Post-Budget Scene: Sneak Peek of How Top Startup Minds Are Responding

Murali Krishna V, Principal, Spyre VC

"Budget 2025 marks a major development for the startup ecosystem in India, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing additional support of ₹10,000 crore to the ₹10,000 crore fund already set up for startups. This strategic decision to energize innovation and entrepreneurship in the country offers the crucial financial support startups need to grow their businesses and spur economic growth. The Rs. 20,000 crore commitments reinforce the government's incessant support for the startup community, realizing the critical role it plays in job development and technology advancement. By easing access to capital, the budget endeavors to ensure that entrepreneurs are enabled to chase their dreams and sustain a more dynamic economy. This intervention assumes utmost importance in a scenario where startups are increasingly looked upon as growth engines to tackle immediate challenges and deliver sustainable solutions. The funds are also expected to draw further investments, thus creating a lively ecosystem that fosters cooperation and innovation. Going forward, this monetary support from the budget will certainly provide the basis for the startup's destiny in India being competitive at the global level and thriving in an ever-changing environment".

Rajesh Katoch, CEO, EZ Capital

"The 2025 budget acts as a watershed moment in the development of India's fintech and personal finance landscape, whereby a series of strategic initiatives have been put forth to empower small businesses and promote financial inclusion. A game-changer would be enhancing the credit guarantee cover for micro-enterprises from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, thus unlocking an additional ₹1.5 lakh crore in credit over the next five years. The bold initiative is poised to bring the necessary financial support to micro-enterprises for scaling operations and innovation. Further, the new scheme to provide five-year term loans for SC/ST women is another powerful step towards closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship, benefitting approximately 5 lakh women from marginalized communities directly. On the other hand, the establishment of a new Fund of Funds (FoF) with a ₹10,000 crore contribution can be expected to further invigorate the startup ecosystem, in addition to commitments previously made that have already exceeded ₹9 lakh crore. This is coupled with the doubling of turnover limits for MSME classification and new credit cards designed specifically for micro-enterprises, reflecting a whole-of-budget approach to making finance more accessible. In sum, the 2025 budget is thus another expression of the government's resolve to provide a more inclusive and dynamic financial environment that empowers every section of society".