Is Kolkata a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Kolkata has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Kolkata gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Kolkata

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Kolkata offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Kolkata's early-stage startup funding scene is evolving, supported by local angel networks and government initiatives. The Calcutta Angel Network has been active, investing in various sectors and even partnering with Mumbai Angels. Government support like Startup Bengal offers funding, incubation, and mentorship, contributing to a significant increase in registered startups in the state since 2019. However, challenges persist, including a perceived lack of readily available risk capital compared to major hubs like Bangalore or Mumbai. While early-stage funding is present, there's a noticeable gap in growth-stage capital for startups looking to scale, a trend seen across India where fewer startups reach Series B and beyond. Competition and attracting talent who might look towards other cities are also factors local founders navigate. Despite these hurdles, the ecosystem is growing, with incubators like IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and government schemes aiming to bridge funding gaps and foster innovation.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Kolkata has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Kolkata's startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, ranking 9th in India and 187th globally. The city has a growing number of coworking spaces catering to various needs, from freelancers to established businesses, offering flexible options and networking opportunities. Tech events and conferences are also held regularly, fostering connections and showcasing innovation. Entrepreneurial activity is notable in sectors like Foodtech, Marketing & Sales, and Ecommerce & Retail. Kolkata offers support for both early-stage and growth-stage startups through various incubators and accelerators like IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), Nasscom 10000 Startups Warehouse, and Kolkata Ventures. These programs provide mentorship, funding access, networking, and tailored support, indicating that early-stage founders can receive personalized assistance within the ecosystem. The government initiative 'Startup Bengal' also aims to provide a conducive environment with support like incubation and mentorship.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Kolkata can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Kolkata, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Kolkata is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Kolkata has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by numerous educational institutions like Jadavpur University and IIM Calcutta, which also have innovation and incubation centers. These institutions contribute skilled professionals in technology, analytics, and engineering. While there's a strong base, some reports indicate a limited pool of experienced professionals in niche roles like VP Marketing or Technical Architect compared to other major hubs. The city has expertise in sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, and education. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through participation in the expanding startup ecosystem, aided by government initiatives and networking opportunities. However, some sources from 2016 noted a talent crunch hindering growth.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Kolkata can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Kolkata boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Kolkata offers a growing startup ecosystem with robust infrastructure and support systems. Key resources include numerous incubators and accelerators like IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, Neotec Hub, and the new STPI incubation facility, providing mentorship, workspace, and networking opportunities. These hubs help startups refine business models and connect with investors. Government initiatives, notably the West Bengal Startup Policy and Startup Bengal, play a crucial role. These programs offer financial assistance, infrastructure support, mentorship, and simplified compliance, fostering a conducive environment for growth. The development of the Bengal Silicon Valley Hub also aims to provide state-of-the-art facilities for tech startups. This combined support helps businesses thrive and contributes to the state's increasing number of recognized startups.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Kolkata. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Kolkata Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Kolkata provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Kolkata face several challenges. Competition exists, both from established businesses and a growing number of new ventures in various sectors. While Kolkata generally offers a lower cost of living and operating compared to other major Indian cities like Bangalore or Mumbai, securing large-scale funding can be more limited. Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles, including obtaining licenses and complying with various regulations, can also be complex and time-consuming for startups.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Kolkata or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Kolkata offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash