Small Towns, Big Ideas: The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities PDF Free Download

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Small Towns, Big Ideas: The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities PDF Free Download

Small Towns, Big Ideas: The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities PDF free Download. Think more deeply and widely.

Small Towns,
Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
January 2024
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
3
Foreword
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Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
Policy Recommendations
Fueling India’s Future:
Exploring the vibrant Innovation and
Entrepreneurship Landscape in Tier 2
and Tier 3 Cities
02
09
Challenges and Opportunities for
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
14
03
Nurturing Innovation Beyond Metropolises:
Decoding the Government’s Catalytic Role
in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Entrepreneurship
04
18
The Role of Stakeholders in Promoting
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
23
05
The Role of Digitalization for
Entrepreneurs in smaller areas in
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
06
25
Unstoppable Aspirations:
Tales of Entrepreneurs from the
India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
27
07
Insights from Comprehensive Survey:
Decoding Data for Startups, Academic
Institutions and Investors
08
30 46
09
Overview of the Indian Startup
Ecosystem
06
01
Table of
Contents
5
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
6
2016 2020 2021 2022 2025
‘Startup India’
,$-8$#1%2#+5<:"'%
75%F#5+#$@%>Z[\
95'7#%="<#1"%.:"%
4-$2'R(%5th largest
economy%75%>Z>Z
45 Unicorns%47.:%#%
?#2+#.7-5%-;%USD 93
Billion 4"$"%=-$5%75%
>Z>[%
19 Unicorns%47.:%#%
?#2+#.7-5%-;%USD
24.7 Billion 1#'"%7.%
.-%27(.%75%>Z>>
95'7#%,-7("'%.-%="<-1"%%
USD 5T "<-5-1@%=@%>Z>]
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"M,"<."'%47.:%.:"%("<.-$%
set to attract USD 150M
to 200M%75%75?"(.1"5.(
95'7#%4722%.$#5(;-$1%75.-%
"<-5-17<%,-4"$:-+("^%%
250 unicorns expected
Overview of the Indian
Startup Ecosystem
01
6
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
7
State-Level Strength
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Assam Telangana Odisha Chhattisgarh Delhi Haryana Jharkhand Kerala Punjab
7
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
8
Textile and Garment Production
>5'%2#$8"(.%82-=#22@)%]d%-;%82-=#2%."M.72"%"M,-$.(%
Employment Significance
K]E%"1,2-@""()%>5'%2#$8"(.%"1,2-@"$%
Material Leadership
h"#'758%<-..-5)%I+."%#5'%(72N%,$-'+<"$%
Anticipated Growth
[HG\d%LST&)%#71758%;-$%a0!%H]Z6%1#$N".%=@%>Z>]
Automotive%
0"<.-$
Two-Wheeler Manufacturing
h"#'758%82-=#2%,$-'+<"$)%>[E%+57.(i@"#$%
Economic Contribution
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Electric Vehicle Focus
3#$8".758%HZd%Uc%#'-,.7-5%=@%>ZHZ
Textile
0"<.-$
Sustainability Focus
U1,:#(7(%-5%#%=".."$%;+.+$"%
Impressive Growth
[eGHHd%LST&%_>Z[KJ>Z>Z`)%g>GgeTQ%<#,#<7.@%
Ambitious Targets
[e]TQ%.-.#2%<#,#<7.@%=@%>Z>>)%[ZZTQ%(-2#$%
,-4"$%
Global Recognition
&#5N"'%K.:%82-=#22@%75%75(.#22"'%$"5"4#=2"%
"5"$8@%<#,#<7.@
IT & Software%
0"<.-$
Renewable
Energy 0"<.-$
GDP Contribution
a0!%[g[6%75%>Z>Z%_eGed%-;%.-.#2%T!D`%
Global Sourcing Hub
\ed%1#$N".%(:#$"%
Employment Significance
KGKE%,"-,2"%"1,2-@"')%[HZj%5"4%I-=(i@"#$%
Industry Landscape
[\jk%<-1,#57"()%82-=#2%,2#@"$(%27N"%96E)%
E7<$-(-;.%#5'%T--82"%".<G
Industry Size
H$'%2#$8"(.%82-=#22@%=@%?-2+1"%
Generics Dominance
>Zd%-;%82-=#2%8"5"$7<%1"'7<75"%"M,-$.(%
Projected Growth
a0!%[HZ6%1#$N".%=@%>ZHZ)%[]Gg>d%LST&%
Vaccine Production
*?"$%\Zd%-;%82-=#2%?#<<75"(%,$-'+<"'%75%95'7#
Agricutlure%
0"<.-$
Pharma
0"<.-$
Fruits & Vegetables Production
>5'%82-=#22@)%>e]E%.-5"(i@"#$%
Spice Dominance
h"#'758%,$-'+<"$%-;%\H%(,7<"%?#$7".7"(%
Pulse Production
>]d%-;%82-=#2%,$-'+<.7-5)%1#I-$%<-5(+1"$%
Workforce Engagement
]Zdk%4-$N;-$<"%_>HKE%,"-,2"`
Sectoral Strength
8
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
9
01#22"$% <7.7"(% 75% 95'7#% :-2'% .$"1"5'-+(% ,-."5.7#2% ;-$% '$7?758% "<-5-17<% 8$-4.:% #5'% '"?"2-,1"5.% .:$-+8:% 755-?#.7-5% #5'%
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resides in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.%3:"("%<7.7"(%,2#@%#%,7?-.#2%$-2"%75%95'7#R(%-?"$#22%"<-5-17<%2#5'(<#,"G
171M
D-,+2#.7-5%-;%95'7#C(%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(%
0-+$<"b%A#.7-5#2%0.#.7(.7<#2%*;;7<"%_A0*`
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75%
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45%
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0-+$<"b%*+.2--N
10
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0-+$<"b%AS00L*E)%95<K>)%3$#<M5
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0-+$<"b%6P09)%;$-1%U3
Fueling India’s Future:
Exploring the vibrant Innovation
and Entrepreneurship Landscape
in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
02
9
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
10
Stimulating Economic Growth and Job Creation in Tier 2 & 3 Cities
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Some world-class startups hail from Indian Tier 2 and Tier 3
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10
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
11
Population Trends and Forecast
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57.9Cr
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Projection of Population Growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities%_75%L$-$"(`
Need for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
12
Startup Job Creation Trends
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Startup Fundraising Trends
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Total Funding Raised by Tier 2 and Tier 3 Startups%_75%9A&%L$-$"(`
12
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Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
13
Comparison on Growth of Startups in Tier 1 vs Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
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Key Drivers Contributing to Startup Growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
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Enhanced
Connectivity
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Expansive and
Flourishing Market
3:"("% <7.7"(% :#$=-$% #% <-5(7'"$#=2"%
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Abundance of
Skilled Talent
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Economic Advantage -
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Government
Backing
13
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
14
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(7857;7<#5.2@%.-%.:7(%8$-4.:G%3:"%=--1%75%.:"("%<7.7"(%<#5%="%#..$7=+."'%.-%;#<.-$(%(+<:%#(%.:"%#?#72#=727.@%-;%.#2"5.)%2-4"$%-,"$#.7-5%
