CONFLUENCE

Case Study Challange

ABC pvt ltd
Ishaan Sharma
Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies
 Breaking Barriers: Why Indian Startups Struggle to Scale
A deep dive into funding gaps, skill shortages, and global expansion challenges holding back India’s startup ecosystem.

1 Key Challenges Faced by Indian Tech Founders 2 What has been done?
Metrics ✅ T-Hub (2015, Hyderabad) – Public-private incubator backed by Telangana Govt., IIIT-
Indian Startups Scaling Globally 8% H, ISB. Offers mentorship, networking, and funding.
🔹 T-Bridge program connects startups to global markets for expansion.
Global Startup Failure Rate 90%
Funding Issues as Failure Cause 29% ✅ National Innovation Foundation (NIF) (2000) – Built a database of 345,000+
Skill Gaps as Failure Cause 23% innovations. Supports IP protection, validation, and commercialization of new ideas.

Cultural Adaptability as Failure Cause 38%

✅ IndiaAI Mission ($1.25B Initiative) – Govt-backed AI development fund enhancing
Note: The percentages for funding and skill gaps are derived from a 2014 Fortune article computing power, AI education, and startup funding in healthcare, agriculture, and
analyzing startup failures. enterprise tech.

3 Where the problem lies? ✅ Technology Adoption Fund (₹500 Cr / $57.58M, 2025) – Led by IN-SPACe, aims to
boost early-stage space startups and reduce India's dependence on space tech
These initiatives support funding, innovation, and global scaling—but a structured imports.
reskilling program is still missing.

Extras
4 What should be done?
*but provides a link that industry is booming
✅ High-Stress Decision-Making → Founders to handle real-world startup challenges.
Fintech Poised to Usurp Ecommerce
✅ Hands-On, Adaptive Learning → No passive lectures—real execution, real consequences.
as the most Funded Startup Sector in
✅ Investor & Mentor Networking → Direct exposure to top VCs, startup leaders, and
India.
policymakers.
✅ Custom Learning Paths → AI-driven reskilling roadmap for each founder. The average annual growth rate
✅ Global Market Immersion → Founders to experience real-world international expansion (AAGR) of fintech funding Was 45%
challenges, including cultural adaptation and regulatory hurdles (2015-2020) compared to
ecommerce’s 20%

"Startups don’t fail because of mistakes—they fail because of the problems they Problem Solution Appendix
never learned to solve." 🚀
 Startup War Room
Learning the high-stakes game of global expansion—navigate challenges, outmaneuver competitors, and secure funding in a war-room simulation

🎮 Game Concept
Welcome to the “Global Startup War Room,” where Indian tech founders enter an intense, high-stakes simulation designed to transform them into global entrepreneurs. This is not a lecture,
a seminar, or a theoretical exercise—this is war. The battlefield? The global startup ecosystem. Your mission? Scale a tech startup in an international market, tackle real-world business
challenges, outmaneuver competitors, and secure funding—all in an accelerated, gamified format.
🎯 Game Structure: The Three Stages of Survival
Stage 1: Bootstrap Mode (Survival Funding Challenge) Stage 2: Global Market Entry Challenge Stage 3: The Final Battle – Real Market Pitch for Actual
🔥 "You have an idea, but no funding. Can you survive?" 🔥 "You have capital—now, can you scale internationally?" Funding
🔥 "You survived. Now, can you convince real investors?"
1. Assigned startup persona & global target market (e.g., 1. Assigned market-specific challenges (e.g., EU
AI SaaS in Germany). regulations, cultural localization in UAE). 1. Live pitch to real VCs, angels & startup accelerators.
2. Limited war chest → Decide on MVP, hiring, legal risks. 2. Real-time simulations: New laws, economic shifts, 2. Defend business model, scalability, financials, risk
3. Market Shocks: Unexpected regulations, competitor competitor strategies every 24 hrs. strategy.
moves. 3. Partnership Mode: Merge, acquire, collaborate with 3. Top-performing teams get actual funding & fast-track
4. Investor Simulation: Pitch to seed investors (VCs/angels other players access to accelerators.
acting as NPCs).
5. Fail to raise? Pivot or bootstrap to stay in the game
🔑 Winning Condition: Secure enough capital to scale 🔑 Winning Condition: Expand successfully & demonstrate 🔑 Winning Condition: Secure funding or a sustainable global
globally. revenue potential. expansion strategy.

