Budgets And Bravehearts
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has indicated that the interim budget that she will present on 1 February will be shorn of "spectacular announcements", as indeed the vote-on-account on the eve of a national general election inevitably is. Even so, the hopeful hope is that Sitharaman’s last budget presentation in her current term will bear good tidings for select demographics like women, the farming community, industry and the taxpayer. Will she hint at policy measures her government could bring if voted back to power?
Our package on the Union Budget compiles voices from industry, think tanks and our own inhouse experts in a bid to predict the contents of the finance minister’s red tablet pouch. Ashish Sinha picks up trends from past interim budgets and maps a pattern that indicates that the upcoming interim budget too may play a pivotal role in shaping India's future economic roadmap.
The year 2023 saw a prolonged funding winter for startups, primarily because of macroeconomic trends emanating from geopolitical developments. Despite the thin capital flows, the startup ecosystem echoed the mood of the Indian economy at large. It showed resilience. Bravehearts among new entrepreneurs focussed on a more frugal business approach and pressed the pedal on scouting for profitable customers.
A significant driving force behind this entrepreneurial drive is the relentless acceleration of digitalisation and developments around artificial intelligence. This phenomenon has paved the way for a wave of tech-focused startups, who are disrupting traditional industries and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers. From fintech solutions to edtech platforms, these digital ventures are transforming how we live, work and interact with the world around us. The seventh edition of the annual BW Disrupt 40 under 40 awards were organised in this backdrop. With over 150 entries and a thorough screening round, nearly 80 nominees were finally shortlisted and invited to make a presentation before a jury panel chaired by Aman Gupta, Co-founder & CMO, Boat.
Startups were judged on their major accomplishments, key contributions to their organisations, strategies for brand growth and leadership journey in the year gone by. Our cover package features the winners of this year's event. Read about their entrepreneurial journeys and how they forecast the growth metrics of the startup ecosystem in the country.
You will also enjoy this issue's Last Word, from my conversation with Tata Play Managing Director and CEO Harit Nagpal. Nagpal talks of his new book ‘Adapt: To Thrive, Not Just Survive’, which incidentally is among my top picks for you to read this year, as listed in the previous issue. Mr Nagpal delves into how business basics stay the same and how businesses should adapt to the changing environment and make the most of the disruption in their respective sectors.
Of course, we also bring to you all our regular features and columns.
Happy Reading!
