This is a study on the state of startup ecosystem in Tamil Nadu to present challenges and issues faced by startups to provide recommendations for a more enabling entrepreneurial environment.
Background
The startup space has received much attention in recent years from the government, which is focusing efforts on developing an entrepreneurial environment. Bolstered by a strong manufacturing sector, the state government of Tamil Nadu is now looking towards technology & innovation and entrepreneurship to define its growth story. This study aims to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by startups in Tamil Nadu in their journey through the stages of ideation, validation, early traction and scaling. The documentation and consequent recommendations will aid policy making with a readily available rich resource for policymakers who want to promote Tamil Nadu-based startups and would like to see a clearer picture of the issues and challenges faced by startups.
Approach
This research study, a collaboration with Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute (EDII), took a mixed-methods Approach. Via secondary research and primary research including qualitative and quantitative elements, a comprehensive startup ecosystem and journey mapping was carried out to provide valuable insight into Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem. An integrative desk review was conducted to map the policy landscape with regard to start-ups in India. The literature review was supplemented with qualitative assessments through interviews and focus group discussions with entrepreneurs and key stakeholders. Responses from qualitative interviews were coded under emerging themes. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed on the survey responses.
Implications
Results are forthcoming. Findings from the study will contribute towards understanding what drives the growth of startups as well as an enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem. Results will also highlight opportunities and barriers for startups in the state and provide policy recommendations that will support and influence the uniform growth of startup culture across the state.