An IIT graduate, who left a lucrative job earning ₹28 lakh per annum (roughly $33,600 USD) to pursue his startup dream, shared his insights on the challenges within India's startup ecosystem. Over the past 11 months, he invested between ₹10-12 lakh (approximately $12,000-$14,500 USD) in product development, salaries, and fundraising efforts, only to find that many paid services provided little to no real value. He expressed frustration with the perception that the startup environment is meritocratic, stating that it often relies on connections and gatekeeping. The founder emphasized the importance of having a safety net, as many aspiring entrepreneurs lack the financial backup needed to navigate this challenging landscape. He now believes that for many, a stable job may offer better financial security than blindly chasing the startup dream. Despite the setbacks, he remains committed to building but is considering relocating to a more mature ecosystem like Silicon Valley for better opportunities. His post resonated with others, including another IIT graduate who shared similar experiences.