Why are Indians More CEOs than Founders of Big Companies?

The perception that Indians are primarily CEOs rather than founders of major companies can be attributed to several factors, including historical, cultural, and economic contexts. Here are some key points to consider:

Historical Context

Many of the largest tech companies and corporations were founded in the U.S. and other Western countries during the late 20th century. As a result, the original founders of these companies often come from those regions. Indian entrepreneurs have been more prominent in founding companies in the past few decades, particularly in the tech sector, but they often operate in a different landscape.

Immigration Patterns

Many Indian professionals have emigrated to the U.S. and other countries for education and job opportunities. As they rise through the ranks in established companies, they often reach executive positions like CEO. This trend is particularly evident in the tech industry, where many Indian Americans have taken on leadership roles in major companies. For example, Sundar Pichai at Google and Satya Nadella at Microsoft.

Education and Skill Development

India has a strong emphasis on technical and engineering education, with many graduates excelling in STEM fields. This has led to a significant number of Indians being hired in high-level positions within existing companies rather than starting their own.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

While the startup ecosystem in India has grown significantly in recent years, with many successful Indian-founded companies emerging (like Flipkart, Zomato, and Oyo), it is still developing compared to the more established ecosystems in the U.S. This can create a perception that Indians are more successful in corporate roles rather than as founders.

Cultural Factors

In some cases, cultural attitudes toward risk and entrepreneurship may influence career choices. Many families encourage stable, high-paying jobs in established firms rather than the uncertainties of starting a business.

Globalization

As Indian companies expand globally, Indian entrepreneurs are increasingly becoming founders of successful firms that operate on an international scale. The narrative is shifting as more Indian startups gain recognition and scale.

Conclusion

While there is a notable presence of Indians in CEO roles, the landscape is changing, and more Indian entrepreneurs are emerging as founders of successful companies, particularly in the technology sector and beyond.

The shift in narratives towards recognizing Indian founder-CEOs is a positive trend, supporting the development and growth of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. As more Indian startups grow and achieve global recognition, this perception is likely to change, leading to an increase in Indian founders leading large companies.