Deep Kalra An Optimistic Champion of India’s Startup Ecosystem

Deep Kalra, the visionary founder of MakeMyTrip and an influential angel investor in startups, continues to radiate optimism about the entrepreneurial landscape in India, even in the face of economic adversity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Widely regarded as a poster boy for India’s internet economy and start-up ecosystem, Kalra drew attention to the meteoric ascent of start-ups that have disrupted not only the business-to-consumer (B2C) sector but also the business-to-business (B2B) landscape. He emphasized how start-ups, armed with innovative concepts, have swiftly evolved into formidable players within just a few short years.

An Active Patron of India’s Start-up Renaissance:

Despite the formidable challenges posed by the pandemic, Kalra stands as an active supporter of the Indian start-up ecosystem. He disclosed that some of his investments made prior to the pandemic are thriving. Notable among these success stories are Dunzo and Milkbasket. Dunzo, a hyperlocal concierge app, has witnessed significant expansion, catering to major Indian cities and managing more than 2 million monthly transactions. Impressively, it has attained profitability in its home base of Bengaluru. Milkbasket, a hyperlocal delivery startup, is another testimony to Kalra’s astute investment choices. The startup serves numerous households across several cities and is steadfast in its pursuit of profitability. These investments serve as a testament to Kalra’s faith in India’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

Investing in the Vanguard of India’s Start-ups:

Kalra’s investment portfolio extends beyond the conventional startup sphere. He has thrown his weight behind Mitron TV, a homegrown short-video app. Mitron TV achieved an astonishing 39 million downloads on the Android Play Store mere months after its launch. It’s worth noting that both of Mitron’s founders, Shivank Agarwal and Anish Khandelwal, hail from the corridors of MakeMyTrip.

Bright Horizons for India’s Start-up Ecosystem:

In the face of India’s current economic challenges, Kalra remains resolutely optimistic about the future of the country’s startup economy. He firmly believes that the quality of startups has witnessed a substantial upswing. Entrepreneurs are displaying remarkable maturity, unwavering commitment, and a crystal-clear vision for their ventures.

Kalra’s optimism is not unfounded. He perceives India’s startup ecosystem as standing on the brink of unparalleled growth, partly fueled by the government’s unwavering support through institutions like NITI Aayog, the government’s policy think tank. The government’s emphasis on nurturing and partnering with the private sector to propel technological innovation resonates with Kalra’s vision of a prosperous tomorrow for India’s entrepreneurs.

Paving the Way for Self-Reliance:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) strikes a harmonious chord with Kalra and countless others within the startup ecosystem. Modi has consistently underscored the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship in realizing India’s potential in the 21st century.

In conclusion, Deep Kalra remains an unwavering advocate for the resilience and potential of India’s start-up ecosystem. His investments and unshakeable optimism are a reflection of his steadfast commitment to bolstering the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs as they navigate challenges and carve out a path to success in an ever-evolving landscape.