Indian Startups: Sharmaji Ke Bete ko dekho
In this edition: A minister's comments, why iPhones will get (more) expensive and Myntra's confusing design | Mixology 55
As you deal with Trump’s Tariffs, and the fallouts, we take a look at another topic that caused a stir last week: That of Piyush Goyal and his comments on Indian startups.
Good evening and welcome to Mixology!
PS: If you got the reference for the newsletter headline, kudos. If not: check this, in the context that Sharmaji ka beta here is China (and not Rohit Sharma, ofcourse!)
🌏 Product & Design News:
Balancing Innovation: A Response to Piyush Goyal's Critique of Indian Startups
In a recent address at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged Indian startups to pivot from consumer-focused services like quick commerce to high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Interestingly, the outburst was due to an India vs China meme:
He questioned whether India's entrepreneurial destiny should be confined to roles like delivery services and ice cream production, especially when compared to China's advancements in deep-tech domains.
Check the snippet below:
The Value of Consumer-Centric Startups
While the emphasis on deep-tech is vital for long-term technological sovereignty, it's essential to recognize the significant contributions of consumer-centric startups:
Employment Generation: Companies like Blinkit and Zepto have created extensive employment opportunities, offering livelihoods to thousands and addressing immediate economic needs.
Enhancing Efficiency: By streamlining delivery processes and leveraging technology, these startups have improved service efficiency, catering to evolving consumer demands
Fostering Innovation: Addressing real-time challenges requires innovative solutions. The rapid delivery models and user-friendly interfaces developed by these companies exemplify product innovation tailored to market needs.
Helped in building design and product culture: There is no doubt that the growing demand for Product management and UX Designers roles in India can be attributed mainly to consumer and internet startups. Whatever maturity we see in design would not have been if not for the likes of Zomato, Swiggy, Hotstar & others.
Spotlight on Indian Deep-Tech Startups
Balancing the narrative, it's crucial to highlight Indian startups making strides in deep-tech:
Pixxel – Building hyperspectral imaging satellites for advanced earth monitoring.
Exponent Energy – Developing innovative battery tech for electric vehicles.
Agnikul Cosmos – Working on private space launches with 3D-printed rocket engines.
For product professionals interested in contributing to deep-tech innovation, these companies often have openings in areas like product development, engineering, and design.
Bridging the Gap: A Collaborative Approach
The discourse shouldn't be about choosing between consumer services and deep-tech but rather about fostering an ecosystem where both can thrive:
Policy Support: Policymakers can facilitate this balance by providing incentives for deep-tech research while supporting consumer-centric businesses that drive employment and immediate economic growth.
Investment in R&D: Encouraging investments in research and development can propel deep-tech innovations without undermining the value of consumer-focused solutions.
Educational Initiatives: Strengthening educational infrastructure to promote STEM fields can create a talent pool capable of driving deep-tech advancements.
Other news:
Here’s the iPhone. Here’s the iPhone With Tariffs | WSJ - a breakdown of the possible impacts of tariffs on an iPhone’s cost of production and hence price
Meta releases Llama 4, a new crop of flagship AI models | Techcrunch
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Context: Simplify and improve the design of the fwd store so that it is more appealing for Gen Z users.
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🖥️ From Founders’ Desk:
Nishith believes it’s just not about startups; it is how we as a Nation have been brought up
So, while the main commentary of why India needs both in plenty is already covered, I want to write more from the first principles:
India’s per capita is low. When most of the population still worries about basic needs, the risk appetite will be naturally low
Due to our colonial and invasion history, we have taken solace in the now famous ‘Jugaad’ mindset - taking shortcuts, giving bribes, and thinking short term all can be linked to this. We became an IT services nation rather than a product nation also because Products need both patience and capital
I believe that when India will be able to create large internet behemoths and at least be a middle-income country is when we will have more founders taking long-term bets. In fact, Aadit Palicha (Co-founder of Zepto) articulated this point very well to defend
Here’s hoping this is a blessing in disguise and that this debate results in better outcomes for all stakeholders.
That is all the Kalesh that we can handle for this, in this newsletter. Over to Mr. Trump.
Hope you liked the coverage. If so, drop a ❤️ and share this with friends!
Aur haan, Sharmaji ke bete se kuch seekho!
