‘We gave it every thing in Chennai’: Startup founder’s shift to Bengaluru fuels debate
Chennai-based startup Fragaria is shifting its headquarters to Bengaluru, founder Harish Varadharajan introduced in a viral social media publish, reigniting debate over why the town struggles to carry on to fast-growing firms.
“In Chennai, we gave it our all, constructing a worldwide product and cultivating strawberries towards all odds. However the local weather, market entry, supportive agriculture legal guidelines, expat livability, and Bengaluru’s thriving startup ecosystem have made the transfer inevitable,” Varadharajan wrote on LinkedIn/X.
Whereas Fragaria’s R&D farm will stay in Chennai, the relocation has sparked sharp reactions on-line.
A number of Chennai residents questioned the local weather argument, noting that the town advantages from sea breezes for a lot of the 12 months, with excessive warmth confined to April and Might. “Chennai already has the expertise and infrastructure. Possibly we must always deal with constructing higher startup assist right here as an alternative of shedding firms to Bengaluru,” one consumer commented.
Others voiced frustration on the broader pattern. “One more Chennai-based startup strikes to Bengaluru. We’re investing closely in schooling, only for Bengaluru to reap the advantages,” one skilled stated.
Critics argued that the actual problem lies in coverage and livability. “I’ve instructed politicians many times, cease residing together with your heads within the clouds. Chennai is at a drawback. Even with Bangalore’s site visitors and boring way of life, it nonetheless wins. Excessive-paying startups are shifting out, younger expertise is leaving,” one other consumer posted.
Some urged various hubs inside Tamil Nadu. “Possibly transfer the capital to Coimbatore to cease these complaints about local weather. Have a look at Pune’s progress within the final 5 years. Kovai has comparable potential with vacationer spots like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Munnar,” one remark learn.
Varadharajan confused that Chennai stays integral to Fragaria’s journey. “Chennai will all the time be our first dwelling,” he wrote, including that R&D operations would proceed within the metropolis.
