Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, addressing the second day of the non-profit industry body IVCA's Conclave 2025, lauded India's private equity and venture capitalist (PE/VC) sector for contributing positively in shaping India's entrepreneurial landscape.

At the IVCA conclave, Goyal also underscored the Modi government’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment and outlined the key growth drivers that would propel India’s startup and investment landscape forward.

Goyal highlighted the significance of venture capital and private investment in India’s economic journey towards becoming a developed nation. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s optimism about India’s investment climate, he pointed to the remarkable 130% surge in PE/VC-backed IPOs in 2024, reflecting increased public market participation and growing investor confidence.

“As India strives toward becoming Viksit Bharat, the role of investors and venture capital becomes pivotal. We have seen a 130% surge in private equity and venture capital-backed IPOs in 2024, with landmark listings reflecting growing public market participation and investor confidence,” Goyal said.

Reaffirming the Modi government’s pro-investment stance, he detailed key initiatives introduced in the Union Budget to bolster India’s startup ecosystem. The additional allocation of ₹10,000 crore for the second Fund of Funds for Startups and the Deep Tech Fund, he said, would provide crucial support for entrepreneurs looking to scale and innovate. He also emphasised that enhanced credit guarantees and tax parity for investors would open new investment corridors, ensuring wider capital access for startups.

“The government remains committed to creating a favorable investment climate, ensuring regulatory stability, and enhancing ease of doing business," Goyal added.

Goyal urged investors to concentrate on four critical areas to drive the next phase of India’s growth: innovation, domestic capital mobilisation, self-reliance, and regional expansion. He stressed the need for investments in artificial intelligence and frontier technologies, strengthening local funding for startups, fostering indigenous solutions in electric vehicles and clean technology, and unlocking the vast talent potential in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Encouraging greater collaboration between investors, startups, and policymakers, he invited the global investment community to participate in Startup Mahakumbh 2025, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from April 3 to 5. He concluded by commending IVCA’s role in nurturing India’s private equity and venture capital ecosystem, stating that the strong partnership between the government, private sector, young innovators, and academia was a key driver of India’s economic transformation. Congratulating IVCA on its milestone event, he expressed hope for insightful discussions and transformative outcomes that would further strengthen India’s investment landscape.