India will have 1L startups by 2025: Mohandas Pai
What's the story
India will have one lakh startups by 2025 which will create a value of $500bn, says Manipal Global Education Chairman TV Mohandas Pai. About 3.25mn people will find employment opportunities with them, he said, adding they will also generate "lot of money for investors". As of now, there are about 32,000 startups in India. About 7,000 new ones come up every year.
Exits
'Better exits needed to retain Indian entrepreneurs'
Pai, who considers India the third largest ecosystem for startups (after US and China), batted for better startup exits including by listing, which will "provide liquidity, create brand and give discipline". Attractively-priced IPOs will get good returns, he said, predicting four-five startups will get listed in the next year. Such steps would encourage Indian entrepreneurs to stay here rather than going abroad for funds.
Profile
A brief introduction to Mohandas Pai
Pai, an angel investor, is the founder/co-founder of several firms, including Exfinity, Aarin Capital and StartupXseed, and an advisor to Manipal Education and Medical Group, Ideaspring Capital and InGovern Research Services Private Limited. He served as the Infosys CFO during 1994-2006 and later moved to HR, Education and Research, and Administration. Since July'16, he has been a Public Interest Director at the NSE.