boAt co-founder Aman Gupta has supported Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s controversial remarks urging Indian startups to dream bigger and focus on advanced technologies rather than convenience services.
At the recent Startup Mahakumbh event, Goyal criticized companies turning “unemployed youth into cheap labour so the rich can get meals without leaving home,” suggesting that “fancy ice cream with attractive packaging” doesn’t constitute a true startup. He urged entrepreneurs to venture into AI, semiconductors, and robotics instead.
Gupta, a Shark Tank India judge who was also referenced in Goyal’s speech, took to X (formerly Twitter) defending the minister: “He isn’t against founders. He believes in us. His point was simple: India has come far, but to lead the world…we need to aim higher.”
The entrepreneur emphasized that comparing India to global competitors isn’t a weakness but a strategic necessity, stating: “If we want to be No.1, we need to also go deep into AI, deeptech, climate, mobility, infra.”
While RPG Group chairman Harsh Goenka echoed this support, others like Zepto’s Aadit Palicha, BharatPe’s Ashneer Grover, and investor Mohandas Pai criticized Goyal’s remarks. Palicha highlighted that Zepto employs 150,000 people, generates over ₹1,000 crore in taxes, and attracts significant foreign investment.
