Bangalore, India 10th December 2024: YourDOST, India’s leading Emotional Wellness Platform has published a comprehensive survey titled “Emotional Wellbeing of Entrepreneurs 2024” with the latest numbers on founder mental health.

The report is an effort in collaboration with INK, Tie Global Summit, Upekkha and NSRCEL cell of IIM Bengaluru and YourDOST.

In a landscape where 68% of Indian entrepreneurs report experiencing severe stress (ASSOCHAM, 2023), and startup founder burnout contributes to nearly one-third of venture failures, understanding the emotional wellbeing of founders has become critical to India’s entrepreneurial success story

The report revealed that 61% of founders experience high well-being, but 33% struggle with low well-being, highlighting a stark divide in emotional health.

Imposter syndrome affects 31% of entrepreneurs, with early-stage founders reporting significantly higher levels. These challenges underscore the pressures of the entrepreneurial journey in India, which boasts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

With Indian startups raising over $25 billion in funding last year, the pressure on founders to perform has never been higher.

Other Key Findings in the Report Were:

74% of experienced entrepreneurs (6+ years) report high wellness, compared to just 57% of early-stage founders.

Women founders outperform their male counterparts in work-life balance (58% vs. 37%) and emotional well-being (68% vs. 55%).

However, 48% of founders report low community support, and only 31% feel strong support from entrepreneurial networks.

Early-career entrepreneurs experience lower satisfaction (43%) compared to seasoned entrepreneurs (59%), reflecting the pressures and uncertainties of the early stages of the entrepreneurial journey.

The 14-point assessment underpinning this report evaluates crucial emotional parameters shaping entrepreneurial success, such as:

● Stress management and burnout prevention

● Leadership decision-making under pressure

● Work-life integration strategies

● Support system accessibility

Richa Singh, Co Founder and CEO of YourDOST said.

“In FY 23, India’s startup ecosystem injected a significant USD 140 billion, representing nearly 4% of India’s GDP. To continue on this incredible journey we are on, wellbeing becomes an important cog in the wheel of development

“Understanding and supporting their mental health isn’t just about individual wellbeing—it’s about ensuring the sustainability of India’s startup ecosystem”

The report also features insights from YourDOST’s Founder Program, which has supported over 250 entrepreneurs with tools for resilience, emotional regulation, and growth. With actionable recommendations for venture capitalists, startup incubators, policymakers, and mental health professionals, this report serves as a roadmap to fostering a healthier entrepreneurial community.