In 2023, India’s startup ecosystem firmly established itself as a formidable global player, ranking third in the world. This dynamic and diverse landscape boasts over 99,000 recognized startups, including an impressive 108 unicorns, collectively valued at a staggering US$340.80 billion. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to the government’s updated startup-friendly policies, particularly the DPIIT’s revised definition from 2019, which focuses on key factors such as incorporation, turnover, innovation, and scalability. These startups are widespread, not only in major urban centers but also across various regions, demonstrating the extensive reach and diversity of India’s entrepreneurial spirit and its capability to innovate and thrive across different sectors.
In 2023, several startups in domains where Prateek Toshniwal invests, such as Ed-tech, fintech, SAAS, and agritech, made significant strides. Companies like Byju’s in Ed-tech, Paytm in fintech, Zoho in SAAS, and CropIn in agritech continued to flourish, reflecting the robustness and innovation in these sectors. These startups not only attracted substantial investment but also contributed significantly to India’s growing global reputation as a startup hub.
Despite these achievements, the year 2023 has not been without its challenges. The global economic scenario, characterized by inflation and complex tax regulations, has created a somewhat uncertain environment for startups in India. This has resulted in a phenomenon described as a ‘funding winter’, wherein there has been a notable decrease in investment inflows towards the end of 2022.
In terms of investment trends, the first half of 2023 saw a decline in both the number and the amount of funding deals. There were 332 deals worth US$17.6 billion, a decrease from the previous year’s US$21.7 billion. This decline was also evident in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, which stood at US$70.97 billion, a drop from the previous year’s US$84.83 billion. The overall funding for startups in the first half of 2023 amounted to US$5.5 billion, which was a significant decrease compared to both the second half of 2022 and the first half of that year.
This downturn was not confined to any specific stage of startup funding; late-stage, early-stage, and seed-stage rounds all experienced significant decreases. Additionally, the emergence of new unicorns was scarce, indicating a shift in the dynamics of the startup ecosystem. Despite these trends, there are still considerable funds – over US$20 billion – dedicated to startup investments in India, awaiting opportunities for deployment.
Several factors have contributed to these investment challenges:
Global Inflation: The increase in global inflation rates led central banks around the world to raise interest rates, impacting the cost of borrowing for startups and businesses in India.
Tax Implications of Headquarters Shifting: Many Indian startups are considering moving their headquarters back to India, which has financial implications, especially in terms of taxes.
Startup Valuation by the Indian Government: The rapid growth and valuation increases of startups can sometimes be disproportionate to their revenue generation, leading to scrutiny from tax authorities.
Tax Parity Demand: There is a call for equal tax treatment between listed and unlisted shares to ensure startups do not face disadvantages compared to established companies.
Complex Capital Flow Challenges: Startups face challenges due to restrictions on foreign capital inflow and outflow and the complexities of the Angel Tax.
Lack of Single-Window Clearance: Startups involved in syndicated funding rounds face operational inefficiencies due to the requirement for individual filings by investors.
Convertible Notes Issuance: Industry executives are urging the government to expand the issuance of convertible notes beyond the top 100 startups recognized by the DPIIT.
Escrow Account Duration: There’s a call for extending the duration for funds held in escrow accounts to align with global standards and support startups raising capital incrementally.
Despite these challenges, certain sectors have shown remarkable resilience and growth.
Space technology startups, AI-focused enterprises, and electric vehicle startups have been at the forefront, attracting significant investments and achieving milestones. For example, Google’s investment in Bengaluru-based space-tech startup Pixxel is a testament to the potential of these sectors. The Indian government is actively addressing these challenges, engaging with various stakeholders to comprehend the factors contributing to the funding decline and fostering the startup ecosystem.
The year 2023 has been a mix of trials and triumphs for India’s startup ecosystem. Despite facing a funding slowdown and navigating through economic complexities like global inflation and tax implications, the ecosystem demonstrates resilience and immense potential. The proactive role of the government in addressing these challenges, coupled with the strong interest of investors, especially in promising sectors like space technology, AI, and electric vehicles, suggests a bright future ahead. With a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and an array of innovative startups, India’s startup scene is well-positioned to overcome current hurdles and continue its trajectory of growth and global influence.
Prateek Toshniwal is a Chartered Accountant, Investor, Networker, Financial Advisor and Mentor
