Manas Pal, Co-Founder, PedalStart
“Being a founder of a startup that itself is working to upscale and enable a startup founder’s journey, the pre-budget expectations come from the perspective of the whole founder’s community that we are building and revolve around fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. I hope the government focuses on simplifying regulatory processes, offering tax incentives, and providing access to affordable capital for early-stage ventures. A conducive ecosystem for research and development, along with support for emerging technologies, can propel our nation toward global leadership in the digital economy. Furthermore, initiatives to enhance skill development and promote collaboration between academia and industry would greatly benefit the start-up ecosystem. A forward-looking budget that encourages risk-taking embraces technological advancements, and addresses the unique challenges faced by start-ups will not only stimulate economic growth but also solidify our position as a hub for innovation on the global stage.”
Sahil Jain, Co-Founder, Techno Companion
“In the realm of startups, the anticipation preceding the budget is akin to a pivotal chapter in the entrepreneurial journey. The pre-budget expectations of startups are not merely fiscal aspirations; they embody the collective hopes of innovators and visionaries seeking a conducive ecosystem. Startups yearn for tax reforms, simplified regulatory frameworks, and increased access to funding, laying the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation. The budget becomes a compass guiding the entrepreneurial spirit towards a landscape of opportunities, fostering an environment where risk-taking is encouraged and creativity flourishes. As we await the fiscal blueprint, the startup community envisions a budget where innovation thrives with investment and vision. As the Co-founder of Techno Companion, I believe that software development services are poised to catalyze progress, forging a digital future through strategic budgetary foresight”.
Ms Aditi Balbir, Co-founder, EcoRatings.
“The 2024 budget should prioritize sustainability in the infrastructure and energy sectors. Emphasizing sustainable agriculture and striving for net zero targets are also key focal points. We also expect measures including incentivizing sustainability in the retail sector, extending industry status recognition, and encouraging the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings across various sectors beyond securities and banks. To reinforce the link between sustainability and financial benefits, the budget should introduce substantial incentives, such as lower interest rates for ESG loans and grants for companies compliant with ESG standards. This approach will establish a direct correlation between sustainability efforts and financial advantages. Furthermore, the budget should also envision the mandatory adoption of comprehensive compliances, such as the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR), for all companies. Additionally, the introduction of product-level ratings to enhance transparency, providing clearer insights into ESG parameters.”