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Challenges and
Opportunities for Innovation
and Entrepreneurship in Tier
2 and Tier 3 Cities
03
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
15
Challenges and how they can be addressed
E-Commerce / Digital Market:
0.#$.J+,(% <#5% .#$8".% 8"-8$#,:7<#22@%
'7(,"$("'% 1#$N".(% +(758% "J<-11"$<"%
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Limited Local Market Unstructured Business Environment High Cost of Logistics
Improvement in Business Environment:
91,2"1"5.758% <2"#$% ,$-<"(("()% ";;"<.7?"%
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Improvement in Infrastructure:
T-?"$51"5.%(:-+2'%+5'"$.#N"%757.7#.7?"(%
.-% 71,$-?"% ,+=27<% .$#5(,-$.)% :78:4#@%
<-55"<.7?7.@)%;$"l+"5<@%-;%.$#75()%".<
Skilled Manpower Base:
3:"% #?#72#=727.@% -;% (N722"'% 1#5,-4"$%
:#(% =""5% 75(.$+1"5.#2% 75% "(.#=27(:758%
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Lack of Availability
of Talent
Lack of Entrepreneurial
Community
Difficulties in getting
the Right Talent
Creation of Entrepreneurial Hubs:
T-?"$51"5.(% #5'% 2-<#2% =-'7"(% (:-+2'%
,$-1-."%.:"%<$"#.7-5%-;%"5.$",$"5"+$7#2%
:+=(% 75% .:"("% <7.7"(% .-% (.71+2#."% 75."$J
#<.7-5(%=".4""5%'7;;"$"5.%(.#N":-2'"$(
Specialized Courses:
T-?"$51"5.% #5'% 75(.7.+.7-5(% <-+2'%
-;;"$% (,"<7#27O"'% <-+$("()% m57(:758%
0<:--2(% ".<G% .:#.% "l+7,% 3#2"5.% 75%
"1"$8758%'-1#75(G
Incentivization:
T-?"$51"5.(%<#5%,$-?7'"%75<"5.7?"(%.-%
"M7(.758% <-1,#57"(% #5'% 75(.7.+.7-5(% .-%
(".% +,% 75<+=#.7-5% <"5.$"(% -$% <-+2'%
$",+$,-("%?#<#5.%8-?"$51"5.%=+72'758(%
75.-%<-J4-$N758%(,#<"(
Limited Incubators and
Co-working Space
Lack of Awareness about
Government Policies
Insufficient
Regulatory Systems
Creating Public Awareness:
T-?"$51"5.% #(% 4"22% #(% -.:"$% $"2#."'%
75(.7.+.7-5(% (:-+2'% <-5'+<.% ("175#$()%
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#4#$"5"((% #=-+.% .:"% ="5"m.(% #5'%
8-?"$51"5.%(<:"1"(%.#$8".758%(.#$.+,(
Single-Window Clearance Systems:
T-?"$51"5.% <#5% "#("% $"8+2#.-$@%
(.$+<.+$"(% =@% 75.$-'+<758% (7582"J
475'-4% <2"#$#5<"% (@(."1(% ;-$% (.#$.J
+,(% #5'% 1#N758% .:"% ,$-<"(("(% 1-$"%
.$#5(,#$"5.%#5'%+("$J;$7"5'2@G
Targeted Governmental Initiatives:
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;-$% 71,$-?758% 75;$#(.$+<.+$")% ,$-?7'758%
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Lack of Government Initiatives Lack of Access to Capital Low Internet Penetration
Funding & Support Ecosystem:
L$"#.758% #% (+,,-$.7?"% "<-(@(."1% .:#.%
75<2+'"(%#58"2%75?"(.-$()%?"5.+$"%<#,7.#2)%
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(+$?7?"%#5'%8$-4G
Growth of Digital Infrastructure:
95?"(.1"5.(% 75% '787.#2% 75;$#(.$+<.+$")%
'787.#2%27."$#<@%,$-8$#1()%#5'%#;;-$'#=2"%
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15
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
16
Addressing Challenges and Driving Local Development
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Robust Startup Ecosystem
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Infrastructure Facility
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;#<727.7"(%#5'%#?#72#=727.@%-;%<-4-$N758%(,#<"(G%
7.%7(%.:"$";-$"%<$+<7#2%.-%;#<727.#."%<-22#=-$#.7-5%
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Fund Raising
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16
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
17
Opportunities
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<-11"$<")%#5'%(-%-5G
Unique Resources Government Initiatives Innovation
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Low Competition Rising Middle Class Focused Sectors
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17
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
18
Nurturing Innovation
Beyond Metropolises:
Decoding Government’s
Catalytic Role in Tier 2 and Tier 3
Entrepreneurship
04
S17'(.%.:"%95'7#R(%=+$8"-5758%(.#$.+,%2#5'(<#,")%#%5#$$#.7?"%-;%,$-;-+5'%.$#5(;-$1#.7-5%+5;-2'(%75%.:"%-?"$2--N"'%<-$5"$(%-;%37"$%>%
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3:"%(.$#."87<%-$<:"(.$#.7-5%-;%.:"("%757.7#.7?"(%:#(%<$"#."'%#5%"5?7$-51"5.%<-5'+<7?"%.-%.:"%;2-+$7(:758%-;%(.#$.+,(%47.:75%37"$%>%
#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"()%.:"$"=@%75'+<758%#%'7(<"$57=2"%71,".+(%75%"<-5-17<%8$-4.:G%
National Entrepreneurship
Policy (NEP)
Startup India Seed Fund
Scheme (SISFS)
India Innovation Growth
Programme (IIGP)
Startup India
Initiative
Skill India
Program
Startup Leadership
Program
Global Innovation
Platform (GIP)
Atal Tinkering Labs
(ATLs)
A Scheme for Promotion of
Innovation, Rural Industries
& Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE)
Atal Innovation
Missions AIM-iCREST
Programme for Researchers
in Innovation & Entrepreneur-
ship (AIM-PRIME)
Standup India
Initiative
18
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
19
Best Practices for Promoting Entrepreneurship in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
3:"("% #$"% I+(.% #% ;"4% -;% .:"% ="(.% ,$#<.7<"(% .:#.% <#5% ="% '$#45% ;$-1% .:"("% ,-27<7"(G% 3:"("% ,-27<7"(% :#?"% :"2,"'% .-% <$"#."% #% 1-$"%
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=@%03D9
19
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
20
Ajmer
Jodhpur
iStart Rajasthan:
Government Support Redefining Startup Success
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State-owned Incubation Centres - Techno Hub (Jaipur) and dispersed iStart Nest branches
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Techno Hub,
Jaipur
Udaipur
Pali Kota
Bharatpur
Churu
Bikaner
Current Startup Landscape at a Glance
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20
32,170
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Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
21
iStart Rajasthan:
Government Support Redefining Startup Success (contd.)
Facilities being offered by iStart:
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Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
22
95%.:"% :"#$.2#5'(% -;% 95'7#)% #% .$#5(;-$1#.7?"%$"?-2+.7-5%7(%+5'"$4#@%#(%
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22
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
23
Non-academic Partners
Academic Institutions
City-specific Institutions
Startups
Industry Bodies
Stakeholder Ecosystem
0.#N":-2'"$(% 75%37"$% >% #5'%37"$% H% <7.7"(%,2#@% #% ,7?-.#2% $-2"% 75% ;-(."$758% 755-?#.7-5% #5'% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,G%3:"% (.#N":-2'"$(% 75% .:7(%
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State Govt.-run programs
Collaboration
Shared Vision
Shared Vision
Collaboration Collaboration
The Role of Stakeholders in
Promoting Innovation and
Entrepreneurship in Tier 2
and Tier 3 Cities
05
23
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