🔗 Key Stakeholders & Execution 📍 Implementation Format 🔑 Execution Steps

• Govt. (Startup India, NASSCOM, MeitY) → Funding, policy, AI ✅ Hybrid (Best): Online AI bootcamp + 11️⃣ Planning (3-6M): Secure funding, onboard govt.,
War Room + Offline investor pitch. VCs, and partners.
integration.
• VCs & Accelerators (IAN, 100X.VC, YC, Techstars) → Funding, ✅ Fully Online: Scalable, gamified 2️⃣ Development (6-9M): Build AI-driven simulation
startup simulation. with real-world challenges.
mentorship, global access.
• EdTech & Simulation Companies (Coursera, UpGrad, GameEon) → ✅ Fully Offline: Real-world simulation 3️⃣ Pilot (3M): Test with 100 startups, refine
in major startup hubs. mechanics & learning paths.
AI learning, platform development.
• Universities (IIMs, IITs, ISB, BITS) → Talent pipeline, infrastructure. 4️⃣ Rollout (1Y): Nationwide launch, real
investments, integrate with Startup India.
This is NOT a seminar, NOT a hackathon—it’s an entrepreneurial battlefield. Problem Solution Appendix
💡 The next global Indian unicorns will be forged in the War Room. 🚀🔥
APPENDIX
Real-World Inspiration
📌 Harvard FIELD Program – Market immersion & real-time strategy shifts.
✅ Global Immersion: Students travel to different countries, work with local businesses, and solve real business challenges.
✅ Experiential Learning: Instead of traditional classroom learning, students tackle real-world problems for companies.
✅ Cross-Cultural Exposure: Participants work in diverse teams, enhancing adaptability and global business acumen.
✅ Company Collaborations: HBS partners with international firms, startups, and social enterprises.
Citation- https://www.exed.hbs.edu/leadership-development?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-
search&utm_campaign=brand-clp-pld-global-none-phrase-cross-device-all&utm_id=core&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz6q-
BhCfARIsAOezPxmRfRvD5n-_H4QrkOKh6MIOJb7mQ0fGrXJs8NqAOSgsZiYEkM5YDwoaAtt6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

📌 Y Combinator Startup School – Rapid pivots based on investor feedback.

✅ Free Online Program: No cost, open to all aspiring founders worldwide.
✅ Structured Curriculum: Covers startup fundamentals like idea validation, product-market fit, and fundraising.
✅ Access to YC Community: Engage with YC alumni, mentors, and a global network of founders.
✅ Weekly Group Sessions: Live discussions with YC partners and fellow entrepreneurs.
✅ Pitch & Fundraising Guidance: Learn how to pitch to investors and secure funding.
✅ Certificate of Completion: Issued to those who finish the course.
Citation- https://www.startupschool.org/

📌 MIT $100K Challenge – High-intensity business simulation with real funding.

