Do you think Indian startups are just imitating companies in Silicon Valley?

Kaustubh Katdare

Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk Oct 23, 2024
Here's an interesting debate for everyone who's interested in entrepreneurship, startups and have been following the Indian startups scene. Do you think all the moderately and highly successful companies in India have just imitated the successful companies in the silicon valley? Of course while we are generalising, there are exceptions but that's not the focus of this discussion.

Think flipkart: They even copy the layout from Amazon. It helps users, so it's all good.
Think snapdeal: They're India's groupon (maybe?).
Think zomato: They're Indian version of Yelp?

What do you think?

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  • Kaustubh Katdare

    Kaustubh Katdare

    @thebigk Mar 24, 2013

    Would tag #-Link-Snipped-#, he seems to be online after a really long time 😀
  • Prasad Ajinkya

    Prasad Ajinkya

    @prasad-aSUfhP Mar 24, 2013

    Put yourself in the shoes of an individual who wants to be an entrepreneur. You want to start your own firm ... however you do not know which problem to solve. That idea which you are waiting for while you are working in that big MNC ... it never strikes you.

    What do you do ... you look at already existing proven business models which are at work in other geographies (almost like a third-degree arbitrage).

    Who has said that to start a company you have to have an original idea? If you are able to make a successful business ... it really does not matter ... Mark Zuckerberg has proved that with Facebook ... the idea does not matter as much as the execution.

    Whereas copying the layout is concerned ... I would say even that is acceptable ... since you are borrowing on the research and efforts of the market leader. Imitation is the best form of flattery :-D (I know I'll be flamed for saying this!)