80% Of Early-Stage Startups Are Looking To Increase Their Workforce In 2023: Report Approximately 37.97% of startups have reportedly indicated that they intend to recruit more junior-level employees, while 27.27% of respondents are planning to focus on mid-level hiring

By Teena Jose

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Pexels

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in partnership with Randstad India, one of the leading organizations in the HR services industry, has launched their exclusive survey on startup hiring trends. Over 300 startups participated in the survey. Despite the current trend of layoffs among larger corporations, the survey highlighted that a significant proportion (80%) of early-stage startups, those with a current workforce of fewer than 20 employees, are actively seeking to expand their workforce in 2023. Notably, these startups have secured Series A and Series B funding, are well-capitalized, and are actively seeking to hire new talent. 92% of these startups stated that their hiring decisions will primarily be driven by new project orders, additional funding raised from investors and expansion strategies, as per the report.

"With the emergence of several new-age innovative organizations across sectors, the Indian start-up ecosystem will be a significant contributor to India's economic growth over the next few years. More importantly, these startups will eventually go on to create unique employment opportunities and career paths, innovation and competitive dynamics in the world of work," said Viswanath PS, MD and CEO, Randstad India.

The study also stated that hiring will primarily occur at the junior and mid-levels. Approximately 37.97% of startups have indicated that they intend to recruit more junior-level employees, while 27.27% of respondents are planning to focus on mid-level hiring. However, the agri/agritech and automotive sectors will focus more on senior level C-suite hiring. The survey further indicates that 54.38% of startups attribute the high attrition rate in the industry to factors such as better pay packages offered by larger corporations, as well as concerns over job security in a startup. Other factors contributing to attrition in startups include a lack of clarity around career progression and credibility.

"Startups create a large range of jobs as they grow and mature. As this report highlights, the initial opportunities arise as founders onboard the early team to help establish the business. The dynamic working environment in startups provides the ideal training ground for aspiring entrepreneurs who then move on to create their own startups. This creates a virtuous cycle of growth, with each successive cohort adding jobs and enterprises. With their pan-India footprint, startups create jobs and economic opportunities beyond just the top cities and are key partners in India's growth story," said Rohit Bansal, chairman - FICCI Startup Committee, and co-founder, AceVector Group and Titan Capital.

Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India's struggle for independence, its industrialization, and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing global economies, whereas Randstad India offers the broadest HR services portfolio ranging from staffing, permanent hiring and executive search to recruitment process outsourcing (RPO).

In this context, Nirvan Birla, founder Birla Brainiacs responded that, "Amidst the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation, it is inspiring to see that 80% of early-stage startups are looking to increase their workforce in 2023. As these startups continue to scale and expand, they have the power to create new opportunities for individuals and communities alike. From entry-level positions to executive roles, the potential for career growth and advancement is vast. As we look towards the future, the potential impact of these early-stage startups on our workforce and economy is immense. It is up to us to ensure that this growth is not only sustainable but also equitable and inclusive for all."

Founder and CEO of Uplers, a leading tech talent matchmaking firm, Jaymin Bhuptani, also opined that, "Top Indian tech talent have many choices today. They are not limited to local Indian companies. Global companies are now hiring Indian tech talent by offering remote job opportunities. Whether its hot startups or mature organizations, companies globally are looking to tap into India's tech talent pool to build scalable and distributed teams. Top Indian tech talent is looking for amazing projects, flexibility and fair compensation. They will choose organizations that deliver on this, irrespective of the company's location."

Teena Jose

News Desk Reporter with Entrepreneur India

Teena is a post graduate in financial journalism. She has an avid interest in content creation, digital media and fashion.
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

37% of Employers Would Rather Hire a Robot or AI Than a Recent Grad: 'Theory Alone Is No Longer Enough'

Three out of 10 HR leaders would rather leave a position unfilled than hire a recent graduate.

Money & Finance

Startup Founders Need to Advocate For Their Own Compensation — Here's How to Do It Right

Ensuring fair compensation as a founder or CEO is crucial to staying motivated and building a successful company. Here's how to strategically handle the conversation and get the pay that reflects your worth.

Technology

Indian GCCs to Add up to 4.5 Lakh New Jobs this Year, and 1 Mn Jobs by 2030: NLB Services

Signalling commitment to future-ready workforces and equipping youth for next-gen innovation, 42 per cent of GCCs are likely to bolster their workforce with a significant 50 per cent surge by 2030

Business Solutions

Windows 11 Pro for $20: Built for Business Owners Who Do It All

A one-time payment gives you lifetime access to the tools you need to secure data, streamline workflows, and scale your business.

News and Trends

Adar Poonawalla Acquires 20% Stake in AstaGuru to Transform Luxury Auction Space

The collaboration will drive growth across various verticals and categories, leveraging research-driven strategies and AI-powered digital enhancements to elevate user experiences.