Just as Rice is staple diet for most Indians, Government as RICE can become the staple diet for Indian entrepreneurs’ and startups’. Founders & Startupites should look at engaging and integrating with Government Departments, Ministry, Bureaucrats and the government machinery, to further their goals and growth of their ventures. Indian Prime Minister Modi launched Startup India in January 2016. Startup India is collaborating with different states and assisting different state government launch & run startup ecosystem in the states. Central Government of India has launched GEM where startups can apply and get awarded projects. Government & governance is changing in our country (jury is still not out whether this change is for good or bad) but this is an opportunity which entrepreneurs should not let go of.
When I say government is RICE for entrepreneurs, I mean it as an acronym.
R: Regulator I: Investor C: Customer E: Entrepreneur
Regulator: Entrepreneurs have forever dealt with Government as a regulator. However with latest technologies and new business models. these law, rules & regulations have to be changed and will change. Entrepreneurs should engage with Government & officials assist them in understanding these new business models and technologies. Startups should assist and work with Government them to bring in necessary changes to archaic laws. At the same time provide new tools & technology to Government in regulating better.
Investor: Government has been leaders in investing in sectors where private sectors have not taken lead in investing. Similarly now Government is funding and investing in Startups, Ideas, Ventures, & products/services/solutions which doesn’t find takers in the market. All Government & organisation have policies & schemes to fund Startups and new ideas. Understandably, the process might take time to get Government funding but its worth the wait as after having government as investor it can also be a customer.
Customer: Just like how Government is funding and investing in startups. They are also supporting entrepreneurs by giving them projects to pilot and do a proof of concept with new startups. Government has eased procurement rules and relaxing norms so that Startups can pitch and bid for certain projects. Entrepreneurs should be forthcoming and explore areas where they can get Government as their customers and be one of the first to avail their products and services which will go a long way in establishing credentials for their startups.
Entrepreneur: Government has built what private sectors have not ventured out to build. Government by virtue of this has been entrepreneurial, though their vision to build was not profit but benefits to citizen. With the same spirit in mind, Governments are spearheading and becoming flagship entity of building entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem. Just like you as an entrepreneur, you need team & time to build your vision. Governments need too. Civil Servants across are looking beyond schemes and policy but looking to build ecosystem and platform. Today the mindset exists among these officials to do something different and innovative. Founders & Startups can become their co-founders and team to fulfill this vision of Governpreneur (Government + Entrepreneur).
Reach out to me if you looking to explore how you can work with the Government. Email me at rajesh(at)topgunjr(dot)com