Swadesi Startups Speaks
Dive into ’Swadesi Startups Speaks,’ your go-to destination for everything buzzing in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Each episode offers a colorful mosaic of stories, innovations, and triumphs from the heart of India’s bustling startup scene. From the latest fundings in Bangalore’s tech hubs to grassroots innovations in rural India, we capture the diverse, desi spirit of Indian entrepreneurship. Join us as we celebrate and dissect the dynamism, challenges, and opportunities that define the Swadesi startup world. Tune in, and let India’s vibrant startup stories inspire you! In this podcast episodes we talk a lot about below topics: 1. Indian Startups 2. Entrepreneurship 3. Swadesi Innovations 4. Startup Success Stories 5. Indian Tech Hubs 6. Grassroots Innovations 7. Venture Capital 8. Startup Ecosystem 9. Rural Entrepreneurship 10. Desi Startups 11. India Business News 12. Startup Culture 13. Fundraising Trends 14. Indian Unicorns 15. Startup Challenges
Episodes

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In today’s episode, we discuss the growing eVTOL air ambulance market with a $1B deal, the shift from growth to profitability in Indian startups, and the state of the IPO market. We explore Kerala's startup growth, the expansion of Licious, and the launch of a free entrepreneurship course by the government. Additionally, we delve into India's top 2% scientists, recruitment challenges, and opportunities for airline startups, highlighting the potential and challenges facing India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
This episode explores India’s rising startup dominance, covering key topics like the potential for new airline startups, the growing AI race through IndiaAI Mission, and the shifting dynamics of IPOs in 2025. India’s startup ecosystem is thriving, with sectors like AI, fintech, and deep-tech leading the charge. However, challenges remain, particularly in the IPO market, where rising losses and slowing investor sentiment may impact upcoming listings.
Reference:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Gujarat sees a 22% surge in startups, ranking 5th in India, fueled by funding & incubators. IVCA Conclave highlights a 130% jump in PE/VC-backed IPOs. Former ISRO Chief calls for Space Parks to boost India’s space sector. Google expands AI in Poland for cybersecurity & energy. WeWork India & IndiQube IPOs show rising investor interest. Budget 2025 supports startups, MSMEs & green energy. DPIIT-Rukam partnership strengthens India’s startup ecosystem.
Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
India aims for 1M startups in 10 years, boosting innovation across sectors. Hyderabad’s TakeMe2Space is launching an AI lab in orbit. PM Modi announced India's Large Language Model at the Paris AI Summit. Feline Spirits disrupts the alco-bev industry, while Happy Pet transforms the ₹25K Cr pet sector. Lennox invests $6M in Chennai GCC, ToneTag raises $78M, and Callus Company connects Indian talent to global jobs.
Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
The Indian government’s Fund of Funds 2.0 injects ₹10,000 Cr to boost manufacturing startups. Meanwhile, India’s AI push gains traction with 18,693 GPUs for startups, but experts call for stronger R&D. MP’s Global Investor Summit aims to double startups, and Modi’s AI diplomacy strengthens Indo-French ties. NXP’s Tech Challenge, Happy Pet’s pet-tech innovation, and microfinance startups highlight diverse growth. India-Israel trade talks also fuel startup momentum.
Reference:https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
MP’s Global Investor Summit aims to accelerate startup growth with financial aid & policy support. The Union Budget 2025 brings a ₹10,000 Cr Fund of Funds, tax relief & deep tech investments. The Circle FC launches a Korea expansion program for Indian startups. Mosaic Wellness reports 60% revenue growth. 23 startups raise $138M this week, led by Cashfree Payments. With the right execution, India is on track to become a global startup powerhouse.
Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
India’s startup ecosystem is booming! Hyderabad's startup funding jumped 160% to $571M, driven by healthtech and fintech. AI sovereignty is a hot topic, with OpenAI's Sam Altman discussing costs with Indian unicorns while India pushes for its own AI models. HDFC & SIB launched startup-friendly financial initiatives, and Info Edge committed $115M to fund tech startups. India Energy Week 2025 will showcase innovative startups, marking an exciting era of growth!
Reference:https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
This episode covers India’s startup funding trends, including Karnataka’s 24% dip and India’s slight recovery. We discuss OpenAI’s pricing concerns, DeepSeek’s impact, and Indian AI startups challenging global players. We highlight major funding rounds from Astra Security, AeroLeads, and Nua, along with cybersecurity advancements by Semgrep and ZeroRisk. Plus, UAE’s Yuze expands to India, and Israeli cybersecurity expert Lior Div launches a new AI-driven security startup.
Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Indian startups are racing to develop AI models, balancing large-scale LLMs and specialized solutions. Government funding is crucial for AI sovereignty. Green tech, innovation hubs, and women-led startups are driving India’s economic growth. The Union Budget supports startups with tax relief, credit guarantees, and funding. Global investments in Indian cybersecurity and deeptech signal confidence in the ecosystem. With India’s innovation boom, the future looks bright!
Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
This episode of Swadesi Startup Speaks covers key developments in India's startup ecosystem. Topics include women-led startups and their global impact, government schemes like Stand-Up India supporting entrepreneurs, and the shift towards sustainable growth post-funding winter. We also discuss AI's disruption in the edtech space, telecom startups expanding rural broadband, and the E-Summit 2025 at IIIT-Bhubaneswar. Plus, India’s 'Fund of Funds' initiative to finance 500 startups in 5 years.
Reference:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7126277231521239040/