December 2017 Entrepreneur India Monthly Magazine
In December 2017, Entrepreneur India captured a pivotal moment in the Indian startup ecosystem. The country was undergoing a dramatic transformation—rising digital penetration, increased government support, and a surge of investor confidence were aligning to redefine entrepreneurship in India. Startups were no longer just urban experiments—they were beginning to solve real problems across Tier II and Tier III cities, while shaping consumer behavior in both online and offline spaces. December 2017 Entrepreneur India offered an in-depth view of this dynamic landscape, identifying key insights, emerging trends, and the disruptive innovations that would set the stage for years to come. Startup Ecosystem: Fueling the New India The December 2017 Entrepreneur India edition highlighted the growing maturity of the Indian startup ecosystem. With over 5,000 active startups, India had solidified its place as the third-largest startup hub in the world, following only the US and the UK. The landscape was not just thriving in terms of numbers—it was also becoming more sophisticated in structure and ambition. Key accelerators and incubators were instrumental in offering early-stage mentoring and seed funding. Initiatives like NASSCOM 10,000 Startups, Indian Angel Network, and government-led programs under the Startup India mission were gaining momentum. The magazine noted that many founders were second-time entrepreneurs, bringing with them not just capital, but hard-earned experience and sharper business acumen. Moreover, sectors such as fintech, healthtech, edtech, and agritech were seeing robust growth. Platforms like Paytm, Razorpay, Practo, and Byju’s were disrupting traditional business models and creating new value for users. December 2017 Entrepreneur India identified that innovation in these sectors was driven by a strong understanding of local problems and a digital-first approach. Funding Trends: Strategic Capital Flows The year-end analysis in December 2017 Entrepreneur India also examined investment trends. Though there had been a correction in funding after the exuberant highs of 2015 and 2016, investor interest remained strong. Startups with a clear path to profitability and solid unit economics were rewarded, while those built solely on user acquisition without revenue models were under scrutiny. Venture capital firms were focusing on late-stage funding rounds and had become more cautious with seed and angel investments. The article pointed to high-profile rounds such as Flipkart’s $1.4 billion raise from Microsoft, eBay, and Tencent as signs that Indian startups were still highly attractive on the global stage. SoftBank’s Vision Fund had also started reshaping the investment landscape with aggressive funding strategies. What December 2017 Entrepreneur India emphasized was that startups now had to balance growth with operational efficiency. Metrics like burn rate, customer lifetime value, and return on marketing investments were now central to any pitch deck. Investors were no longer interested in vanity metrics—they wanted substance. Rise of Regional Startups One of the most compelling insights from December 2017 Entrepreneur India was the rise of startups from smaller cities. No longer confined to Bengaluru, Delhi, or Mumbai, innovation was emerging from cities like Jaipur, Kochi, Pune, and Bhubaneswar. Enabled by better internet access, supportive state policies, and affordable talent pools, regional startups were making their presence felt. These ventures often focused on hyperlocal solutions—solving logistics for rural farmers, providing vernacular education apps, or offering telemedicine services. Entrepreneurs from smaller towns brought deep contextual knowledge and were more frugal and adaptable. December 2017 Entrepreneur India profiled several such founders who were rewriting the rules of what success looked like beyond metros. Women Entrepreneurs: Breaking the Glass Ceiling Another trend that received significant attention in December 2017 Entrepreneur India was the rising number of women-led startups. The magazine featured stories of female founders who were tackling gender disparities and creating inclusive workplaces. Platforms like Nykaa, founded by Falguni Nayar, were examples of how women could build massive, scalable, and investor-backed businesses in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Government programs, corporate diversity initiatives, and networks such as SHEROES and WEE Foundation were fostering this change. Importantly, many women-led ventures focused on sectors like wellness, fashion, education, and community engagement, bringing a unique perspective to the startup discourse. The article argued that diversity was not just a social goal—it made business sense. Teams with diverse backgrounds were shown to be more innovative and resilient, key traits for any startup to thrive. Corporate-Startup Collaboration In 2017, another major shift noted by December 2017 Entrepreneur India was the growing collaboration between startups and large corporations. Many enterprises had launched innovation labs, venture arms, and accelerator programs to tap into startup agility. For instance, Mahindra’s Spark the Rise initiative and Reliance’s JioGenNext program were examples of how legacy firms were partnering with startups for innovation and market expansion. This collaboration was mutually beneficial. While corporates gained access to new ideas and customer segments, startups got much-needed distribution support and credibility. The article highlighted how this trend would continue to shape B2B and B2C ecosystems alike. Government and Regulatory Support The policy environment in 2017 was one of cautious optimism. December 2017 Entrepreneur India acknowledged that government support through schemes like Startup India, MUDRA loans, and easier compliance norms had begun to take effect. However, founders still faced hurdles in taxation, funding compliance, and IP protections. GST implementation was a significant event in 2017, and while its rollout was initially rocky, the long-term benefits of a unified tax regime were becoming evident. Startups were adapting to the new system with the help of SaaS-based accounting tools, some of which were themselves built by Indian entrepreneurs. The magazine also emphasized the need for more robust exit options for startups—India’s IPO market for startups was still underdeveloped, and secondary sales or acquisitions remained the main avenues for liquidity. Future Outlook: Preparing for 2018 and Beyond As the curtain closed on 2017, December 2017 Entrepreneur India concluded that Indian startups were entering a phase of consolidation and discipline. The mad rush of hyperfunding had made way for strategic thinking, lean operations, and sustainable growth. Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and machine learning were poised to take center stage in the coming years. Startups integrating these technologies into core operations were expected to dominate the next
Start Your Own Export Oriented Unit and Most Profitable Project.
