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Indian AI startups are starting to avoid working with local clients, mainly due to demands for free pilots and poor financial commitment.
This rising trend has come to be known as “Skip India.” . (Representative image)
More and more Indian AI startup founders are deciding not to work with Indian enterprise clients at all. This growing trend called the “Skip India” movement, shows that the problem isn’t just about money. It also comes down to the attitude and mindset of businesses in India. In a LinkedIn post, finance professional Shubham Garg highlighted that many founders are frustrated with Indian enterprises often asking for unpaid proof of concepts (PoCs). Startups often spend weeks building custom pilots without any promise of a deal. On top of that, they face constant delays, unclear communication, and a lack of financial commitment, even when the initial interest seems strong.
This shift is worrying for India, especially as it aspires to lead in the global AI space. With local companies hesitant to pay for early-stage innovation, many startups are being driven to foreign markets where their work gets more support and better chances of success.
“We love to celebrate startups after they make it, but when they’re building, we hesitate to support them. We ask for discounts, want free access, and treat innovation like a trial version, not a value driver,” Shubham said in his LinkedIn post. “If we want India to lead in AI, this has to change,” he added in the now-viral post.
The “Skip India” movement has opened up a wider discussion on how the country treats its startups. While India takes pride in its unicorns and big success stories, it often neglects to support them during the crucial early stages. Constant demands for discounts, free trials, and unpaid work aren’t just stalling innovation—they’re pushing it out of the country.
Posted a few days ago, the post has received over 1,500 reactions and sparked numerous comments, reflecting strong engagement and growing concern around the issue.
“If we keep expecting startups to work for free like they’re handing out samples, they’ll eventually take their skills somewhere else. Real support means paying them fairly for their hard work. At the same time, startups should also show their value clearly so customers know what they’re paying for,” a user commented.
“It’s disheartening to see the disconnect between innovation and valuation in our ecosystem. Supporting startups goes beyond just acknowledgement; it requires genuine financial commitment. If we truly want to foster growth and innovation in India, we must change our mindset and recognise the value they bring to the table,” another user wrote.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
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