Sun Apr 06 08:44:45 UTC 2025: ## boAT Co-founder Defends Goyal’s “Dream Bigger” Call Amid Startup Ecosystem Debate

**NEW DELHI, April 7, 2025** – A debate has erupted within India’s vibrant startup ecosystem following comments by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at the Startup Mahakumbh event. While some entrepreneurs criticized Goyal’s questioning of the focus on consumer-based apps, others, like Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAT, interpreted his remarks as a call for greater ambition.

Goyal challenged the current emphasis on apps like food and grocery delivery, urging startups to aim higher, mirroring the advancements in semiconductors, EVs, and AI seen in China. His comments, summarized as “Should we make ice cream delivery apps or semiconductors?”, sparked a flurry of reactions.

Several prominent figures voiced dissent. Aadit Palicha, co-founder of Zepto, highlighted the substantial job creation and economic contributions of consumer internet startups. Mohandas Pai, former Infosys CFO, called for greater government support instead of criticism, citing policy hurdles as a hindering factor. Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, acknowledged the existence of promising deep-tech companies but emphasized the need for increased capital and a stronger ecosystem. Ashneer Grover, former BharatPe managing director, pointed out that even China’s technological advancement followed a trajectory starting with consumer services.

However, Gupta offered a contrasting perspective. He stated that Goyal’s message was one of encouragement, urging Indian startups to strive for global leadership. Drawing parallels to his experience on Shark Tank India, Gupta emphasized the importance of understanding competition in building world-class products.

Goyal himself later defended his remarks, attributing the controversy to misinterpretations, particularly from the Congress party, which accused him of contradicting the government’s pro-startup stance. The minister maintains that his message was well-received by the majority of startups. The debate continues to highlight the complex relationship between India’s burgeoning startup sector and government policy.

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