24 S22%(.#N":-2'"$(%,2#@%#% <$+<7#2%$-2"%75%,$-1-.758%755-?#.7-5%
#5'%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(G%L-22#=-$#.7-5%
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Conclusion
Start-ups act as the primary source of innovation)%=$758758%755-?#.7?"%7'"#()%,$-'+<.()%#5'%("$?7<"(%.-%.:"%1#$N".G%3:"@%
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755-?#.7-5%.-%.:"%<7.@G%
In Tier 2 cities, state government-run programs such as iStart, Startup Odisha, Tamil Nādu, Startup Haryana%".<G%%
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In Tier 3 cities, stakeholders can leverage the strong presence of%educational institutions%.-%;-(."$%#%<+2.+$"%-;%
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24
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
25
S<<-$'758%.-%$",-$.(%=@%E<j75("@%#5'%.:"%Q-$2'%6#5N)%'787.#27O#.7-5%,2#@(%#%,7?-.#2%$-2"%;-$%"5.$",$"5"+$(%75%(1#22"$%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%
H% <7.7"(G% 9.% ;#<727.#."(% #<<"((% .-% 1#$N".()% <-55"<.(%.:"1% 47.:% (+,,27"$(% #5'% <+(.-1"$()% #5'% "5#=2"(% -5275"% 1#$N".758% #5'% (#2"(G%
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Digital India India Innovation Growth
Programme (IIGP)
Make In India
Atal Tinkering Labs
(ATL)
NITI Aayog’s Atal
Innovation Mission (AIM)
Global Innovation
Platform (GIP)
The Role of Digitalization
for Entrepreneurs in
smaller areas in Tier 2
and Tier 3 Cities
06
25
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
26
3:"%+("%-;%."<:5-2-8@%:#(%8$-45%(7857m<#5.2@%'+$758%.:"%,#(.%>Z%@"#$(%75%1#5@%;#<".(%-;%95'7#R(%8$-4.:G%0"?"$#2%71,-$.#5.%75'+(.$7"()%
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<-+5.$@R(% ."<:5-2-87<#2% "5#=2"$()% 4:7<:% 75<2+'"% ."2"<-1% #5'% (1#$.,:-5"% ,"5".$#.7-5)% l+7<N% #5'% #;;-$'#=2"% 75."$5".% #<<"(()%
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!787.#2% 95'7#R(% ,+(:% ;-$% '787.#2% 75;$#(.$+<.+$"% #5'% <-55"<.7?7.@% :#(% "M,#5'"'% 1#$N".% $"#<:% ;-$% "5.$",$"5"+$(% 75% $"1-."%
#$"#()%"5#=2758%.:"1%.-%.#,%75.-%=$-#'"$%<-5(+1"$%=#("(G%
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3:"("%<-1=75"'%";;-$.(%:#?"%5-.%-52@%=--(."'%"<-5-17<%8$-4.:%=+.%:#?"%#2(-%"1,-4"$"'%#%5"4%4#?"%-;%"5.$",$"5"+$()%
;-(."$758%#%?7=$#5.%"<-(@(."1%-;%755-?#.7-5%#<$-((%.:"%<-+5.$@G
Impact of Government Initiatives
Technology Driven Solutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
[
1
[
2
[
3
[
4
[
5
Major Digital Services delivered from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities
Social & Interactive
41-43%
Cloud
21-23%
Analytics
16-18%
Automation
10-12%
Mobility
<1%
Cyber Security
<1%
Miscellaneous
6-8%
d%-;%3-.#2%P3U(
0-+$<"b%3:"%371"(%-;%95'7#
26
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
27
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
Breaking Barriers, Igniting Minds
The eSaral Story of A!ordable Education
and Empowerment
95%j-.#)%&#I#(.:#5)%4:"$"%"M,"5(7?"%<-#<:758%:75'"$"'%'$"#1()%"0#$#2R(%;-+5'"$(%'"m"'%.:"%-''(G%3:"@%<$"#."'%#5%
#;;-$'#=2"%-5275"%,2#.;-$1%;-$%FUU% #5'% AUU3%"M#1()% -;;"$758%l+#27.@% "'+<#.7-5% #5'%,"$(-5#27O"'% 1"5.-$758G%Q7.:%
,#((7-5% #5'% ,"$("?"$#5<")% "0#$#2% :#(% 71,#<."'% [Zhk% (.+'"5.(% .:$-+8:% KZZZk% ?7'"-% 2"<.+$"()% .$#5(;-$1758% 27?"(%
5#.7-547'"G%3:"7$%75(,7$758%I-+$5"@%,$-?"(%.:#.%'"'7<#.7-5%#5'%+5.#,,"'%.#2"5.%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(%<#5%<$"#."%
$"1#$N#=2"% (+<<"((G% 0+,,-$."'% =@% ,2#.;-$1(% 27N"% 70.#$.% 75<+=#.7-5)% 4-$N(:-,()% #5'% 5".4-$N758% "?"5.()% "0#$#2R(%
?7(7-5%722+175#."(%#%,#.:%-;%:-,"%;-$%#(,7$758%2"#$5"$()%:78:278:.758%.:"%,-4"$%-;%"'+<#.7-5%.-%-?"$<-1"%=#$$7"$(G
Sector: EdTech
Location: Kota, Rajasthan
Co-Founders: NK Gupta
Saransh Gupta
Prateek Gupta
3:"%;-22-4758%#$"%.#2"(%-;%("2"<.%"5.$",$"5"+$(%#5'%.:"7$%#1=7.7-5(%#5'%(+<<"(("()%;$-1%95'7#C(%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(b
Unstoppable Aspirations:
Tale of Entrepreneurs from the
India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
07
27
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
28
Spreading Happiness through #HappyNews
The Knocksense Media Story
<P-+5'"'% 75% >Z[\% =@% .:"% ?7(7-5#$@% =$-.:"$(% c#$+2% #5'% c7=:-$"% E#@#5N)% j5-<N("5("% E"'7#)% #% <-5."5.% '$7?"5%
<-11"$<"%,2#.;-$1)%:#(%$"?-2+.7-57O"'%I-+$5#27(1%47.:%7.(%?7(+#22@%#,,"#2758)%5-5J,-27.7<#2)%#5'%?7#%+57l+"%:@,"$2-<#2%
<-5."5.% .:"@% #$"% "1,-4"$758% 2-<#2% =+(75"((% #5'% "5#=2758% <-11"$<"% ;-$% .:"1G% 3:"7$% I-+$5"@% "1=-'7"(% .:"% .$+"%
"(("5<"% -;% 7'"5.7;@758% #% ,$"((758% ,$-=2"1% #5'% ,+$(+758% 7.% 47.:% +54#?"$758% ,#((7-5% #5'% ,+$,-("G% 6@% ,$-?7'758%
$"2"?#5.%<-5."5.%.-%:@,"$2-<#2%<-11+57.7"(%#5'%"1=$#<758%#'#,.#=727.@)%.:"@%:#?"%#<:7"?"'%$"1#$N#=2"%(+<<"((%#5'%
<$"#."'%#%,-(7.7?"%71,#<.G%S<$-((%\%<7.7"()%.:"@%<"2"=$#."%.:"%+57l+"5"((%-;%"#<:%2-<#.7-5)%"1,-4"$758%<-11+57.7"(%
#5'%(+,,-$.758%2-<#2%=+(75"(("(G%Q7.:%#%;-<+(%-5%(,$"#'758%,-(7.7?7.@)%.:"7$%$";$"(:758%5"4(%,2#.;-$1%7857."(%175'(%
#5'%75(,7$"(%<:#58")% -5"% +,27;.758%(.-$@%#.%#%.71"G%3:"7$% I-+$5"@% :#(% =""5% (+,,-$."'% =@% 75'7?7'+#2% ,2#@"$()%#5'% 75%
>Z>H%.:"@%:#?"%("<+$"'%;+5'758%-;%]L$)%;+$.:"$%;+"2758%.:"7$%17((7-5%.-%$"'"m5"%I-+$5#27(1G
Sector: Media
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Co-Founders: Varul Mayank
Vibhore Mayank
Pioneering Pet Care with Compassion
Zoivane Pets' Journey of Love and
Innovation
s-7?#5"%D".()%;-+5'"'%=@%E$(G%A7(:1#%0758:#2%75%>Z[g)%7(%-5%#%17((7-5%.-%71,$-?"%,".%<#$"G%95(,7$"'%=@%:"$%57"<"%
#5'%:"$%,".%*$"-)%E$(G%0758:#2%4#5."'%.-%:"2,%,".%,#$"5.(%47.:%8$--1758%#5'%.$#75758G%3:"@%<$"#."'%(,"<7#2%,$-'+<.(%
47.:%5#.+$#2%758$"'7"5.(%27N"%."#%.$""%-72%Y%?7.#175(%#5'%:#?"%,$-?"5%.:#.%(.#$.+,(%<#5%(+<<""'%75%(1#22"$%<7.7"(%.--G%
3:"@%8-.%#%=78%;+5'758%-;%]G]K%<$-$"%;$-1%TcPh%#5'%QPL)%4:7<:%:"2,"'%.:"1%8$-4%"?"5%1-$"G%Q7.:%(+,,-$.%;$-1%
39U)%!>L%95(7'"$)%#5')%c7$7':#5)%.:"@%:#?"%=+72.%#%5".4-$N%-;%27N"J175'"'%,"-,2"G%3:"@%.$#75%.:"7$%."#1%;$-1%(<$#.<:)%
4:7<:% :#(% :"2,"'% .:"1% ="% 1-$"% '"'7<#."'% #5'% ,#((7-5#."G% s-7?#5"% D".(C% 2-?"% #5'% 755-?#.7-5% #$"% 1#N758% #%
'7;;"$"5<"%;-$%,".(%#5'%,".%,#$"5.(%"?"$@4:"$"G
Sector: Pet Care
Location: Surat, Gujarat
Co-Founders: Nishma Singhal
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
28
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
29
Elevating Smaller Cities with
Innovative Assessments
Testntrack leads the way!
Sector: EdTech
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Co-Founders: Priya Soni
Vinay Kamal Sharma
3"(.5.$#<N)% #% 8$-+5'=$"#N758% S9J'$7?"5% 0+=I"<.7?"% #5'% *=I"<.7?"% S(("((1"5.(% ,2#.;-$1)% 7(% 2"#?758% #% (7857m<#5.%
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.:"("%$"87-5(G%Q7.:%#%$"2"5.2"((%;-<+(%-5%755-?#.7-5%#5'%#88$"((7?"%"M"<+.7-5)%3"(.5.$#<N%:#(%#<:7"?"'%71,$"((7?"%
(+<<"(()%8"5"$#.758%"1,2-@1"5.%;-$%Hf%75'7?7'+#2()%#5'%=-#(.758%#%$"?"5+"%-;%Kf%h#N:(G%3:"7$%I-+$5"@%:#(%=""5%