Starting an export business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, especially for beginners who are exploring ways to enter the global market. With India’s booming manufacturing sector, agricultural richness, and digital connectivity, the opportunity to build a profitable export business is more accessible than ever. Entrepreneurs no longer need huge capital or complex logistics to start – just a good product, an understanding of regulations, and strong market research can go a long way. Top Profitable Export Business Ideas for Beginners India is a land of diversity – from spices to textiles and handicrafts to engineering goods. This makes it an ideal launching pad for an export business that can cater to global demands. Let’s explore some high-potential ideas that beginners can start with minimal risk and investment. 1. Spices and Herbs India is globally renowned for its aromatic and flavorful spices. Products like turmeric, cumin, cardamom, pepper, and cloves are in high demand across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Starting an export business in spices can be quite profitable due to high margins, long shelf life, and increasing global demand for authentic Indian flavorings. Beginners can start by sourcing from local farms or spice markets and partnering with quality packaging providers. 2. Organic Food and Grains The global health-conscious wave has created a massive demand for organic food. From organic rice and pulses to grains like quinoa and millet, India’s agricultural sector provides a solid supply base. Exporting organic food requires proper certifications (like USDA Organic or EU Organic Certification), but once that’s in place, countries like Germany, the US, and the UK offer lucrative markets. The startup cost is relatively low if you partner with certified farms. 3. Handicrafts and Artisanal Products Indian handicrafts are admired worldwide for their intricate designs and cultural value. From wooden carvings of Saharanpur to pottery from Khurja, jute products, metalwork, and embroidery from Rajasthan and Gujarat – there is a global market for authentic handmade products. This export business idea is perfect for beginners who want to support artisans and local craftsmanship while building a sustainable income. 4. Textile and Garments India’s textile industry is one of the largest in the world. There is high export potential in cotton garments, ethnic wear, scarves, and embroidered fabric. Exporting garments to countries like the US, UAE, and Europe can be profitable due to low production costs and strong demand for ethnic and sustainable clothing. Beginners can start with a single category – like linen kurtas or embroidered scarves – and gradually expand the product line. 5. Leather Goods From wallets and belts to handbags and jackets, Indian leather products are well-regarded for quality and affordability. Exporting leather items can be a great niche for new entrepreneurs. To start, one must register with the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) and ensure adherence to animal welfare and quality standards in destination countries. With the right strategy and ethical sourcing, this export business can yield strong profits. 6. Ayurvedic and Herbal Products Ayurveda has taken the global health and wellness industry by storm. Products like herbal teas, oils, skincare, haircare, and wellness supplements are in demand across the globe. Exporting Ayurvedic products offers an excellent opportunity for beginners looking to enter the booming natural health segment. Licensing and approval from export authorities like AYUSH and FSSAI are required, but once cleared, the business can scale rapidly. 7. Engineering and Auto Components India’s strength in engineering and auto components offers a golden export opportunity. Parts like fasteners, brake systems, engine components, and bearings are in high demand in African, Latin American, and Southeast Asian markets. While this segment may require more technical know-how and slightly higher capital, many small manufacturers and MSMEs offer white-label partnerships. For a beginner with industry insight, this can be an incredibly profitable export business. 8. Imitation Jewelry and Accessories Fashion accessories and imitation jewelry from India have found a strong presence in international markets, especially among Indian diaspora communities. These products are lightweight, easy to ship, and have high margins. For beginners, this export business offers a low-entry barrier and great flexibility. Targeting online platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and boutique stores abroad can help quickly scale the business. 9. Furniture and Home Décor Wooden furniture, hand-carved pieces, and eco-friendly décor items like bamboo and cane products have seen rising demand in Western markets. Exporting furniture may involve higher shipping costs, but the margins and demand often justify the investment. Small-scale manufacturers in Kerala, Rajasthan, and Punjab provide stunning handcrafted furniture that can stand out globally. 10. Toys and Educational Kits With global awareness growing around eco-friendly and educational toys, exporting wooden toys, board games, and DIY kits is an exciting business for beginners. Indian toys made of natural materials are increasingly being welcomed by conscious parents abroad. This sector also aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Toyconomy’ campaigns, giving exporters a strong policy push. How to Start an Export Business as a Beginner Starting an export business involves a series of steps that are essential to ensure compliance, profitability, and long-term sustainability: 1. Register Your Business Establish your company legally with the required licenses. You’ll need to register for a PAN, open a current account, and obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT – which is mandatory for all export transactions. 2. Identify the Right Product and Market Do market research to find trending products with global demand. Use tools like ITC Trademap, India Trade Portal, and Google Trends. Identify the countries where these products are in demand and understand consumer preferences, competition, and pricing. 3. Find Reliable Suppliers or Manufacturers If you are not producing the goods yourself, source from verified suppliers or manufacturers. Ensure product quality and consistency – this is vital for building a strong brand abroad. 4. Ensure Quality Certifications Depending on the product category, you may need to obtain certifications like FSSAI (for food items), ISO, CE (for electronics), or Organic certifications (for organic food). Quality assurance is critical to