not follow ethical rules might cause serious problems.

    Why Responsible Development Matters

    AGI is a revolutionary technology with great potential, but if we do not develop it carefully, it could become a huge risk for our world. We must ensure that ethical guidelines and proper controls are in place.

    Conclusion

    In simple terms, AGI is an AI that can think and learn like a human. It holds great promise for the future but also comes with significant risks. It is up to us to develop AGI responsibly.

    For a quick visual overview and more insights, watch our YouTube Short (in Hindi) on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • No-Code Revolution: Empowering Everyone to Build Tech Solutions

    You don’t need to be a tech expert anymore. Thanks to the rise of no-code tools, anyone can harness powerful technologies without writing a single line of code.

    The No-Code Revolution

    No-code tools refer to platforms that allow you to create solutions—such as websites, CRMs, or automation workflows—without any programming knowledge. In the past, setting up these systems required developers and extensive coding. Today, drag-and-drop interfaces and simple dashboards empower anyone to build their own tech solutions.

    Real-World Impact

    Consider a small business owner who can now set up their own CRM system or automate workflows without hiring a developer. This approach not only saves significant costs, but it also saves valuable time. No-code tools unlock innovation and speed, especially for those without technical skills.

    Accessible Technology for Everyone

    No-code tools simplify technology, enabling you to improve and accelerate your work without unnecessary complexity. The lack of a technical barrier means that innovation is no longer held back. With no-code platforms, anyone can contribute to technological advancements and drive business growth.

    Conclusion

    The no-code revolution is democratizing technology. By making powerful tools accessible to everyone, no-code solutions ensure that a lack of coding expertise is never an obstacle to innovation. Embrace no-code tools and transform your business operations today.

    For a quick visual overview, check out our YouTube Short (in Hindi) on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.

  • eSign Solutions: Redefining Document Management for a Modern, Secure Future

    Traditional paperwork is now a thing of the past. eSign solutions have revolutionized document management by making it faster, safer, and far more efficient. In today’s digital age, the ability to sign, approve, and share documents in just minutes is transforming how businesses operate.

    Speed and Convenience

    The greatest benefit of eSign solutions is their speed and convenience. Tasks that once required manual paperwork can now be completed in moments, regardless of your location. This ease of use not only saves time but also eliminates the hassles associated with physical documents.

    Seamless Digital Collaboration

    Without the constraints of physical paperwork, teams can manage documents digitally and collaborate seamlessly. This streamlined approach enhances productivity and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

    Enhanced Security

    Security is paramount in document management. eSign solutions employ advanced encryption and maintain detailed audit trails to ensure that every signature is verified and authentic. This means that your important documents are secure and legally binding.

    Eco-Friendly Benefits

    By moving to a paperless process, eSign solutions not only save time and money but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Reducing paper usage supports your business’s eco-friendly goals and helps preserve natural resources.

    Redefining Document Management

    eSign tools have fundamentally redefined how document management is approached. By adopting these solutions, businesses can transform their processes to be faster, more efficient, and more secure, enabling them to thrive in a modern digital environment.

    Conclusion

    eSign solutions are paving the way for a new era in document management. They offer unparalleled speed, security, and sustainability—making traditional paperwork obsolete. Embrace this digital transformation to streamline your business processes and stay ahead in today’s competitive market.

    For more insights, check out our YouTube Short (in Hindi) on this topic:
    Watch the YouTube Short.