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Indian CEO Warns Against ‘Startup Romance,’ Highlights Harsh Realities of Entrepreneurship

• ByStartupStory     |    December 26, 2024

In recent years, India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem has transformed career aspirations, inspiring countless individuals to pursue entrepreneurship. However, Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, has cautioned against the “startup romance” that often glamorizes the entrepreneurial journey, shedding light on the challenges that accompany it.

In a candid social media post, Gupta highlighted the growing allure surrounding startups, which she described as a “romanticized” version of reality.

“There is now an increased air of ‘startup romance’. That paints startup life as working in chiller attire out of a fancy co-working space, talking ideas all day, raising funding rounds, giving gyaan on social media, hosting Fri Eve drinks for colleagues. Don’t fall for it,” Gupta wrote.

Gupta underscored the stark contrast between perception and reality, elaborating on the harsh truths faced by entrepreneurs:

“‘Startup reality’ hits soon. It means painful execution, limited budgets and even more limited working conditions, constant rejection, challenges in hiring and retention, pressure for revenue at any cost, and uncertainty for a very long period of time.”

There is now an increased air of “start-up romance”. That paints start up life as working in chiller attire out of a fancy co working space, talking ideas all day, raising funding rounds, giving gyaan on social media, hosting Fri Eve drinks for colleagues. Don’t fall for it.…

— Radhika Gupta (@iRadhikaGupta) December 25, 2024

Social Media Sparks Debate

Gupta’s remarks ignited a lively discussion online, with netizens offering diverse perspectives. Some echoed her concerns, while others offered nuanced counterpoints.

One user shared their personal experience:
“In 1998, when I started my first startup, people thought it was because I couldn’t get a job at a big IT company. And now people are proud of the label. It’s less risky now as a funding round ensures you get a decent salary at least.”

Another added, “While I agree with all the points, I disagree with ‘pressure for revenue at all costs’ – that’s a completely personal choice that founders make. In fact, it’s more prevalent in the Mutual fund distribution industry where distributors sell poor mutual funds to customers.”

A third individual highlighted the grueling nature of entrepreneurship:
“The toughest job is of startup. Working for 10-12 hours is ok, but even after that nothing is assured. People only see the success stories and get allured but forget that after every 5 successes there are 95 failures too. Social media also paints a rosy picture which is not so rosy.”

One commenter succinctly praised Gupta’s observations, stating:
“That’s right on the bulls eye!!”

About Radhika Gupta

Radhika Gupta is a renowned leader in the Indian financial industry, serving as the MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. She joined Edelweiss Multi-Strategy Funds as a Business Head and assumed the role of CEO at Edelweiss Asset Management Limited after nearly three years.

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