YourDOST Study Highlights Mental Health Challenges For Indian Startup Founders

YourDOST, India’s leading emotional wellness platform, has released its latest survey, "Emotional Wellbeing of Entrepreneurs 2024," shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by startup founders. Conducted in collaboration with INK, TiE Global Summit, Upekkha, and the NSRCEL cell of IIM Bengaluru, the study offers critical insights into the emotional struggles within India’s booming startup ecosystem.

The survey reveals that while 61 per cent of startup founders report high well-being, 33 per cent struggle with low emotional health. The findings also highlight that 48 per cent of founders feel a lack of community support, and only 31 per cent perceive strong backing from entrepreneurial networks.

Key Findings from the Report:

• Imposter Syndrome: Affects 31 per cent of founders, with early-stage entrepreneurs experiencing significantly higher levels of self-doubt.

• Work-Life Balance: Women founders outperform men, with 58 per cent achieving balance compared to 37 per cent of male founders.

• Well-Being by Experience: 74 per cent of seasoned entrepreneurs (6+ years) report high emotional wellness, compared to 57 per cent of early-stage founders.

• Satisfaction Levels: Early-stage founders report lower satisfaction (43 per cent) compared to seasoned counterparts (59 per cent), reflecting the stresses of the initial phases of entrepreneurship.

The report underscores the pressures faced by Indian entrepreneurs in the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, particularly as the sector raised over USD 25 billion in funding last year.

Richa Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of YourDOST, emphasised the importance of mental health in sustaining the ecosystem. “In FY 23, India’s startup ecosystem contributed nearly USD 140 billion, representing 4 per cent of the country’s GDP. Supporting the mental health of founders isn't just about individual well-being—it is critical for the sustainability of India’s startup journey," she said.

The report also draws insights from YourDOST’s Founder Program, which has supported over 250 entrepreneurs with resilience-building tools, emotional regulation techniques, and growth strategies. It features actionable recommendations for venture capitalists, incubators, policymakers, and mental health professionals, serving as a guide to fostering a healthier entrepreneurial community.