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S58"2%95?"(.-$(%A".4-$N%#5'%("#(-5"'%"5.$",$"5"+$(G%&"<-857O758%.:"7$%,-."5.7#2)%.:"%T-?.G%-;%&#I#(.:#5%,$-?7'"'%
3"<:5-% ;+5'% (+,,-$.)% #''758% .-% 3"(.5.$#<NR(% $"(-+$<"(G% c75#@% #5'% D$7@#R(% 75(,7$758% #'?7<"% "5<-+$#8"(% #(,7$758%
"5.$",$"5"+$(% .-% "1=$#<"% #% /(.#$.% ;#(.)% ;#72% ;#(./% 175'(".% #5'% ,+$(+"% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,% #(% #% ,$71#$@% ,#.:G% S(%
3"(.5.$#<N% <-5.75+"(% .-% 1#N"% (.$7'"(% 75% "1,-4"$758% "'+<#.7-5% 75% (1#22"$% <7.7"()% .:"7$% ,#((7-5% ;-$% 755-?#.7-5% 7(%
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0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
29
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
30
3:"%(#1,2758%(.$#."8@%"5<-1,#(("'%S<#'"17<%95(.7.+.7-5(%#5'%(.#$.+,(%-,"$#.758%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(%47.:75%
("2"<."'%m?"%95'7#5%(.#."(G%3:"%,"$(,"<.7?"%-;%75?"(.-$(%4#(%(-27<7."'%5#.7-547'"G%3:"%("2"<.7-5%-;%(.#."(%4#(%=#("'%
-5%.:"%"#("%-;%'#.#%8#.:"$758G
Sampling Approach
&"(,-5("(% 4"$"% <-22"<."'% ;$-1% >fZ% (.#$.+,()% ]H% S<#'"17<% 95(.7.+.7-5(% -,"$#.758% 75% 37"$% >% #5'% 37"$% H% <7.7"(% 75%
&#I#(.:#5)% B#$@#5#)% a..#$% D$#'"(:)% *'7(:#)% #5'% T+I#$#.G% P+$.:"$1-$")% 75(78:.(% 4"$"% $"<"7?"'% ;$-1% K\% 75?"(.-$(%
2-<#."'%#<$-((%95'7#G
Sample Size
3:"%l+"(.7-55#7$"(%4"$"%'$#;."'%.-%+5"#$.:%.:"%;#<.-$(%'$7?758%.:"%"M,#5(7-5%-;%"5.$",$"5"+$7#2%"<-(@(."1(%75%37"$%>%
#5'% 37"$% H% L7.7"(% -;% 95'7#G% 3:"% (+$?"@% <-?"$"'% (.#$.+,()% #<#'"17<% 75(.7.+."()% #5'% 75?"(.-$(G% 3:"("% l+"(.7-55#7$"(%
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75(.7.+.7-5()%.:"%l+"(.7-55#7$"%#71"'%.-%+5$#?"2%.:"7$%$-2"%75%;-(."$758%"5.$",$"5"+$7#2%8$-4.:G%S''7.7-5#22@)%.:"%75?"(.-$%
(+$?"@%,$-?7'"'%,"$(,"<.7?"%-5%75?"(.1"5.%,$";"$"5<"(%47.:75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(G
Survey Methodology
3:"%'#.#%4#(%<-22"<."'%+(758%T--82"%P-$1(G
Data Collection
L-22"<."'%'#.#%4#(%#5#2@O"'%+(758%'"(<$7,.7?"%(.#.7(.7<#2%1".:-'()%"5<-1,#((758%;$"l+"5<@%'7(.$7=+.7-5(%Y%,"$<"5.#8"(G
Data Interpretation
Insights from
Comprehensive Survey:
Decoding Data for Startups,
Academic Institutions & Investors
08
30
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
31
Selected States for Survey
3:"%0.#."%0.#$.+,%&#5N758%>Z>>%;$#1"4-$N%7(%#%<-1,$":"5(7?"%#(("((1"5.%.:#.%"?#2+#."(%#5'%$#5N(%95'7#5%(.#."(%#5'%a57-5%
3"$$7.-$7"(% =#("'% -5% .:"7$% ";;-$.(% .-% ,$-1-."% #5'% (+,,-$.% (.#$.+,% "<-(@(."1(G% 3:7(% ;$#1"4-$N% <-5(7'"$(% ;#<.-$(% (+<:% #(%
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,$-?7'"%?#2+#=2"%75(78:.(%75.-%"#<:%$"87-5R(%(.#$.+,%$"#'75"((%#5'%8$-4.:%,-."5.7#2G%
Q"%:#?"%("2"<."'%]%(.#."(%;-$%-+$%(.+'@G%3:"("%(.#."(%:#?"%=""5%<:-("5%;-$%"#("%-;%<-22"<.758%'#.#G%%
!#.#%,$"("5."'%7(%.:"%,"$<"5.72"%(<-$")%4:7<:%7(%.:"%$"2#.7?"%,"$;-$1#5<"%-;%.:"%0.#."%75%"#<:%&";-$1%S$"#%#(%<-1,#$"'%.-%
-.:"$%,#$.7<7,#.758%0.#."(ia3(G%%
3:"%;-22-4758%$",$"("5.#.7-5%'".#72(%.:"%(.#.+(%-;%("2"<.%]%(.#."(%-5%"#<:%-;%.:"%e%,722#$(%-;%#(("((1"5.%+("'%75%0.#."%0.#$.+,%
&#5N758%P$#1"4-$N%>Z>>G%
Pillars of Assessment
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Uttar Pradesh
Haryana
Odisha
State Startup Ranking 2022 - Category
3-,%D"$;-$1"$
6"(.%D"$;-$1"$
h"#'"$
S(,7$758%h"#'"$
3-,%D"$;-$1"$
State Startup Ranking 2021 - Category
S(,7$758%h"#'"$
6"(.%D"$;-$1"$
h"#'"$
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3-,%D"$;-$1"$
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Hed
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95% .:"% >Z>>% 0.#$.+,% 95'7#% 0.#."% 0.#$.+,% &#5N758% P$#1"4-$N)% 5-.#=2"% (.#."(% (+<:% #(% T+I#$#.)% &#I#(.:#5)% #5'% *'7(:#% (:-4<#("'%
<-11"5'#=2"% ,"$;-$1#5<"% #<$-((% ?#$7-+(% #(("((1"5.% ,#$#1"."$()% 4:72"% ("?"$#2% -.:"$% (.#."(% :#?"% (7857m<#5.% ,-."5.7#2% ;-$%
71,$-?"1"5.% 75% ;-(."$758% 755-?#.7-5)% ;#<727.#.758% 1#$N".% "5.$@)% ,$-?7'758% 75<+=#.7-5)% m5#5<7#2% (+,,-$.)% #5'% '"27?"$758% 71,#<.;+2%
1"5.-$758%8+7'#5<")%#(%$"?"#2"'%75%.:"%$"(+2.(%-;%.:"%K.:%"'7.7-5%4:"$"%&#I#(.:#5%71,$-?"'%.-%="%#1-58%.:"%q3-,%D"$;-$1"$r%(.#."(%
#5'%T+I#$#.%4#(%#'I+'8"'%#(%.:"%q6"(.%D"$;-$1"$rG
&"(-+$<"(%#5'%&";"$"5<"(b%3:7(%75;-$1#.7-5%7(%=#("'%-5%?#$7-+(%$",-$.()%#$.7<2"()%#5'%$"("#$<:%,#,"$(%,+=27(:"'%=@%75'+(.$@%"M,"$.()%8-?"$51"5.%
:..,(bii444G(.#$.+,=275NG<-1i(.#$.+,J"<-(@(."1
[
1
[
2
[
3
[
4
Responses were collected from 23 Tier 3 cities from the selected 5 states
Name of the State
Tier 3 Cities from where responses were collected
&#I#(.:#5
j-.#)%a'#7,+$)%F-':,+$)%6:#$#.,+$)%67N#5"$
*'7(:#
&-+$N"2#)%L+..#<N)%6#$7,#'#)%F:#$(+8+'#)%0#1=#2,+$
a..#$%D$#'"(:
j#5,+$)%D$#@#8%&#I)%j+(:75#8#$)%6#5#$#(
T+I#$#.
c#'-'#$#)%F#15#8#$)%&#IN-.)%0+$#.
B#$@#5#
&-:.#N)%S1=#2#)%D#57,#.)%6:74#57)%j#$5#2
0-+$<"b%0.#."%0.#$.+,%&#5N758%>Z>>%_444G(.#$.+,75'7#G8-?G75i($;J>Z>>i`
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
32
Selected Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities:
Unveiling Key Insights through Strategic Study Sampling
0+$#.R(%(.#$.+,%"<-(@(."1%7(%$#,7'2@%8#75758%,$-175"5<"G%Q7.:%-?"$%>)]HZ%(.#$.+,(%75%.:"%<7.@)%
7.%7(%"1"$8758%#(%#%:+=%;-$%0##0%(.#$.+,()%<-5.$7=+.758%.-%95'7#R(%8$-4758%."<:%2#5'(<#,"G3:"%
<7.@R(% "<-(@(."1% :#(% =$-+8:.% ;-$.:% 755-?#.7?"% (.#$.+,(% 75% ?#$7-+(% '-1#75()% 75<2+'758%
."<:5-2-8@% #5'% 1#$N".758G% 0+$#.R(% #<:7"?"1"5.(% #$"% '"1-5(.$#."'% =@% 7.(% $#5N758% #(% .:"%
[].:%(.#$.+,%"<-(@(."1%75%95'7#%#5'%.:"%K]f.:%75%.:"%4-$2'G%957.7#.7?"(%27N"%S9L%0a&S37%7hS6%
P-+5'#.7-5%#$"%4-$N758%.-%+57."%.:"%(<#.."$"'%"<-(@(."1%+5'"$%-5"%+1=$"22#%#5'%;-(."$%.:"%
8$-4.:%-;%(.#$.+,(G%U?"5.(%27N"%0+$#.R(%(.#$.+,%(+117.%,$-?7'"%#%,2#.;-$1%;-$%5".4-$N758%#5'%
N5-42"'8"%(:#$758)%;+$.:"$%;+"2758%.:"%8$-4.:%-;%.:"%<7.@R(%"5.$",$"5"+$7#2%2#5'(<#,"G%
F#7,+$% $#5N(% e.:% 5#.7-5#22@% #5'% [f[% 82-=#22@% 75% .:"% (.#$.+,% "<-(@(."1G% 3:"% <7.@R(% '7?"$("%
75'+(.$7"(% ,$-?7'"% #% +57l+"% 1#$N".% ;-$% (.#$.+,()% =#<N"'% =@% o-+$7(:758% 75<+=#.-$(% #5'% <-J
4-$N758%(,#<"(G%T-?"$51"5.%#5'%"'+<#.7-5#2%(+,,-$.%;-(."$%755-?#.7-5%#5'%<-22#=-$#.7-5G%
Q7.:% ,-27<7"(% 27N"% .:"% &#I#(.:#5% 0.#$.+,% D-27<@% >Z>>% #5'% #% '"'7<#."'% (.#$.+,% ;+5')% F#7,+$%
#71(%.-%="<-1"%#5%93%Y%(.#$.+,%:+=G%3:"%<7.@R(%,7?-.#2%$-2"%<-5.$7=+."(%.-%.:"%(.#."C(%$7(758%
."<:%Y%(.#$.+,%2#5'(<#,"G
Surat
Jaipur
3:"% (.#$.+,% "<-(@(."1% 75% 6:+=#5"(4#$% 7(% o-+$7(:758% #5'% '@5#17<)% ("<+$758% .:"% >>5'%
,-(7.7-5%75%95'7#%#5'%]\Z.:%82-=#22@G%3:"%<7.@R(%;+(7-5%-;%75'78"5-+(%<+2.+$"%#5'%."<:5-2-87<#2%
,$-8$"((%-;;"$(%#%'7?"$("%#$"5#%;-$%(.#$.+,(%.-%?"5.+$"%75.-G%9.%,$-?7'"(%#'?#5<"'%75<+=#.7-5%
;#<727.7"()% 2#=-$#.-$@% #<<"(()% #5'% "l+7,1"5.% ;-$% ,$-'+<.% 755-?#.7-5)% #22% $"75;-$<"'% =@%
1"5.-$(:7,G% 3:"% 8-?"$51"5.R(% 0.#$.+,% *'7(:#% 757.7#.7?"% '$7?"(% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,% #5'% #7'(%
1-$"% .:#5% []]Z% (.#$.+,(% 75% m"2'(% (+<:% #(% S8$7."<:% #5'% 93G% 3:7(% 75<2+(7?"% "<-(@(."1% :#(%
