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CNBC TV18•23-01-2026, 20:26

Indian Founders: AI Overhyped, Manufacturing is Underrated Gold

  • •A survey by InnoVen Capital reveals Indian startup founders view AI as overhyped and manufacturing as an underrated opportunity.
  • •Only 31% of founders expect AI to significantly impact their business models in the next 2-3 years, contrasting with its investor attention.
  • •Manufacturing and hardware, traditionally seen as difficult, are now attracting serious investor interest due to their critical role in national destiny.
  • •Ashish Sharma of InnoVen Capital notes a disconnect between AI's hype and its actual adoption and funding in India compared to Silicon Valley.
  • •Despite flat primary equity funding, founders are optimistic about the 2026 fundraising environment, with SaaS and manufacturing leading the bullish sentiment.

Why It Matters: Indian founders see AI as overhyped, advocating for manufacturing as a critical, underrated sector for long-term growth.

Read Full Article on Cnbc in English
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