Republic Digital Roundtable: Success in Decoding the Future of Startups

The Republic Digital Roundtable's first edition, “Decoding the Budget Blueprint for Startups 2024,” was successfully concluded on September 6 at Sterlings Mac Hotel in  Bengaluru. The Round Table brought together founders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and  influential leaders from various industry sectors to share insights on shaping the future of  startups amidst a dynamic economic landscape.  

Powered by Ultraviolette and supported by Indiazona – Bharat Ki Apni Dukaan and special  partner EMO Energy, the Round Table served as a platform for forward-thinking dialogue on  the role of policy, innovation, and investment in driving India's startup growth story.  

Tapan Sharma, Chief Operating Officer of Republic Digital Business, commented on the  event saying, "The Republic Digital Roundtable highlights the importance of collaboration in  shaping a future-ready start-up ecosystem. By addressing key challenges and opportunities,  Republic Digital is playing a crucial role in driving innovation, fostering investment, and  promoting sustainable growth within India's start-up landscape.”  

Four high-impact panel discussions featuring leading experts and decision-makers provided  valuable insights into key sectors of AI & technology, fintech, consumer goods & retail as  well as automotive & mobility.  

Key Highlights: 

• Government Support for Innovation: Panelists underscored the increasing focus on  fostering innovation through government initiatives aimed at startups and MSMEs.  • Investment Opportunities: The event offered a comprehensive understanding of the  

budget’s impact on funding opportunities and investment flows into the startup ecosystem.  

• Sustainability and Technology: Discussions covered how startups can align their  business models with sustainable practices and emerging technologies to remain  competitive in the global market.  

Throughout the event, industry experts shared their insights across various sectors. Kamaljeet Singh, AVP of Product Management at JioCloud, remarked, “AI is not only creating jobs but also enhancing how our systems process and handle tasks more effectively.” 

Singh highlighted the government's serious commitment to the AI sector and its inclusion in  the budget, offering a forward-looking perspective on AI's role in entrepreneurship.  

In the realm of mobility, Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-Founder of Ultraviolette  Automotive, provided a glimpse into the revolutionary potential of the Indian mobility  market, noting, “India has everything needed for the automotive sector to rise in the next five years.”  

Sheetanshu Tyagi, Co-Founder of Emo Energy, offered key insights, stating, “Government support for businesses at the initial stage and for consumers at the end will be beneficial in  certain cases.”  

With respect to the retail sector, Bhawana Pagaria, Co-Founder and CEO of Indiazona –  Bharat Ki Apni Dukaan, discussed the evolving nature of consumer goods and retail. She  observed, “Consumers are increasingly accepting sustainable products, which is advantageous for startups in the consumer goods and retail sector.”  

The overwhelming success of the Republic Digital Roundtable sets the stage for future events  that will continue to inspire and shape the trajectory of India’s startup ecosystem, ensuring that the momentum generated here will drive progress in the months and years ahead.