Kunal Bahl Advocates Sustainable 'Indicorns' Over Unicorns in Indian Startups

India's startup ecosystem is undergoing a paradigm shift, with leaders and policymakers emphasizing sustainable growth, digital inclusion, and grassroots innovation over flashy valuations. Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, advocates for recognizing 'Indicorns'—profitable, self-sustaining startups—as a model for long-term success, urging a move away from the unicorn obsession toward operational efficiency and margin discipline. Government initiatives like Startup India, Skill India, and the Atal Innovation Mission are nurturing over a million entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive innovation from metros to rural areas and positioning India as a global innovation hub. The focus on digital empowerment is echoed in grassroots efforts, such as rural startups imparting digital skills and computer education, aiming to bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities in underserved regions. India's presence at global forums like TiEcon highlights its unique approach—combining deep-tech, AI, and public-private collaboration—to drive both economic growth and social impact. This evolution reflects a broader definition of success, valuing both rapid scaling and sustainable, inclusive development.