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India’s startup scene is booming, but Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently shook things up with some controversial remarks. He claimed that the country is too focused on “food delivery apps, ice cream brands, and fantasy sports” and should instead turn its attention to deep-tech ventures like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
But guess what? Zepto’s CEO Aadit Palicha isn’t having it! In a fiery response, Palicha defended the consumer internet startups that are thriving in India and argued that these businesses are changing the game and creating jobs—1.5 lakh jobs to be exact!
Read on to find out why Palicha’s response is a wake-up call for Goyal and everyone who thinks India’s future lies only in deep-tech.
During the Second Startup Mahakumbh, Piyush Goyal shocked the crowd by criticizing the current state of India’s startup ecosystem. His remarks left many wondering: Is the government ignoring consumer-focused startups that are creating massive value for the economy?
Goyal emphasized that India only has around 1,000 deep-tech startups, calling the number “disturbing.” He pushed entrepreneurs to think bigger and more globally, suggesting that they shouldn’t just be selling food or fantasy games. He even dropped the mic with this line: “Dukaandari hi karna hai?” (Are we just going to keep selling things?)
But what’s really going on here? Are Goyal’s concerns valid, or is he completely missing the point?
Zepto, the 10-minute grocery delivery unicorn, is all about ultra-fast deliveries. But it’s not just about speed—Zepto is a job creation machine. Palicha was quick to fire back at Goyal, defending India’s consumer internet startups by pointing out that Zepto alone has created over 1.5 lakh (150,000) jobs. Yes, you read that right—150,000 jobs!
Palicha argued that consumer internet startups like Zepto are a vital force in driving economic growth in India, saying, “It’s easy to criticize, but look at the impact we’ve made. We’re not just delivering food and groceries—we’re powering the economy.”
Zepto isn’t just delivering groceries—it’s creating jobs across India. From warehouse workers to delivery drivers and tech developers, Zepto’s job creation isn’t a small feat. Thousands of Indians are earning their livelihoods thanks to the boom in consumer internet companies. And it’s not just Zepto—startups like Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit have also created millions of jobs in the country.
But wait, there’s more: these companies are helping boost local economies by creating opportunities for people across different sectors. This isn’t some passing trend; it’s real, tangible economic growth.
Sure, deep-tech is important. But do you know what else is? Convenience. Speed. Accessibility. Zepto and other quick-commerce startups are transforming how India shops. They’re meeting the demand for fast, reliable, and accessible services, making life easier for millions of Indians.
Think about it: With 10-minute deliveries, Zepto is not only competing with traditional stores but also revolutionizing how we think about retail. It’s the new way of shopping for busy urbanites who need groceries right now. That’s not just selling stuff—that’s changing consumer behavior.
Consumer startups like Zepto are helping millions go digital, even in the most remote parts of India. By simplifying payments, offering easy access to essential products, and encouraging cashless transactions, these companies are helping digitally empower the nation. You can’t ignore the impact of platforms that are transforming how people shop, pay, and interact with businesses online.
While Goyal’s call for more focus on deep-tech is understandable, the fact is, consumer internet startups have already proven that there is immense value in serving the everyday needs of consumers. Just look at the success of companies like Ola, Flipkart, and Byju’s—they’ve changed the game, and many of them started with a consumer-centric approach.
Deep-tech will always be critical for India’s future, but consumer startups have already made their mark. They’re creating jobs, pushing innovation, and making life easier for millions. To dismiss this as “just selling things” is to ignore the bigger picture of how these businesses are transforming India.
The bottom line is simple: India needs both. Deep-tech startups are important, but they shouldn’t overshadow the consumer internet sector, which is creating huge economic impact. Both sectors contribute to India’s growing startup ecosystem and global competitiveness.
While Goyal’s call for big-picture thinking is valuable, it shouldn’t come at the expense of supporting consumer-driven innovations that are making a real difference today. India needs a balanced approach, where deep-tech and consumer startups work together to reshape the future.
So, what’s the real takeaway here? Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha’s response is a powerful reminder that India’s consumer internet startups are vital to the economy and the growth of the startup ecosystem. Zepto is creating jobs, boosting the digital economy, and revolutionizing consumer behavior—all while providing ultra-fast, convenient services.
Instead of dismissing consumer startups as “just selling things,” Piyush Goyal and others should recognize the massive contributions these companies are making to the Indian economy. After all, jobs, innovation, and convenience matter just as much as deep-tech innovations!
