India’s entrepreneurial landscape has evolved into one of the most vibrant in the world, producing globally renowned startups and inspiring leaders. From bootstrapping companies in small towns to building billion-dollar ventures in tech hubs, Indian entrepreneurs have done it all. In this article, we explore the top business tips from Indian entrepreneurs who have shaped the country’s business narrative.
1. Start Small, Scale Smart – Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal)
Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear vision but being flexible in execution. His startup began as a daily deals platform and later pivoted to become one of India’s largest e-commerce marketplaces. His advice:
“Test your idea in a small market, listen to your users, and scale only when you have proof of concept.”
2. Focus on Solving Real Problems – Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms)
Ritesh Agarwal built OYO from the ground up by focusing on one key problem—affordable and standardized budget hotels. He believes entrepreneurs should address genuine pain points, not just trends.
“Don’t chase funding. Chase problems that need real solutions.”
3. Resilience Is Your Biggest Asset – Falguni Nayar (Nykaa)
Falguni Nayar left a successful corporate career to start Nykaa at the age of 50. Her story underscores the power of resilience and patience in business. Her top tip:
“Believe in yourself and your vision even when others don’t. The market takes time to catch up.”
4. Build a Strong Team – Bhavish Aggarwal (Ola)
According to Bhavish, co-founder of Ola, a startup’s growth is directly proportional to the strength of its team. Finding passionate, skilled people who share your vision is essential.
“You can’t build a great company without a great team.”
5. Customer Obsession – Nandan Nilekani (Infosys)
Nandan Nilekani, a co-founder of Infosys and the architect of Aadhaar, advocates for unwavering focus on customer needs. Whether it’s IT services or public digital infrastructure, his approach remains the same.
“Put the user at the center. If you solve for them, everything else follows.”
6. Sustainability Over Hype – Sridhar Vembu (Zoho)
Sridhar Vembu built Zoho into a billion-dollar company without any external funding. His mantra? Long-term thinking and self-reliance.
“Don’t fall for the glamour of startup culture. Build something that lasts.”
Final Words
The top business tips from Indian entrepreneurs offer more than just advice—they reflect years of experience, risk-taking, and learning from failure. Whether you’re launching a tech startup, a retail brand, or a social enterprise, these insights can guide your journey and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Entrepreneurship in India is no longer limited to metros or tech circles. With determination, insight, and the right mindset, anyone can succeed—and these proven tips can light the way.
