Our Dynamic Startup Ecosystem
This edition of BW Disrupt 40 Under 40 highlights not only enterprising entrepreneurs but also intrapreneurs driving growth within established organisations
The past decade seems to have been a golden phase for innovation, bringing to the fore bright, young minds fired by a zeal for entrepreneurship. This surge in enterprisers has fostered a dynamic startup ecosystem, abuzz with transformative ideas and disruptive technologies. The new enterprises that have emerged out of it are fuelling growth across sectors like FMCG, D2C, FinTech and artificial intelligence.
The startup ecosystem has faced its own set of challenges like a funding winter and a shift in investor sentiment, but many new ventures have demonstrated remarkable resilience, emerging stronger than before from the setbacks. Many are more focussed now on sustainability and are ready to scale up their operations to greater heights. The re-emergence of unicorns and the spate of initial public offerings (IPOs) by new enterprises signal a renewed confidence within this ecosystem. The buzz around IPOs, often viewed as the final stamp of validation for startups, reflects a robust belief in the long-term viability of these young entrepreneurial ventures.
The BW Disrupt 40 under 40 Awards is now in its eighth edition. This prestigious event continues to be a platform for celebrating the trailblazing efforts of India’s most promising young entrepreneurs who have attained extraordinary heights in their respective fields. This year’s edition, however, takes on an even broader perspective. In addition to recognising entrepreneurs who have disrupted industries with their bold ideas, we have expanded our spotlight to include intrapreneurs ‒ visionary individuals who drive growth and innovation from within well-established organisations.
This issue also features a special package on our annual initiative, BW Top Marketers. This mission is significant as it brings back focus on the pivotal role marketers play in uniting organisations, especially during challenging times. As the closest link to the consumer, marketing helps companies adapt to evolving demands. Today’s marketers face increasing expectations, rapid technological advancements and the task of balancing the new with the traditional while understanding modern consumers. BW Top Marketers celebrate over 90 professionals who excel in these areas, consistently setting benchmarks and guiding the way forward for others in the industry.
The Last Word goes to HDFC Bank’s Kaizad M. Bharucha who talks about the bank’s Parivartan initiative, focussing on empowering communities through rural development, education, skill training, healthcare, and environmental efforts. Of course, we also bring to you, all our regular columns and features. Happy Reading!
