Is Pune 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.

Pune 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 Pune 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 Pune

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Pune 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.

Pune's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by various players. Notable angel networks like Pune Angels Network connect startups with investors and offer mentorship. Venture Center hosts the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, providing grants and convertible debentures for early-stage development. While firms like Snow Leopard Ventures and SeedFire Venture are active early-stage investors in India, including Pune, the city also sees interest from broader Indian VC firms such as Blume Ventures and Elevation Capital. Despite this support, challenges exist. Pune startups, like those across India, experienced a significant dip in funding in 2023, with early-stage funding seeing a substantial decrease. This slowdown is partly attributed to investors becoming more cautious, prioritizing profitability and governance. Additionally, a wider gap between seed and Series A funding rounds is being observed in the Indian ecosystem, impacting startups' ability to secure follow-on capital. Competition for talent with larger hubs like Bengaluru also poses a challenge.

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  

Pune 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.

Pune has a vibrant startup ecosystem, ranking as India's 5th best. Entrepreneurial activity is strong, particularly in IT, SaaS, Fintech, EdTech, and Agritech. The city boasts numerous coworking spaces, providing flexible and collaborative environments for startups. Regular tech and startup events, including meetups and demo days, foster networking and knowledge sharing. Support for startups comes from incubators, accelerators, and government initiatives like Startup India. While there are programs for early-stage founders offering mentorship and funding assistance, the ecosystem also supports more mature startups. Some programs provide hands-on support and investor feedback, suggesting a mix of personalised and structured support.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Pune 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 Pune, 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 Pune 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.

Pune has a significant talent pool for startups, often called the "Oxford of the East" due to its numerous educational institutions, including universities and engineering colleges. This contributes to a large number of skilled graduates across various fields. The city is a technology hub with talent skilled in IT, manufacturing, BFSI, and other verticals. This local talent supports entrepreneurial growth by providing a readily available workforce with relevant industry-specific skills, fostering innovation and scalability for startups. Pune's evolving startup ecosystem, supported by incubators and a growing community of professionals, further enhances talent availability and entrepreneurial support.

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 Pune 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

Pune 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.

Pune offers a robust ecosystem for startups with extensive infrastructure and support systems. This includes numerous incubators and accelerators like Venture Center, CIIE Pune, and COEP's Bhau Institute, providing mentorship, funding access, networking, and lab facilities. Co-working spaces are also prevalent, offering flexible office solutions. These resources help businesses thrive by providing essential guidance, resources, and connections crucial for early-stage growth and scaling. The ecosystem benefits from a strong educational base and talent pool. Government initiatives, such as the broader Startup India program, play a significant role. These initiatives offer benefits like tax exemptions, simplified compliance, funding support through schemes like the Fund of Funds and Seed Fund Scheme, and relaxed norms for public procurement. The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) also contribute by establishing Centres of Entrepreneurship, providing infrastructure and support.

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 Pune. 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 Pune Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Pune 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.

Pune's startup scene is vibrant, but entrepreneurs face hurdles. Competition is significant, especially from major hubs like Bangalore and Mumbai. While Pune is considered more affordable than these cities, the overall cost of doing business in Maharashtra can still be a concern. Regulatory issues also pose challenges, with startups needing to navigate various compliances, including annual returns, labor laws, and tax regulations like GST and income tax. Delays in financial reporting can even result in fines.

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 Pune or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Pune 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