As 2024 approaches, the Indian startup ecosystem finds itself at a transformative crossroads. This year has been a journey of resilience and reinvention, where businesses have weathered economic headwinds, embraced cutting-edge technologies, and moved towards sustainable growth.
The growing maturity of the Indian initial public offering (IPO) market was one of the standout developments of the year. Companies with strong unit economics and profitability are now seeing a clear path to listing on the public markets, signaling a new era of opportunity for founders and investors.
At Prime Venture Partners (pvp) In the year-end all-partner podcast, Sanjay Swamy, Sripati Acharya, Amit Somani, and Brij Bhushan reflect on the defining moments of the year.
From the continued evolution of AI and fintech to the challenges and opportunities of rapid commerce and IPO readiness, their candid insights paint a clear picture of what lies ahead for Indian startups.
This article includes key takeaways, actionable lessons, and bold predictions shared during the discussion. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or tech enthusiast, Reflections of 2024 offers valuable lessons for navigating the ever-changing landscape of the Indian startup ecosystem.
AI moves from buzzword to business imperative
“AI has become second nature to consumers and businesses alike,” noted Sripathy Acharya, highlighting how startups are integrating AI not just as an enabler but as a core part of their operations.
Sharing a personal anecdote, he said, “Just last week, my daughter used ChatGPT to find out her compensation rights after a flight delay. It’s no longer a novelty – it’s a utility.”
For startups like Quizizz, AI has been a game-changer. “They have used AI to expand their usefulness to both teachers and students,” Acharya noted. Features like dynamic accommodations allow for personalized assessments, making learning more inclusive and effective.
Looking ahead, Acharya asserted, “AI is opening up new vistas for innovation to address particularly India-specific problems. The surface area of what we can solve with technology is expanding rapidly and in a highly inclusive way.”
Indian IPOs: A new era for startup exits
A standout milestone for 2024 was clarity on IPO pathways for Indian startups. Sanjay Swamy shared, “For years, founders wondered where the exit would come from. Today, companies with $50-$70 million in revenue, sound unit economics, and profitability can realistically target IPOs in the Indian public markets.
This development has boosted the confidence of entrepreneurs and investors, creating a solid target for scaling companies. “It’s no longer just about building big businesses — it’s about building publicly sustainable businesses,” Swamy added.
Fast Commerce: Bubble or Long-Term Opportunity?
Accelerated commerce has sparked debate throughout 2024. While it has undeniably reshaped consumer behavior, questions about profitability persist.
Brij Bhushan aptly sums it up: “If you deliver something in 10 minutes that takes three days, consumers will love it. But profitability requires deep pockets and disciplined execution.”
The challenges extend beyond consumer-facing services to the backbone of rapid commerce – supply chains and logistics.
“It’s not just about delivery in 10 minutes,” Bhushan said. “Startups are completely rethinking supply chains, creating opportunities for new infrastructure and platforms to emerge.”
Edtech’s third is coming
After a turbulent phase, edtech is making a comeback. “Edtech and healthcare will be necessary even 500 years from now,” said Amit Somani.
Startups like PlanetSpark have paved the way with profitable, scalable models. “They have focused on the fundamentals — unit economics and providing value to learners — to create sustainable businesses,” Somani said.
The integration of AI in education has further boosted this field. “Companies like Quizizz are leading by example in using AI to transform learning experiences,” said Acharya.
Somani predicts that the next wave of edtech will focus on personalized and inclusive learning. “There is a growing awareness that online learning is not just an option – it’s a way to close gaps in access and quality.”
Fintech: The gift that keeps on giving
Although a well-established field, fintech continues to evolve. As Swamy observed, “India is massively starved of credit. It’s a place where opportunity is limitless, providing startups stay in regulatory lanes.”
Startups like Freo exemplify this disciplined approach. “They have demonstrated exceptional discipline in acquiring customers at low cost while maintaining tight control over NPAs,” Swamy said.
Acharya added a note of caution: “The best fintech entrepreneurs understand the spirit behind the regulation, not just the letter. Building businesses that align with this spirit is what differentiates long-term winners.”
Profitability: The cornerstone of 2024
If one theme defined 2024, it was profitability. From consumer startups to SaaS enterprises, the focus has shifted to sustainable growth.
“MyGate is a great example,” said Swamy. “They’ve achieved profitability by combining ad revenue, SaaS, and innovative products like MyGate locks. It’s about getting back to basics and staying laser-focused on the customer’s needs.”
Somani highlighted another dimension of profitability: leadership. “Embracing coaching and investing in high-quality leadership teams has been transformative for our portfolio companies. It’s a sign of a maturing ecosystem.”
What’s next for 2025?
After the podcast ended, each speaker shared their predictions for the year ahead.
Acharya stressed on the democratization of technology: “Voice technology will make innovation accessible to everyone. Imagine interacting with software in your native language – that’s the future.”
Somani predicted a resurgence in edtech driven by sustainable models and AI-driven personalization.
“We’re entering the third coming of edtech, and this time, it’s here to stay.”
Swamy looked towards IoT and AI convergence: “IoT with AI is going to be extraordinarily exciting. The intersection of these technologies will create entirely new categories of startups.”
Bhushan summed it up: “2025 will be about startups solving specific, high-impact problems with integrated solutions. It’s not just about innovation – it’s about relevance and execution.”
As we enter 2025, the Indian startup ecosystem is stronger, more mature, and more innovative than ever. For entrepreneurs, the message is clear: focus on the fundamentals, embrace technology, and build with purpose.