On World Entrepreneurs Day, visionaries and innovators driving change and shaping the future are honored. Entrepreneurship in India continues to thrive, with the nation standing as the third-largest tech start-up ecosystem globally. Industry leaders share their thoughts on the significance of entrepreneurship, particularly in the tech and space sectors, and how it is transforming society.

Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money
India’s position as the fourth-largest recipient of global tech startup funding is a testament to the remarkable entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in our nation. Entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it’s about solving real-world problems, creating jobs, and driving innovation. It is about resilience, vision, and the relentless pursuit of making a meaningful impact on society.

In my journey as an entrepreneur, I have encountered both immense challenges and unparalleled opportunities, especially in addressing the needs of those living in the most remote areas of our country. My journey with Spice Money has been profoundly enriching, teaching me invaluable lessons about the power of technology to create inclusive growth. At Spice Money, we are proud to have created employment for 14 lakh Adhikaris, who are key nanopreneurs driving financial inclusion across rural India. By equipping them with essential tools and resources, we empower these individuals to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Our extensive network spans across 2.44 lakh villages and 6,475 blocks, covering 95% of India’s pin codes. This broad reach not only underscores our commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs but also reinforces our role in bridging the rural-urban divide and advancing financial inclusion throughout the country.

The government has been supportive in fostering this entrepreneurial ecosystem, with initiatives like the Startup India Initiative and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, which have created a nurturing environment for homegrown startups and innovators. These efforts have been instrumental in driving the next wave of growth and ensuring that the spirit of entrepreneurship continues to flourish across the country.

Rahul Pagidipati, CEO, ZebPay
With more than 6,000 fintech companies, India has the third-largest fintech ecosystem globally, standing strong at the center of financial innovation. The country’s fintech adoption rate is 87%, significantly higher than the global average of 67%. The persistent innovation of the sector is creating an inclusive ecosystem and democratising access to banking and financial services across the country. In the past year, India’s fintech sector amped up its offerings with a major focus on adopting transformative technologies like AI and blockchain.

As we celebrate National Fintech Day, it’s a reminder that collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and tech entrepreneurs is essential to nurturing an ecosystem that not only drives cutting-edge innovation but also safeguards consumers, thereby propelling India’s economy towards new heights.

Arpan Sahoo, COO and Co-founder, KaleidEO
India continues to remain the third-largest tech start-up ecosystem in the world, with over 950 tech businesses established last year. The government has been propelling the growth of the industry with various schemes such as Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, and more. Entrepreneurship is the catalyst for innovation, and in the realm of space technology, it’s the driving force that propels us beyond the known frontier. The convergence of space technology with cutting-edge advancements like AI and edge computing is unlocking new possibilities for sustainable development and global impact for society. As the space tech ecosystem continues to evolve, entrepreneurs in this sector have a unique opportunity to create solutions that not only drive progress but also address some of the world’s most pressing challenges like financial inclusion, sustainable infrastructure, food security and climate action,

I encourage all innovators to embrace the unknown, take calculated risks, without compromising on value creation and sustainability. Together, we can chart a new path in the cosmos and empower the next generation of pioneers. At KaleidEO, we believe that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning. Our journey in the space tech industry has taught us that resilience, vision, and a commitment to pushing boundaries to create a positive impact are the pillars of success.”

Prashant A Bhonsle, Founder, Kuhoo Edufintech
Entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it’s about creating opportunities that empower individuals to take control of their own future.

At Kuhoo, we believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of enabling Indian students to pursue their dreams without the heavy burden of financial constraints on their families.

Our vision is to foster a culture where students take responsibility for their own education, becoming Aatmanirbhar, and making informed decisions about their future while easing the financial pressures that often fall on parents.

On this World Entrepreneur Day, we celebrate the spirit of independence and innovation, recognizing that every student has the potential to excel when given the right tools and support. At Kuhoo, we are committed to providing those tools, ensuring that the next generation of leaders can rise to their full potential, unburdened and Aatmanirbhar to make a difference in the world.

Madan Padaki, Chair of TGS24 and President of TiE Bangalore
World Entrepreneurs Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the transformative potential within each entrepreneur. When we combine the entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to social good, we create a force that can address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Today, we see an inspiring energy among startup founders, particularly young visionaries stepping forward with bold, purpose-driven ideas. This excitement is mirrored by early-stage investors, whose eagerness to support these ventures signals that Karnataka and Bengaluru are not just fostering a startup ecosystem for today but are laying the groundwork for the next century of innovation. If you have a great idea and the passion to pursue it, now is the time to take that leap. And if you’re facing challenges in achieving profitability, view this as an opportunity to recalibrate, as the capital is here, ready to back innovative ideas and dedicated entrepreneurs. The future belongs to those willing to innovate, lead, and make a difference. On this day, at TiE, we reiterate our commitment to supporting all entrepreneurs in their journeys to make the world a better place.