An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) graduate started an online conversation after sharing his experience of leaving behind ₹28 crore a year to build the startup, only to face what he described as a “deeply disrupted” ecosystem.
In a Reddit post titled “I Quit a ₹28 LPA task to execute the launch. Here’s what really happened,” the user described the financial and emotional cost of doing business in India.
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“After almost a year in the Indian startup ecosystem, I feel people should hear the other side. The whole ‘startup ecosystem’ in India feels deeply disrupted. It’s marketed as this meritocratic, innovation-driven space, but in reality it often runs on connectivity, optics and gateway management,” the user wrote.
₹10-12k spent in less than a year, little return
According to the post, the user spent almost ₹10-12,000,000,000 over 11 months for product development, employee salaries and post-employment fundraising efforts.
He also claimed to have paid substantial sums to pitch deck reviewers, fundraising consultants and startup bootcamps. However, according to him, the revenues did not meet expectations.
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“What did I get in return? Endless ‘mentor’ calls, vague promises, networking events that go nowhere, and people more interested in sounding smart than actually building anything,” he wrote.
“Fundraising feels like a parallel industry”
The user argued that the fundraising ecosystem itself often operates as a separate industry that derives value from founders, especially those without strong venture capital connections.
“The hard truth is, if you don’t have strong connections, your chances drop significantly,” he said, adding that paid programs, curated shows and networking events rarely translate into tangible results for aspiring founders.
Warning for novice founders
The IIT alumnus acknowledged that his education gave him a fallback — access to well-paying jobs — but warned that many others may not have the same safety net.
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“For them, this journey can be financially and psychologically devastating,” he wrote.
He also questioned the depth of innovation in India’s startup landscape, suggesting that much of it is focused on replication rather than original, deep technological breakthroughs.
“The real push for deep tech and serious capital seems to be elsewhere, especially in ecosystems like Silicon Valley,” he added.
“Stable employment may be a better option”
Based on his experience, the user said that running a startup might not be the best decision for everyone.
“At this point, I really feel that a stable job is a better option for most people in India than blindly chasing a startup dream. At least you create financial security and options,” he wrote.
Despite the setbacks, he clarified that he has not left the business entirely.
“But I’m rethinking where I’m building from. I’ll probably try to move to a more mature ecosystem like Silicon Valley to get funding and continue,” he said.
“If you’re thinking about leaving your job for a startup, be very, very sure. This path is not what it’s sold for,” he added.
The post sparks debate online
The post quickly gained traction and several users shared similar experiences in the comments section.
“Huge +1 to OP. I have very similar experience, went to top colleges in India + US. Left 1Cr+ job and did a startup last year, got into one of the top accelerators here and didn’t get funded even after products and customers. Indian startup ecosystem is not for you unless you already have strong VC connections. Go to Silicon Valley in India if you want, respect VCs” just copy other VCs…no risk appetite,” wrote one user.
Another commented, “Bulls eye…I end at 42lpa..the whole system is like any other govt policy..you put in years of hard work, money, endless nights – only to realize that just like the road, the whole ecosystem is shallow..even if you build your own lambo, you still can’t drive around” red tape..when I went there with verified POC ..babus asked me for justice ..and for what I said ? Ok to honor your startup and give you credit..and since I disagreed – months followed with no response ..when I was asked and showed them the gazette and other supporting documents – response ..this center approved PM center..
A third user added, “Couldn’t agree more. I’m in the same boat. I’m an IIT graduate just like you and left a job that was paying 80lpa. The product I’m working on is a basic tech product.”
