New Delhi (India), May 26: In recent years, India has seen a surge in entrepreneurship and startups, with the country now ranking as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. While the majority of these startups have been established in Tier 1 cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, a new wave of entrepreneurs is emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
Unlike their counterparts from big cities, these entrepreneurs have a more human approach to business. They prioritise their employees' well-being and treat them like family, unlike startups that treat their employees like machines. One such entrepreneur is Ar. Harkaran Singh, a young and dynamic Indian designer from Punjab.
In December 2016, Ar. Harkaran Singh and his sister Simran Boparai started Space 5, a design firm with just 2-3 employees and no external investment. Under his leadership, the firm grew into a multi-disciplinary practice, with a new ofce in Delhi opening in 2022.
Harkaran Singh believes in giving his employees a voice and a share in the company's profts, making Space 5 a more human startup.
In 2022, Harkaran started his second venture, MMH, a consult-tech platform for the real-estate sector. He envisions making MMH the most prominent name in the real-estate consultation industry.
These entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns have a unique perspective and a deep understanding of their communities needs, making them well-positioned to create solutions that resonate with the Indian market. Their approach is more focused on solving real problems faced by Indians and creating products that are relatable and relevant to the local population.
As Indians, we cannot blindly follow the models set by Silicon Valley. Instead, we need to foster more human-centred startups like Tatas and HCL, rather than companies like Facebook and Microsoft. We must look forward to creating more products that address Indian problems and are tailored to the Indian market. And are more empathetic, putting the health of his employees first.
In conclusion, these Tier 2 and Tier 3 town entrepreneurs are spearheading the change in India's startup ecosystem with their more human approach to business. With their unique perspective and focus on solving real problems, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for Indian startups.