The MIT $100K Challenge is one of the world’s most prestigious startup competitions, run by the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT). It is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs launch, fund, and scale their startups
through mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities.
Citation- https://www.mit100k.org/

Problem Solution Appendix

Global Startup Ecosystem and India
No. of Startups Globally Best Cities for Startup
This image shows the number of startups in This ranking highlights the world's top startup
different countries across the world. The highest ecosystems, with San Francisco Bay far ahead,
concentration is in the United Kingdom (51,410), reflecting its dominance in tech and innovation. The
followed by the United States (44,463). Other U.S. has a strong presence with multiple cities,
countries like India (15,820) and South Korea benefiting from deep venture capital networks, top
(16,512) also have a significant number of universities, and a culture of entrepreneurship. London
startups. leads in Europe, showing its strength in fintech and AI,
For India, having over 15,000 startups highlights while China’s Beijing and Shanghai are rising global
its growing role as a global innovation hub. The hubs, driven by government support and a massive
country has a strong startup ecosystem, especially domestic market. Tel Aviv’s position reflects Israel’s
in tech, fintech, and AI, with cities like Bengaluru, reputation as a "Startup Nation" with strong R&D.
Delhi, and Mumbai leading the way. India ranks 8th, showing its growing influence in the
global startup scene.

No. of Accelerators Globally

This map shows the number of startup
accelerators worldwide. The highest
concentration is in Germany (1,234) and the U.S.
(925), with strong numbers in other regions too.
India has 186 accelerators, playing a crucial role in
supporting its growing startup ecosystem. These
accelerators provide mentorship, funding, and
networking opportunities, helping early-stage
startups scale faster

Citation- https://www.startupblink.com/accelerators

Problem Solution Appendix

Cost of Startup Globally

Citation- https://techstartups.com/2021/06/23/cost-launching-startup-
starting-business-every-country-around-world/

Problem Solution Appendix

 Citations
Data
• Talent Acquisition and Retention -
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/3-biggest-challenges-that-indias-deep-tech-startup-sector-is-facing/articleshow/111211643.cms?utm
• Regulatory and Compliance Complexities - https://www.bwdisrupt.com/article/here-how-indian-startups-are-charting-paths-to-global-markets-520369?utm
• Cultural and Language Barriers -
https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/indian-smbs-focus-on-global-expansion-amidst-tech-operational-hurdles-124092300610_1.html?utm
https://medium.com/%40caring_candy_scorpion_639/navigating-the-global-maze-challenges-faced-by-indian-startups-0db0227b8db8?utm
• Skill Gaps - AI and Machine Learning - https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/news-and-trends/indian-ai-pool-to-touch-125-million-by-2027-still-not/478693?utm
• Workforce Readiness - https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/bridging-the-gap-in-indias-workforce-skill-deficit/117575510?utm
• Digital Talent Supply and Demand - https://community.nasscom.in/communities/talent-skills/india-tech-industry-digital-talent-demand-and-supply-2023?utm
• Soft Skills and Cultural Competence - https://medium.com/%40Globallaunchbase/challenges-and-support-for-indian-startups-going-abroad-5a5b534b6aa0?utm
• SaaS companies - https://www.businesswireindia.com/42-percent-of-indian-startups-plan-to-go-global-in-2022-turningideas-survey-76496.html ?
• AI Adoption and Talent Development - https://time.com/7018294/india-ai-artificial-intelligence-ambani/?utm
• Startups in India Statistics and Facts - https://www.statista.com/topics/4839/startups-in-india/
Inspirations
• Harvard FIELD Program - https://www.exed.hbs.edu/leadership-development?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=brand-clp-pld-global-none-
phrase-cross-device-all&utm_id=core&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz6q-BhCfARIsAOezPxmRfRvD5n-
_H4QrkOKh6MIOJb7mQ0fGrXJs8NqAOSgsZiYEkM5YDwoaAtt6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
• Y Combinator Startup School - https://www.startupschool.org/
• MIT $100K Challenge - https://www.mit100k.org/
Global Research
• Global Startup Ecosystem - https://www.startupblink.com/accelerators
• Cost of Startup - https://techstartups.com/2021/06/23/cost-launching-startup-starting-business-every-country-around-world/
Research Reports
• Launching The State Of Indian Startup Ecosystem Report 2021 - https://inc42.com/datalab/launching-the-state-of-indian-startup-ecosystem-report-2021/

Problem Solution Appendix

THANK YOU