<-5.$7=+."'% .-% (7857m<#5.% I-=% <$"#.7-5% #5'% $-=+(.% 75<+=#.-$% =#<N758)% +5'"$(<-$758% 7.(%
+,4#$'%.$#I"<.-$@%75%.:"%(.#$.+,%#$"5#G
Bhubaneswar
h+<N5-4R(%(.#$.+,%"<-(@(."1%7(V<+$$"5.2@%$#5N"'%>[(.%75%95'7#%#5'%]]g.:%75%.:"%4-$2'G%3:"%
<7.@R(%:7(.-$7<#2%(7857m<#5<"%#5'%1-'"$5%#(,7$#.7-5(%,$-?7'"%#%+57l+"%=#<N'$-,%;-$%(.#$.+,(%
.-%.:$7?"G%95<+=#.-$()%#<<"2"$#.-$()%#5'%<-J4-$N758%(,#<"(%#$"%"1"$8758)%,$-?7'758%"(("5.7#2%
(+,,-$.%#5'%<-22#=-$#.7-5%-,,-$.+57.7"(G%h-<#2%8-?"$51"5.%#5'%"'+<#.7-5#2%75(.7.+.7-5(%#$"%
#<.7?"2@%,$-1-.758%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,%#5'%755-?#.7-5)%<-5.$7=+.758%.-%.:"%8$-4.:%-;%#%?7=$#5.%
(.#$.+,%<+2.+$"G%S(%#%$"(+2.)%h+<N5-4%7(%="<-1758%#%:+=%;-$%755-?#.7?"%(.#$.+,()%(:-4<#(758%
7.(% ,-."5.7#2% #<$-((% '7?"$("% 75'+(.$7"(G% h+<N5-4R(% (.#$.+,% "<-(@(."1% :-2'(% ,$-17(")% 47.:%
(.#$.+,(%,$71#$72@%-,"$#.758%75%75'+(.$7"(%27N"%0-;.4#$"%#5'%!#.#G%
Lucknow
3:"% (.#$.+,% "<-(@(."1% 75% D#5<:N+2#% 7(% '"?"2-,758)% ,$"("5.758% #% ,$-17(758% 2#5'(<#,"% ;-$%
"1"$8758% "5."$,$7("(G% 3:"% <7.@R(% (.$#."87<% 2-<#.7-5% #5'% ,$-M717.@% .-% 1#I-$% +$=#5% <"5.$"(%
<-5.$7=+."%.-%7.(%#,,"#2%;-$%(.#$.+,(G%957.7#.7?"(%(+<:%#(%<-J4-$N758%(,#<"()%75<+=#.-$()%#5'%
1"5.-$(:7,%,$-8$#1(%#$"%="8755758%.-%.#N"%$--.)%-;;"$758%"(("5.7#2%$"(-+$<"(%;-$%(.#$.+,(G%
h-<#2%#+.:-$7.7"(%#5'%"'+<#.7-5#2%75(.7.+.7-5(%#$"%,2#@758%#%$-2"%75%;-(."$758%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,%
#5'% 755-?#.7-5)% <-5.$7=+.758% .-% .:"% 8$-4.:% -;% D#5<:N+2#R(% (.#$.+,% <-11+57.@G% S(% #% $"(+2.)%
D#5<:N+2#% 7(% ="<-1758% #5% #..$#<.7?"% '"(.75#.7-5% ;-$% (.#$.+,(% .-% "(.#=27(:% #5'% (<#2"% .:"7$%
?"5.+$"(G
Panchkula
&"(-+$<"(%#5'%&";"$"5<"(b%%3:7(%75;-$1#.7-5%7(%=#("'%-5%?#$7-+(%$",-$.()%#$.7<2"()%#5'%$"("#$<:%,#,"$(%,+=27(:"'%=@%75'+(.$@%"M,"$.()%8-?"$51"5.%:..,(bii
444G(.#$.+,=275NG<-1i(.#$.+,J"<-(@(."1
32
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
33
3:"%(+$?"@"'%(.#$.+,(%(,#5%-?"$%HZ%'-1#75()%"5<-1,#((758%
("<.-$(% ;$-1% P--'% #5'% S8$7<+2.+$"% .-% 95;-$1#.7-5%
3"<:5-2-8@%#5'%!"",iU1"$8758%3"<:5-2-87"(G
3:"%(+$?"@%<-22"<."'%$"(,-5("(%;$-1%-?"$%]%37"$%>%#5'%>H%
37"$% H% ;$-1% #<$-((% ("2"<.% ]% (.#."(% J% &#I#(.:#5)% *'7(:#)%
a..#$%D$#'"(:)%T+I#$#.)%#5'%B#$@#5#G
Zd
]d
[Zd
[]d
>Zd
>]d
HZd
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
25.00%
26.43%
19.29%
7.86%
8.57%
4.29%
4.29%
1.43%
2.14%
0.71%
t86% of surveyed startups were founded after 2020,% 47.:% 75<-$,-$#.7-5(% 8#75758% 1-1"5.+1% #;."$% >Z[\G% 3:7(% .$"5'%
$";2"<.(%$7(758%'@5#17(1%#5'%#<.7?7.@%75%.:"%"<-(@(."1)%,#$.7<+2#$2@%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(G%%
th"((%.:#5 5% of respondents started before 2017G
Zd
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HZd
KZd
IIT/NIT/IIM or
other premier
institutions
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
26.43%
38.57%
20.71%
14.29%
t3:"%'#.#%$"?"#2(%.:#.%14.3% of startup founders have
graduated from prestigious institutions such as IIT,
NIT, and IIMG%3:7(%722+(.$#."(%.:#.%.#2"5."'% 75'7?7'+#2(%
#$"% "1=$#<758% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,% "#$5"(.2@% #5'%
$".+$5758%.-%(1#22"$%<7.7"(%47.:%755-?#.7?"%-;;"$758(G%
t65% of surveyed startup founders completed their
college education in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities)%
:78:278:.758% #% (.$-58% <-$$"2#.7-5% =".4""5% .:"7$%
"'+<#.7-5#2%=#<N8$-+5'%#5'%.:"%2-<#.7-5(%4:"$"%.:"@%
"1=#$N"'%-5%.:"7$%"5.$",$"5"+$7#2%"5'"#?-$(G%
tP+$.:"$1-$")% 20.7% of founders received their
college education in Tier 1 cities)% @".% .:"@% :#?"%
<:-("5%.-%$".+$5%.-%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(%.-%"(.#=27(:%
.:"7$%-45%?"5.+$"(G
DECODING DATA FOR STARTUPS
0.#$.+,%!-1#75( L7.7"(%0+$?"@"'
X"#$%-;%P-+5'758
L-22"8"%U'+<#.7-5%-;%P-+5'"$(
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
33
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
34
DECODING DATA FOR STARTUPS
0.#8"%-;%0.#$.+,
(CONTD.)
t3:"%(+$?"@%$"?"#2(%.:#.%16.4% of respondents are in the initial ideation phase)%4:72"%.:"%majority (75%) have advanced to
the MVP and Early Growth%(.#8"(G%%
tS%(1#22"$%;$#<.7-5)%8.6%, are currently in the expansion stage%-;%.:"7$%(.#$.+,%I-+$5"@G%
POC/MVP/Pilot
Ideation
Expansion
Early Growth
3@,"%-;%P+5'758
tMore than two-thirds of startups have yet to secure any funding)%75'7<#.758%#%<:#22"58758%;+5'758%2#5'(<#,"%75%37"$%>%#5'%
37"$%H%L7.7"(G%
tS1-58%.:-("%(+$?"@"')%12.1% received pre-seed funding, 10% secured seed funding)%#5'%#%1"$"%2% managed to secure
Series A%;+5'758G%None of the respondents had raised Series B -$%#=-?"G%
t3:7(%'7(.$7=+.7-5%:78:278:.(%.:"%:+$'2"(%(.#$.+,(%;#<"%75%#<<"((758%5"<"((#$@%;75#5<7#2%(+,,-$.%;-$%8$-4.:%#5'%'"?"2-,1"5.%
75%(1#22"$%<7.7"(%75%95'7#G
Series A
Seed
Pre-Seed
Bootstrapped
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KZd
\Zd
fZd
76.43%
12.14%
10.00%
1.43%
39.29%
16.43% 8.57%
35.71%
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
34
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
DECODING DATA FOR STARTUPS
0-+$<"%-;%P+5'(
(CONTD.)
Approximately 77%%-;%(.#$.+,(%#$"%self-funded (bootstrapped).
t3%%:#?"%$#7("'%funds from friends and familyG%
tS% 5-.#=2"% 12.1% of startups have obtained pre-seed funding)% ,$71#$72@% (-+$<"'% ;$-1% 8-?"$51"5.% ;+5'(% #5'% ;$-1%
#<#'"17<i=+(75"((%75<+=#.-$(G%%
tPrivate investor funding has been limited)%47.:%2"((%.:#5%[G]d%-;%(.#$.+,(%="5";7.758G%%
t95."$"(.7582@)%-52@%#=-+.%3.5% of startups 75%37"$%[%#5'%37"$%>%<7.7"(%("<+$"'%funding from reputable funding entitiesG%%
t3:"% '#.#% :78:278:.(% #% preference for government and incubator support,% 4:72"% ;+5'758% ;$-1% cLR()% #58"2% 5".4-$N()% #5'%
-.:"$%;+5'758%=-'7"(%$"1#75(%2717."'%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(%75%<-1,#$7(-5G
Bootstrapped
Funds from Government
Funds from Academic/
Business Incubators
Private Investor
VC/Angel Network etc
Friends and Family
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3%
4%
2%
3%
12%
77%
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
35
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
36
tS,,$-M71#."2@% 35% of startups initiate their ventures in their hometowns due to the influence of friends and family,
75'7<#.758%.:"7$%(.$-58%$-2"%75%#..$#<.758%(.#$.+,(%.-%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(G%
t12.9% of startups find inspiration from successful founders)%("$?758%#(%$-2"%1-'"2(G%
tFacilitative government policies drive 7.1% -;% (.#$.+,(% .-% ="875)% 4:72"% 5.6% are motivated by a sense of belonging,
$".+$5758%.-%(.#$.%.:"7$%=+(75"(("(G%%
tS''7.7-5#22@)% ;#<.-$(% 27N"% (-<7#2% 1"'7#)% #<#'"17<% 75(.7.+.7-5()% #5'% ,#(.% -$8#57O#.7-5(% ,2#@% #% $-2"% 75% 75;2+"5<758% (.#$.+,%
'"<7(7-5(G
DECODING DATA FOR STARTUPS
L:#22"58"(%;#<"'%=@%0.#$.+,(%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%L7.7"(
(CONTD.)
