Edelweiss Mutual Funds CEO Radhika Gupta has urged entrepreneurs to approach the glamorized image of startup culture with caution. Highlighting the phenomenon she calls "startup romance," Gupta noted that it often portrays an idealized version of startup life—casual work environments in trendy co-working spaces, constant brainstorming, securing funding rounds, sharing insights on social media, and hosting Friday evening gatherings for colleagues. "Don’t fall for it," she warned, emphasizing that this narrative overlooks the challenges of real entrepreneurial life.

Gupta explained that "startup reality" often sets in quickly, marked by grueling execution, limited budgets, and challenging working conditions. Entrepreneurs face constant rejection, difficulty hiring and retaining talent, relentless pressure to generate revenue at any cost, and prolonged periods of uncertainty. These harsh realities often starkly contrast with the glorified version of startup life.

Adding to the challenges, some founders also face biases and systemic barriers. Dhruv Suyamprakasam, co-founder and CEO of telemedicine startup iCliniq, shared his experience of relocating to Bengaluru, India’s startup hub. Coming from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Dhruv initially believed Bengaluru would be the ideal location for his business. However, he soon realized the city’s fast-paced startup ecosystem, with its "grow fast, fail fast" mentality, was not suited for a healthcare startup that demands trust and precision.

Dhruv faced challenges like investor biases, including preferences for founders from prestigious institutions like IIT and fluency in Hindi. He recalled unrealistic investor expectations, such as achieving 100 paid consultations daily, which added undue pressure. These insights highlight the complexities of entrepreneurship, urging aspirants to look beyond the allure and prepare for the practical challenges of building a sustainable business.