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The story of a Bengaluru intern who quit his internship after securing funding for his AI startup has sparked a discussion about the city's vibrant startup culture and the potential pitfalls of its ecosystem. The intern's unexpected departure, shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral, attracting attention for its unconventional nature and highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent in Bengaluru, often referred to as India's Silicon Valley.
The incident prompted a broader conversation about the city's startup ecosystem, particularly its allure and potential for both success and inflated expectations. Bombay Shaving Company's CEO Shantanu Deshpande, in a recent LinkedIn post, voiced concerns about the “ecosystem delusion” in Bengaluru, where many arrive with grand dreams but only a select few achieve success. Deshpande's observations pointed to an environment where individuals with just a “PowerPoint presentation” or a “LinkedIn accept from a VC” believe they are already founders and “halfway to unicorn” simply by attending industry events.
He drew a parallel between Bengaluru and Kota, the hub for IIT-JEE preparation, emphasizing that while India needs more founders and businesses, the prevailing environment in Bengaluru fosters an unhealthy belief that success is guaranteed by simply being part of the ecosystem. Deshpande cautioned that the city's startup community needs to provide genuine support and protection to these aspiring founders. His advice to founders was to detach themselves from the hype and focus on their businesses, seeking mentorship beyond the confines of the city.
The intern's story serves as a reminder of the inherent risk and uncertainty associated with entrepreneurship. While it underscores the city's dynamism and potential for success, it also highlights the importance of fostering a healthy and realistic outlook within the startup ecosystem. The discussion generated by this incident underscores the need for balanced perspectives and genuine support for those pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams in Bengaluru.
Source: Bengaluru Intern’s Reason for Absence from Work Will Stun You. Here’s What Happened