0.#$.+,% ;-+5'"$(% 75% 37"$% >% #5'% 37"$% H% <7.7"(% "5<-+5."$%
(7857;7<#5.%<:#22"58"(G%%
t*?"$% 40% identify funding as a major hurdle)%
:#1,"$758%.:"7$%8$-4.:G%
tS''7.7-5#22@)% 17.1% cite a lack of available talent%75%
.:"("%$"87-5()%:75'"$758%.:"7$%#=727.@%.-%;75'%(+7.#=2"%<-J
;-+5'"$()%:7$"()%#5'%"<-(@(."1%"5#=2"$(G%%
tLack of networking opportunities is noted by 12.3%%
#(%#%8$-4.:%71,"'71"5.G%
t12% lament a lack of accessible mentorship)% 4:7<:%
<-+2'%"#("%.:"7$%"5.$",$"5"+$7#2%I-+$5"@G
P#<.-$(%75;2+"5<758%!"<7(7-5%.-%(.#$.%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%L7.7"(
Zd
fd
[]d
>Hd
HZd
Employment
Generation
Family
Friends
Government
Policy
Sense of
Belongingness
Social Media
Successful
Founders as
Role Model
Your Academic
Institute
Your Last
organization
Others
20.00%
6.43%
5.71%
12.86%
2.86%
5.71%
7.14%
10.00%
25.71%
3.57%
Funding
Government
Support
Mentorship
Networking
Talent
Other
Challenges
Zd
[Zd
>Zd
HZd
KZd
]Zd
17.14%
7.86%
12.86%
11.43%
8.57%
42.14%
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
36
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
37
DECODING DATA FOR STARTUPS
P#<.-$(%75;2+"5<758%!"<7(7-5%.-%(.#$.%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%L7.7"(%_<-5.'G`
(CONTD.)
t30%%-;%(.#$.+,(%find local startup support satisfactory.
tGovernment support evokes mixed feelingsb%Hed%#$"%<-5."5.)%K>d%'7((#.7(;7"')%#5'%.:"%$"(.%+5'"<7'"'G%
t9ncubation support is deemed satisfactory by 44% of startupsG%B-4"?"$)%(+=(.#5.7#2%71,$-?"1"5.(%#$"%(-+8:.%75%#<<"((758%
;+5'()%=+72'758%#%.#2"5.%,--2)%1"5.-$758)%75'+(.$@%"M,"$.7(")%1#$N".%#<<"(()%5".4-$N758)%"M,-(+$")%#5'%N5-42"'8"%("((7-5(G
Access to funding
Access to Industry Experts
Partnership Opportunity
Hiring Opportunities
Exposure
Market Access
Access to Mentor Pool
Local Startup Ecosystem
Networking Opportunities
Knowledge Sessions
Govt. Support
Incubation Support
Zd
>d
Kd
\d
fd
[Zd
[>d
10.01%
9.11%
9.09%
8.69%
8.62%
8.39%
8.35%
8.26%
7.99%
7.56%
7.27%
6.66%
955-?#.7-5% #5'% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,% #$"% :#,,"5758% 75%
6:#$#.%#5'%.:"%5"M.%4#?"%-;%8$-4.:%7(%8-758%.-%<-1"%
;$-1% :"$"G% 3:"% '$7?")% :+58"$% #5'% .:"% ("2;J="27";% -;%
"5.$",$"5"+$(%;$-1%.:"("%(1#22%.-45(%#5'%<7.7"(%4722%
'";75"%.:"%5"4%755-?#.7-5%75'"M%-;%95'7#G%3:7(%$",-$.%
7(%#%475'-4%.-%-+$%71175"5.%;+.+$"G
0:$#':#%0:#$1#%
P-+5'"$)%
X-+$0.-$@
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
37
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
38
DECODING DATA FOR INSTITUTIONS
S<#'"17<%95(.7.+.7-5%0+$?"@
t9.%7(%;#(<75#.758%.-%(""%.:#.%13.8% of the surveyed institutions have established Incubation Centres, 75'7<#.758%#%(.$-58%
"1,:#(7(%-5%;-(."$758%755-?#.7-5%#5'%(.#$.+,(G%%
tS$-+5'% 18% of these institutions offer formal entrepreneurship courses)% 75."8$#.758% =+(75"((% "'+<#.7-5% 75.-% .:"7$%
<+$$7<+2+1G%%
th7N"47(")% #$-+5'% 30.2% arrange exposure visits,% ,$-?7'758% (.+'"5.(% 47.:% $"#2J4-$2'% 75(78:.(% 75.-% .:"% "5.$",$"5"+$7#2%
2#5'(<#,"G%
tS%5-."4-$.:@%26% of the institutions have mentorship programs)%"5#=2758%(.+'"5.(%.-%="5";7.%;$-1%"M,"$7"5<"'%8+7'#5<"%
-5%<#1,+(G%
tS''7.7-5#22@)% 12% of the surveyed institutions host startup competitions)% "5<-+$#8758% (.+'"5.(% .-% (:-4<#("% .:"7$%
"5.$",$"5"+$7#2%7'"#(%#5'%(N722(G/
!-%@-+%:#?"%#5@%95<+=#.7-5%L"5."$%-$%UJ<"22%75%@-+$%,$"17("(u%
t95%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"()%35% of educational institutions have
established Entrepreneurship Cells _UJ<"22(`% -$% 95<+=#.7-5%
L"5.$"(%.-%"5<-+$#8"%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,%#5'%755-?#.7-5G%%
t3:7(% .$"5'% +5'"$(<-$"(% #% 8$-4758% #4#$"5"((% -;% .:"% ?#2+"% -;%
5+$.+$758% 8$#(($--.(% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,% ;-$% 2-<#2% "<-5-17<%
8$-4.:G%
No
Yes
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
65%
35%
Exposure
Visits
Mentorship
Programs
HZG>d
>\d
Entrepreneurship
Courses
[fd
[HGfd
Incubation
Centres
Startup Competitions
[>d
38
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
39
DECODING DATA FOR INSTITUTIONS
Q:#.%N75'%-;%(+,,-$.%#$"%@-+%,$-?7'758%.-%.:"%(.#$.+,(u
t24% of institutions offer incubation centres, '"1-5(.$#.758%#%<-117.1"5.%.-%5+$.+$758%(.#$.+,(G%
t3.5% provide funding support)%4:72"%#%(7857;7<#5.%47.5% offer mentorship.%%
tB-4"?"$)% networking opportunities and industry collaborations are notably lacking% 75% .:"7$% (+,,-$.% "<-(@(."1G%
95."$"(.7582@)% only 4%-5% of academic institutions have partnered with Government Initiatives%.-%,$-1-."%
"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,G
Funding
Support
Incubation
Mentorship
Networking
Opportunities
Industry
Collaboration
Zd
[Zd
>Zd
HZd
KZd
]Zd
14.00%
11.00%
47.50%
24.00%
3.50%
(CONTD.)
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
B-4%#$"%@-+%"58#8758%47.:%.:"%2-<#2%"<-(@(."1%75%-$'"$%.-%;-(."$%755-?#.7-5%#5'%
"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,u
tD$71#$72@)% .:"% 75(.7.+.7-5(% #$"% collaborating with government initiatives and organizing events%<"5."$"'%#$-+5'%
"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,G%S%5-.#=2"%47% of institutions conduct capacity building programs%.-%(+,,-$.%75'7?7'+#2(%#(,7$758%.-%
="<-1"%"5.$",$"5"+$(G%
t95."$"(.7582@)% a relatively lower percentage of 8% are engaging in partnerships with other institutions%.-%<+2.7?#."%
755-?#.7-5%#5'%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,G%
Capacity Building
Programs for aspiring
Entrepreneurs
Engagement with
Government Initiatives
Hosting
Entrepreneurship
related events
Networking
Opportunities
Zd
[Zd
>Zd
HZd
KZd
]Zd
8.00%
26.00%
19.00%
47.00%
39
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
40
DECODING DATA FOR INSTITUTIONS
Q:#.%N75'%-;%8-?"$51"5.%#7'%:#?"%@-+%$"<"7?"'%.-%,$-1-."%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,u
T-?"$51"5.%#((7(.#5<"%:#(%=""5%75(.$+1"5.#2%75%,$-1-.758%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,%47.:75%75(.7.+.7-5(G%
t0,"<7;7<#22@)% 16.7% of these institutions have been supported to establish E-cells or Incubators, 4:72"% 33.3% have
received valuable mentoringG%%
tS''7.7-5#22@)% 13% have capitalized on networking events, and other forms of aid%(+<:%#(%4-$N(:-,(%:#?"%#2(-%=""5%
;#<727.#."'%.:$-+8:%8-?"$51"5.%=#<N758G%
(CONTD.)
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
Funding
Incubation
Mentorship
Investor
Connect
Networking
Other Benets
( Workshops
Taxation etc.)
Zd
>d
Kd
\d
fd
[Zd
[>d
9.00%
13.00%
23.00%
33.30%
16.70%
5.00%
40
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
41
DECODING DATA FOR INVESTORS (CONTD.)
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
Q:7<:%95?"(.-$%<#."8-$@%="(.%1#.<:"(%@-+u
tQ7.:75%.:"%<-5."M.%-;%;+5'758%-,,-$.+57.7"(%;-$%(.#$.+,(%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"()%.:"%data from 46 investor responses
shows a diverse investment landscape. S1-58%.:"%$"(,-5'"5.()%31% identified as Angel Investors)%(7857;@758%75'7?7'+#2%
=#<N"$(%,$-?7'758%757.7#2%<#,7.#2G%%
tS5-.:"$%36% were associated with Angel Networks)%4:7<:%27N"2@%75'7<#."(%#%1-$"%-$8#57O"'%#,,$-#<:%.-%#58"2%75?"(.758)%
-;."5%75?-2?758%8$-+,(%-;%75?"(.-$(%,--2758%$"(-+$<"(G%
tS,,$-M71#."2@%7% of investors were investing from family offices)%(+88"(.758%#%;#1727#2%#,,$-#<:%.-%;+5'758%(.#$.+,(G%%
tE-$"-?"$)%14% were linked to Venture Capital (VC) funds,%(:-4<#(758%75(.7.+.7-5#2%75."$"(.%75%,$-?7'758%<#,7.#2%;-$%8$-4.:G%%
t95."$"(.7582@)% only 1% represented Corporate Venture Funds,% (+88"(.758% .:#.% <-$,-$#."J=#<N"'% 75?"(.1"5.(% 4"$"%
$"2#.7?"2@%2717."'G%3:"%$"1#75758%75?"(.-$(%;"22%75.-%.:"%W*.:"$(C%<#."8-$@)%4:7<:%<-+2'%"5<-1,#((%#%$#58"%-;%75?"(.1"5.%
.@,"(%-$%(-+$<"(G%3:7(%'7(.$7=+.7-5%+5'"$(<-$"(%.:"%?#$7-+(%#?"5+"(%.:$-+8:%4:7<:%(.#$.+,(%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(%#$"%
#<<"((758%;+5'758%;$-1%'7?"$("%75?"(.-$%.@,"(G
Angel Investors
Associated with Angel Networks
Investing from family offices
Linked to Venture Capital (VC)
Corporate Venture Funds
Others
Zd
fd
[\d
>Kd
H>d
KZd
11.00%
1.00%
14.00%
7.00%
36.00%
31.00%
Q:#.%.@,"(%-;%;+5'(%@-+%#$"%,$-?7'758%.-%(.#$.+,(u
t&"8#$'758%.:"%;+5'758%#,,$-#<:"(%;-$%(.#$.+,()%.:"%(+$?"@%'#.#%
75'7<#."(% .:#.% 75?"(.-$(% "1,2-@% #% 17M% -;% (.$#."87"(G%
S,,$-M71#."2@% 45% of investors opt for equity-based funding)%
4:"$"%.:"@%"M<:#58"%;+5'(%;-$%-45"$(:7,%(:#$"(%75%.:"%(.#$.+,G%%
t34% of investors prefer debt funding)% -;;"$758% 2-#5(% .:#.% .:"%
(.#$.+,%1+(.%$",#@G%%
tA-.#=2@)% 21% adopt a combined approach,% ,$-?7'758% ;+5'(%
.:$-+8:% #% <-1=75#.7-5% -;% =-.:% '"=.% #5'% "l+7.@)% (+88"(.758% #%
1-$"% ?"$(#.72"% ;75#5<758% (.$+<.+$"% .:#.% 1#@% #2785% 47.:% .:"%
(.#$.+,R(%(,"<7;7<%5""'(%#5'%75?"(.-$%,$";"$"5<"(G
Both
Debt
Equity
45%
34%
21%
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
42
DECODING DATA FOR INVESTORS (CONTD.)
