Inside Forbes India From Consumer Tech to Deep Tech: India’s startup evolution
Jun 20, 2025
Naini Thaker, a Forbes India journalist, dives into India's evolving startup scene, showcasing a shift from consumer tech to deep tech. She highlights how startups are tackling unique challenges, with innovative examples like InMobi's AI pivot and Moonrider's EV tractors. The discussion emphasizes the role of optimism and patient capital in nurturing ambitious entrepreneurs. Additionally, Thaker explores the potential of integrating new technologies with traditional practices, positioning India as a future global tech leader.
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Press Conference to Legitimize Startups
- Naveen Tiwari had to hold a press conference so his engineers could marry, as families were skeptical about startups.
- This anecdote shows how startup culture was once unfamiliar and stigmatized in India.
Indian Market Demands Unique Innovation
- Indian startups solve unique challenges that Western models don't face, like building logistics infrastructure from scratch.
- Innovations like quick commerce show India adapts borrowed ideas uniquely to its market needs.
Deep Tech Innovation Challenges
- Moonrider builds EV tractors, Indian farmers initially resist due to traditional tractor use.
- Exponent Energy developed batteries that charge EVs in 15 minutes, revolutionizing transportation tech.