Why Now Is the Best Time to Build in India: Key Takeaways from Pranav Pai’s Session

Is now the best time to launch a startup in India? With rapid innovation, a thriving ecosystem, and an expanding economy, the opportunities for entrepreneurs have never been more promising.

The Fintech Club at Masters’ Union had the privilege of hosting Pranav Pai, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at 3one4 Capital, for an insightful keynote session on the Indian startup ecosystem. His visit provided students with a rare opportunity to engage with a seasoned venture capitalist and gain firsthand knowledge about the future of entrepreneurship, funding, and innovation in India.

A Day of Mentorship and Learning

Before the keynote, Pranav conducted one-on-one mentoring sessions with over 15 students from various Venture Initiation Programme (VIP) teams, offering tailored guidance for their ventures. These intimate discussions allowed students to receive direct feedback and insights on their business ideas, helping them refine their strategies and better navigate the competitive startup landscape.

The main event saw an engaging audience of 90+ PGP TBM students, 25+ UG students, all eager to absorb lessons from Pranav’s extensive experience in the VC space.

Key Takeaways from the Keynote

The Future of Innovation in India

Pranav shared compelling insights on how technology and AI are reshaping industries, making way for groundbreaking innovations. He noted that some of today’s most unconventional ideas are attracting significant VC funding, and what might seem bizarre now could soon be the next big disruption. India, he emphasized, is at the forefront of this innovation wave, positioning itself as a global leader in tech-driven solutions.

India’s Growth Trajectory and the Entrepreneurial Opportunity

Highlighting India’s strong GDP growth, Pranav stressed that the next decade will be a transformative period for the country. With rapid digital adoption, increasing consumer demand, and a favorable policy environment, there has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur in India. The startup ecosystem is thriving, and ambitious founders have the opportunity to shape industries and create lasting impact.

The Importance of Industry Expertise

One of the most thought-provoking takeaways from the session was Pranav’s advice: “Don’t learn on the job.” He emphasised that before starting a venture, founders should first gain deep industry knowledge and expertise. According to him, the best way to do this is by taking up a hardcore job in the field for 3-5 years before launching a startup.

The logic is simple: the market is ruthless, and only those with deep expertise and strategic insights will survive and succeed. Founders who truly understand their industry—its challenges, gaps, and opportunities—will have a better chance of building sustainable and competitive businesses.

Reflections from the Event

Pranav was highly impressed by the ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of Masters’ Union students. Seeing so many young minds dedicated to building ventures at an early stage reinforced his belief in India’s bright future as an innovation hub. His visit not only inspired students but also provided them with practical strategies to refine their entrepreneurial journeys.

As Masters’ Union continues to host industry leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs, students get the unique advantage of learning from the very best. The session with Pranav Pai was a testament to the power of mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and strategic thinking in shaping the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.

Stay tuned for more insightful sessions that bridge the gap between industry and education, preparing students to lead the future of business and technology.