B-4%1#5@%(.#$.+,(%:#?"%@-+%75?"(."'%75u
95% ."$1(% -;% 75?"(.-$% "58#8"1"5.% 47.:% (.#$.+,()% .:"% '#.#%
$"?"#2(%'7?"$("%2"?"2(%-;%,-$.;-27-%75?-2?"1"5.G%%
t20% of investors have participated in over 20 startup
portfolios)% 75'7<#.758% #% (+=(.#5.7#2% "58#8"1"5.% 47.:%
1+2.7,2"%?"5.+$"(G%
tS$-+5'%35% have invested in portfolios ranging from 10
to 20 startups)%(:-4<#(758%#%(7857;7<#5.%=+.%(278:.2@%1-$"%
;-<+("'%#,,$-#<:G%%
tS''7.7-5#22@)% 44% have invested in 5 to 10 startups,
(+88"(.758%#%=#2#5<"'%,-$.;-27-%(.$#."8@G%%
t3:"%remaining investors have engaged with fewer than
5 startup portfolios)% (7857;@758% #% 1-$"% ("2"<.7?"% -$%
<#+.7-+(%75?"(.1"5.%#,,$-#<:G
Q:#.%(.#8"%'-%@-+%,$";"$%.-%75?"(.%#.u
tS,,$-M71#."2@%14.6% of investors direct their investments
towards pre-seed stage startups)%75'7<#.758%#%47227585"((%
.-%(+,,-$.%?"5.+$"(%75%.:"7$%"#$27"(.%,:#("(G%
tS$-+5'% 25.3% of investors prefer the seed stage)%
(:-4<#(758% #% <-117.1"5.% .-% (.#$.+,(% 75% .:"7$% 757.7#2%
8$-4.:%,"$7-'G%%
tS%5-.#=2"%15.6% target startups at the Minimum Viable
Product (MVP) stage,% (7857;@758% <-5;7'"5<"% 75% ?"5.+$"(%
.:#.%:#?"%#%'"?"2-,"'%,$-'+<.%-$%("$?7<"G%%
t20% invest in early growth startups)% '7(,2#@758% #%
,$";"$"5<"%;-$%?"5.+$"(%.:#.%:#?"%#<:7"?"'%757.7#2%.$#<.7-5G%
t3:"% $"1#75758% 24.5% of investors focus on startups in
the growth and scaling-up stage)% 75'7<#.758% (+,,-$.% ;-$%
?"5.+$"(%,-7("'%;-$%"M,#5(7-5G%
1%
Over 20 10 to 20 5 to 10 Under 5
35%
44%
20%
45%
34%
21%
D$"J0""' 0""' EcD%i%D72-.
U#$2@%T$-4.: T$-4.:%i%0<#2"+,
24.5%
20%
15.6%
25.3%
14.6%
95% ."$1(% -;% .:"7$% 75?"(.1"5.% ;-<+()% '7;;"$"5.% (.#8"(% -;% (.#$.+,% '"?"2-,1"5.% #..$#<.% ?#$@758% 2"?"2(% -;% 75?"(.-$% 75."$"(.G% 3:"%
'7(.$7=+.7-5%+5'"$(<-$"(%.:"%'7?"$("%(.#8"(%#.%4:7<:%75?"(.-$(%<:--("%.-%"58#8"%47.:%(.#$.+,()%<#."$758%.-%?#$7-+(%2"?"2(%-;%
$7(N%#5'%8$-4.:%,-."5.7#2G
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
42
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
43
DECODING DATA FOR INVESTORS (CONTD.)
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
Q:#.%7(%@-+$%,$";"$$"'%75?"(.1"5.%$#58"u
95%."$1(%-;%.:"%l+#5.+1%-;%75?"(.1"5.)%75?"(.-$(%'"1-5(.$#."%
#%'7?"$("%(,"<.$+1%-;%<-117.1"5.G%%
t44.3% of investors allocate funds within the range of up
to 10 lakhs)% (:-4<#(758% 75?-2?"1"5.% 47.:% (.#$.+,(% #.%
?#$@758%(<#2"(G%%
tS$-+5'% 38% opt for a broader range, investing between
10 lakhs to 50 lakhs,%75'7<#.758%#%1-'"$#."%75?"(.1"5.%
#,,".7."G%%
tA-.#=2@)%13.7% extend their support further, investing up
to 2 crores,%:78:278:.758%#%:78:"$%2"?"2%-;%;75#5<7#2%
"58#8"1"5.G%%
tS%(1#22"$%("81"5.)%<-5(.7.+.758%4% of investors, commits
substantial resources, investing more than 2 crores 75%
(.#$.+,()% (7857;@758% #% 5-.#=2"% <-5;7'"5<"% 75% 2#$8"$%
?"5.+$"(G
45%
34%
21%
Q:#.%7(%@-+$%("<.-$#2%,$";"$"5<"%4:"5%75?"(.758%75%(.#$.+,(%;$-1%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%
H%L7.7"(u
3:"$"%7(%'7?"$("%2#5'(<#,"%-;%(.#$.+,%.@,"(%.:#.%75?"(.-$(%#$"%
(+,,-$.758%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(G%
tS,,$-M71#."2@% 44% of the surveyed investors have
invested in startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 <7.7"(G%
tS1-58%.:7(%("81"5.)%#$-+5'%64% have chosen to invest
in technology-based startups)% (:-4<#(758% #% (+=(.#5.7#2%
75."$"(.%75%."<:J'$7?"5%755-?#.7-5G%%
tE-$"-?"$)% 23% have invested in non-tech startups,
75'7<#.758% #% '7?"$("% $#58"% -;% ("<.-$(% 8"..758% 75?"(.-$%
#.."5.7-5G%%
tS%5-.#=2"%13% have backed startups with a social impact
focus, +5'"$(<-$758% #% <-117.1"5.% .-% ?"5.+$"(% .:#.%
#''$"((%(-<7".#2%<:#22"58"(G%
45%
34%
21%
*?"$%>L$ a,.-%>L$
a,.-%]Zh a,.-%[Zh
44.3%
38%
13.7%
4%
Zd
[fd
H]d
]Hd
eZd
Tech
Non
Tech
Social
Impact
13.00%
23.00%
64.00%
43
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
44
DECODING DATA FOR INVESTORS (CONTD.)
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
B-4%'-%@-+%(+,,-$.%(.#$.+,(%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(u
t6"@-5'% .:"% ;75#5<7#2% #(,"<.)% a significant 86% of
investors play an active role%=@%"M."5'758%mentorship,
facilitating networking opportunities, granting access
to essential resources, and establishing connections
to markets for startupsG% 3:7(% <-1,$":"5(7?"%
"58#8"1"5.% <-5.$7=+."(% .-% 5+$.+$758% .:"% 8$-4.:% #5'%
'"?"2-,1"5.%-;%(.#$.+,(G%
t95% <-5.$#(.)% .:"% $"1#75758% 14% investors assume a
passive role within the ecosystem, focusing solely on
financial investment 47.:-+.% #''7.7-5#2% #<.7?"%
75?-2?"1"5.G
S$"%@-+%+(758%0.#."%T-?.G%A".4-$N758%D2#.;-$1(%.-%<-55"<.%47.:%2-<#2%0.#$.+,(u
t66.7% of investors have received networking platform
from state government%.-%<-55"<.%.-%2-<#2%(.#$.+,(G
37"$% >% #5'% 37"$% H% <7.7"(% 75% 95'7#% #$"% .:"% 5"4% ;$-5.7"$(% -;%
755-?#.7-5% #5'% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,G% 3:"@% ,$"("5.% '7?"$("% #5'%
<-1,2"M%,$-=2"1(%.:#.%$"l+7$"%5-?"2%#5'%(<#2#=2"%(-2+.7-5(G%%
S(%95'7#C(%;7$(.%6>T%(.$#."87<%75?"(.-$)%:"2,758%(.#$.+,(%75%.:"("%
$"87-5(%7(5C.%I+(.%#%,$-;"((7-5^%7.C(%#%,#((7-5G%9.C(%"1,-4"$758%
.:"%5"M.%8"5"$#.7-5%-;%;-+5'"$(%4:-%#$"%=+72'758%,$-'+<.(%#5'%
("$?7<"(% .:#.% 1#N"% #% '7;;"$"5<"% 75% .:"% 27?"(% -;% 17227-5(% -;%
,"-,2"G%%
9.C(% (:#,758% #% ;+.+$"% 4:"$"% 755-?#.7-5% #5'% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,%
#$"% 5-.% 2717."'% =@% 8"-8$#,:@)% =+.% '$7?"5% =@% ?7(7-5% #5'%
#1=7.7-5G
j#72#(:%T-2"<::#%
A#.7-5#2%c7<"%L:#7$1#5)%
F93*%LPU%SDUv
No
Yes
66.7%
33.3%
Zd
>Hd
K]d
\fd
gZd
Extending Mentorship,
Facilitating networking,
Access to resources
& market connections
Capital-focused
only
14.00%
86.00%
44
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
45
DECODING DATA FOR INVESTORS (CONTD.)
