Sources: 
Suhel Seth, Managing Partner at Counselage India, sharply criticized the Indian startup ecosystem for its lack of original innovation, stating that most startups merely imitate Western business models rather than creating unique solutions tailored to India.
“Most Indian startups are merely imitating Western business models and lack genuine innovation,” Seth said, highlighting a fundamental issue in the ecosystem.
He questioned why India, despite its vast talent pool and rapidly growing digital infrastructure, has failed to produce global technology giants on the scale of Facebook or Google. According to Seth, the focus on valuations, unicorn status, and founder wealth distracts from the core mission of true innovation.
“The startup conversation in India is overly fixated on valuations, unicorn status, and founder wealth,” he noted.
Seth proposed criteria to define a genuine startup: it must represent a technological leap, be genuinely unique and non-replicable, and inspire pride among its creators. This, he argued, is missing in many Indian ventures.
His critique calls for a shift in mindset from replication to innovation, urging Indian entrepreneurs to develop original technologies that can compete globally and create lasting impact.
The challenge remains for India to leverage its talent and infrastructure to build homegrown global tech giants rather than merely following established Western models.
Sources: Suhel Seth criticized Indian startups for imitating Western models instead of innovating, questioning why India hasn't produced global tech giants like Facebook or Google despite its talent and digital growth. He emphasized true startups require unique, non-replicable technology that inspires pride beyond valuations and wealth.
