Let this Year be one of Purpose and Commitment At the editorial desk of Entrepreneur Media, this year we have pledged to do whatever it takes to democratize an evolutionary idea

By Ritu Marya

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

What is your most important resolution for 2018? To raise funding, get fit, eat healthy or clean up the clutter. Regardless of being small or big, setting a New Year's resolution is important because it gives us a purpose to prepare for the rest of the year. At the editorial desk of Entrepreneur Media, this year we have pledged to do whatever it takes to democratize an evolutionary idea. Having an evolution is not enough. It, further, needs to be made available and adaptable for everyone, become regionalized or mainstream as per entrepreneur's appetite, and at the same time, maximise consumption needs of ambitious but under-resourced Indian youth, who should not just be a witness but be a part of the idea to make it a revolution. It is the democratization of knowledge that helps ideas to spread amongst the masses.

Our mission has started with Startup 2018, a start-up hunt programme, that will be held on January 22 at IIT Delhi - where we have endeavored to reach out to over 1,00,000 start-ups across the country in 10 days and get them on the main stage to showcase their unique and enterprising ideas. I invite everyone who has a great idea to write to me personally and be a part of Startup 2018 as my guest.

One of the stories that we are really excited this month is about start-ups in the oil, gas and energy sector, where it is quite wonderful to see how this conservative oligarchic industry is inviting young entrepreneurs to fuel the ambitious Indian economy. The otherwise uptight PSUs such as ONGC, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, GAIL and Indian Oil, and few Find your Purpose others have gone forward to set up INR 44 crore fund to be doled out to select startups with an aim to bring much needed change in the rigid sector, which is truly a sign of change that matters.

Second exciting read would be about start-ups who are just brilliantly rehashing old ideas. After ride sharing concept became a rage in India, now entrepreneurs are looking at enhancing public bike sharing systems in India. As the concept is still at its nascent stage in India, several start-ups are yet to make a decision on how to play on this. As some rely on renting out premium bikes on the weekend, others believe daily commuting market is evolving with each passing day.

Our issue focus of the month is to highlight our annual compilation of the leading franchise faces who have changed the way Indians buy consumer products. They have brought the era of brand over product leadership in India. They are big brands yet perfectly in sync with the moment. It's what great companies are built on. It's what shapes the future. It's entrepreneurship at its best. We looked in 10 sectors that are growing fast - from food and manufacturing to fitness and education - and found these 21 business leaders who bring jaw-dropping ingenuity to the table. Watch out for our next issue, as we bring forward the best of our annual '35 Under 35' achievers. Read on, for great things.

(This article was first published in the January issue of Entrepreneur Magazine. To subscribe, click here)

Ritu Marya

Editor-in-Chief, Entrepreneur Media (APAC & India)

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

News and Trends

India has the Potential to Host over 620 New Large GCCs by 2030: ANSR

The BFSI sector dominates GCCs in India, followed by Manufacturing and Retail/CPG. There is also a strong focus on digital technologies, with 85 per cent of GCCs engaged in digital commerce initiatives.

News and Trends

Ecozen Secures Over USD 23 Mn Debt Funding to Expand Climate-Smart Solutions

This round of investment will be directed toward scaling Ecozen's flagship solutions, including Ecotron, Ecofrost, and advanced motor control systems.

News and Trends

D2C Skincare Brand Foxtale Raised USD 30 Mn Series C Funding

Last year, the Mumbai-based brand raised USD 18 million (around INR 150 crore) in its Series B funding round, led by Panthera Growth Partners from Singapore.

News and Trends

RP Tech to Acquire 70% Stake in Satcom Infotech to Expand Cybersecurity Portfolio

Satcom Infotech will leverage RP Tech's extensive financial resources and robust nationwide distribution network to enhance service delivery and scale operations. Meanwhile, RP Tech will integrate Satcom's expertise in cybersecurity into its offerings, aiming to introduce new brands and forge impactful industry partnerships.