0-+$<"b%!#.#%;$-1%D$71#$@%0-+$<"(
B-4%'-%@-+%<-22#=-$#."%47.:%-.:"$%(.#N":-2'"$(%.-%;-(."$%#%<-5'+<.7?"%
"5?7$-51"5.%;-$%755-?#.7-5u
T7?"5% .:"% :"78:."5"'% $7(N(% 75:"$"5.% 75% .:"% 75?"(.-$%
2#5'(<#,")% <-22#=-$#.7-5% #5'% ,#$.5"$(:7,% "1"$8"% #(%
,7?-.#2%(.$#."87"(G%
tS1-58%75?"(.-$()%38% prioritize forging partnerships,
4:72"%31% opt for joint initiatives.
tS''7.7-5#22@)% 28% engage in knowledge and resource
sharing .-%=-2(."$%.:"%"<-(@(."1G%%
t3:"% $"1#75758% 75?"(.-$(% ;-<+(% -5% "(.#=27(:758% =-.:%
5#.7-5#2%#5'% 75."$5#.7-5#2% <-22#=-$#.7-5(%47.:% 75'+(.$@%
=-'7"()% #71758% .-% <+2.7?#."% #5% "5?7$-51"5.% <-5'+<7?"%
.-%755-?#.7-5%#5'%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,G%
Q:#.%(+,,-$.i="5";7.(%#$"%@-+%8"..758%;$-1%0.#."%T-?"$51"5.%.-%75?"(.%75%37"$%>%
#5'%37"$%H%0.#$.+,(u
Q7.:75%.:"%75?"(.758%<-11+57.@)%?#$7-+(%;-$1(%-;%(+,,-$.%
;$-1% (.#."% <"5.$#2% #5'% (.#."% 8-?"$51"5.(% ,2#@% #% $-2"% 75%
;#<727.#.758%.:"7$%#<.7?7.7"(G%%
t12%%-;%.:"("%75?"(.1"5.%"5.7.7"(%:#?"%=""5%recipients
of infrastructure assistance from both central and
state governments.
tS5% #''7.7-5#2% 24% have benefited from networking
suppor.)%+5'"$(<-$758%.:"%(7857;7<#5<"%-;%<-55"<.7-5(%
75%.:"%75?"(.1"5.%2#5'(<#,"G%%
tS% (+=(.#5.7#2% 41% are affiliated with Alternative
Investment Fund (AIF) or Fund of Funds (FOF)
syndicates,% '"1-5(.$#.758% .:"% <-22#=-$#.7?"% 5#.+$"% -;%
.:"7$%75?-2?"1"5.G%%
tP+$.:"$1-$")% 19% are enjoying tax benefits because
of their investments in startups, :78:278:.758%;#?-$#=2"%
;7(<#2%75<"5.7?"(G%%
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45
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
46
Policy Recommendations for the Government’s Consideration
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12345
Policy
Recommendations
09
46
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
47
Data–Driven Strategies and Recommendations for Empowering
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities in India
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Enhance Funding Ecosystem
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<"5.$"()%#5'% "5.$",$"5"+$(:7,J;-<+("'%<-+$("()%;-(."$758% #% <+2.+$"%-;%755-?#.7-5%;$-1%
#5% "#$2@% (.#8"G% 3:"% 8-?"$51"5.% (:-+2'% 4-$N% 47.:% #<#'"17<% 75(.7.+.7-5(% .-% "5:#5<"%
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02 Strengthen Entrepreneurial Education
UM,#5'%.:"%5".4-$N%-;%75<+=#.-$(%#5'%#<<"2"$#.-$(%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"()%,$-?7'758%
(.#$.+,(%47.:%1"5.-$(:7,)%$"(-+$<"()%#5'%5".4-$N758%-,,-$.+57.7"(%<$7.7<#2%;-$%8$-4.:G
03 Mentorship and Incubation
&"(-+$<"(%#5'%&";"$"5<"(b%3:7(%75;-$1#.7-5%7(%=#("'%-5%?#$7-+(%$",-$.()%#$.7<2"()%#5'%$"("#$<:%,#,"$(%,+=27(:"'%=@%75'+(.$@%"M,"$.()%8-?"$51"5.%:..,(bii
444G(.#$.+,=275NG<-1i(.#$.+,J"<-(@(."1
01
47
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
48
3-% #''$"((% .:"% <:#22"58"(% 7'"5.7m"'%=@%(.#$.+,()%.:"%8-?"$51"5.%<#5%<-22#=-$#."%47.:%
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.:#.%<#5%#<<"2"$#."%.:"7$%8$-4.:G
05 Government-Industry Partnerships
S<N5-42"'8758% .:#.% (.#$.+,(% m5'% 2-<#2% (+,,-$.% (#.7(;#<.-$@)% .:"% 8-?"$51"5.% (:-+2'%
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"5(+$758%#%(."#'@%(+,,2@%-;%(N722"'%.#2"5.%;-$%(.#$.+,(G%B78:278:.%.:"%,-(7.7?"%71,#<.%-;%
(.#$.+,(% 75% 37"$% >% #5'% 37"$% H% <7.7"(% -5% 2-<#2% "<-5-17"()% I-=% <$"#.7-5)% #5'% 755-?#.7-5%
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06 Promote Local Impact
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07 Strengthening Government-Startup Collaboration
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E-$"-?"$)% 71,$-?758% .:"% -?"$#22% (+,,-$.% "<-(@(."1)% 75<2+'758% =+72'758% #% .#2"5.% ,--2)%
,$-?7'758% 1"5.-$(:7,)% -$8#57O"% 1-$"% 5".4-$N758% "?"5.()% 4-$N(:-,()% #5'% 75'+(.$@J
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08 Market Exposure and Support Ecosystem
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#5'%37"$%H%L7.7"(G%3:"("%,-27<7"(%<-+2'%75<2+'"%.#M%75<"5.7?"()%(71,27m"'%$"8+2#.7-5()%#5'%
75;$#(.$+<.+$"%'"?"2-,1"5.G
04 Government Initiatives
&"(-+$<"(%#5'%&";"$"5<"(b%3:7(%75;-$1#.7-5%7(%=#("'%-5%?#$7-+(%$",-$.()%#$.7<2"()%#5'%$"("#$<:%,#,"$(%,+=27(:"'%=@%75'+(.$@%"M,"$.()%8-?"$51"5.%:..,(bii
444G(.#$.+,=275NG<-1i(.#$.+,J"<-(@(."1
48
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
49
S'?-<#."% ;-$% (71,27m"'% $"8+2#.-$@% ,$-<"(("(% .-% ;#<727.#."% =+(75"((% "(.#=27(:1"5.% #5'%
-,"$#.7-5G%U5<-+$#8"%,-27<7"(%.:#.%#..$#<.%#5'%$".#75%(.#$.+,(%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(G
10 Economic Policies for Growth
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#<.7?"%"58#8"1"5.)%1"5.-$(:7,)%#5'%;+5'758%-,,-$.+57.7"(G
11 Investor Engagement
6@%71,2"1"5.758%.:"("%$"<-11"5'#.7-5()%#%1-$"%<-5'+<7?"%"5?7$-51"5.%.:#.%"1,-4"$(%(.#$.+,(%75%37"$%>%#5'%37"$%H%<7.7"(%<#5%="%
<$"#."')%'$7?758%"<-5-17<%8$-4.:)%;-(."$758%755-?#.7-5)%#5'%"5:#5<758%-?"$#22%"5.$",$"5"+$(:7,%#<.7?7.@%75%.:"("%$"87-5(G
UM,#5'758% 8-?"$51"5.J;+5'"'% ,$"J(""'% (+,,-$.% (.#$.+,(% $"l+7$"% ;-$% 757.7#2% <#,7.#2%
5""'"'% .-% '"?"2-,% .:"7$% 7'"#(% 75.-% ?7#=2"% ,$-'+<.(% -$% ("$?7<"(G% h#+5<:% #4#$"5"((%
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(+<<"((%(.-$7"()%#5'%(:-4<#(758%.:"%?#2+"%-;%'7?"$("%;+5'758%(-+$<"(G%U(.#=27(:%#%
<-5.75+-+(% ;""'=#<N% 2--,% =@% <-22"<.758% '#.#% -5% .:"% ,$-8$"((% -;% (.#$.+,(% #5'% .:"%
<:#22"58"(% .:"@% ;#<"G% 3:7(% '#.#% <#5% ="% +("'% .-% #'#,.% ,-27<7"(% #5'% (.$#."87"(% ;-$%
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09 Startup Support and Funding
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444G(.#$.+,=275NG<-1i(.#$.+,J"<-(@(."1
49
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
50
3:"% $",-$.% 7(% ,$",#$"'% +(758% 75;-$1#.7-5% -;% #% 8"5"$#2% 5#.+$"% #5'% 7(% 5-.% 75."5'"'% .-% #''$"((% .:"% <7$<+1(.#5<"(% -;% #5@%
,#$.7<+2#$%75'7?7'+#2%-$%"5.7.@G%3:"%$",-$.%:#(%=""5%,$",#$"'%;$-1%?#$7-+(%,+=27<%(-+$<"(%#5'%.:"%75;-$1#.7-5%$"<"7?"(%;$-1%
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Disclaimer
Small Towns, Big Ideas
The Rise of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
Acknowledgements
and Contributors
Nilaya Varma
Co-Founder & CEO
Primus Partners
Charu Malhotra
Co-Founder & MD
Primus Partners
Vartika Soni
Manager
Primus Partners
Utkarsha Sharma
Senior Consultant
Primus Partners
Saloni Vijay
Consultant
Primus Partners
Amit Purohit
Vice President
Primus Partners
Annual Report
2022-23
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