Is starting a business more rewarding than studying at Harvard? Why one student is considering betting big on India’s growth story

A 26-year-old Harvard MBA candidate is thinking of quitting the programme to move to India. Her friend posted on X, calling her “very sharp, generalist” and saying she wants to “bet on the India story.” This isn’t a whim — she is exploring operator roles in Seed, Series A or Series B startups and inviting founders and VCs to reach out.

The post struck a chord. AI and infra B2B leaders rushed to the comments.

One wrote, “Great decision. If she is interested in working on the frontlines of the AI/infra B2B market in one of the fastest growing markets at one of the best positioned startups to win this space. It would be great to be introduced.” They see real potential.

Voices urging caution

Not everyone agreed with stepping away from Harvard now.

“If she’s a close friend, tell her not to drop out. Period. The India story is multidecadal; there will still be many many years to bet on it after a year or two.”

Another said, “Dropping out is a bad idea! Can do better after 2 years too.”

Startup ecosystem beyond the buzz

So what is she joining? India’s startup ecosystem is substantial and growing.

• As of mid-2025, India hosts around 120 unicorns privately held companies valued over $1 billion, placing it among the top global ecosystems, as per previous news reports.
• From 2014 to mid-2024, startups in India attracted more than $150 billion in funding. Top hub, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Mumbai, garnered nearly 90 per cent of that.
• India recognised over 159,000 startups by mid-2025. Since 2016, those startups generated 1.7 million direct jobs and nearly half are in tech, as reported by a Business Insider report.
• In Hyderabad, STPI’s network has backed over 1,400 startups through funding and facilities, with 44 per cent led by women. And these startups raised more than ₹574 crore, as per The Times of India.
• Venture funds are pouring in. Artha India Ventures closed a ₹432 crore fund to back Series B and C firms, as per an earlier report by The Economic Times.
• Bat VC launched a $100 million fund to support early-stage AI, fintech and enterprise startups across India and the US, according to the Business Insider.

She’d be jumping into a rich and expanding ecosystem. India is not just producing unicorns, it is building structures. Thousands of jobs. A surge of funding. More diverse regions now getting attention, not just big cities.The advice she’s getting captures it all. One view says don’t rush. India’s growth isn’t one moment in time, there will be chances afterward. The other side sees less waiting, more doing. And both have something real.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Twitter. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.)