The India Global Forum (IGF) hosted a pivotal dialogue on “Founders Without Borders – Why Diversity Builds Better Start-ups” as part of IGF London 2025 – Forging Winning Partnerships, held on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London.
This roundtable brought together influential leaders, progressive policymakers, and pioneering innovators to examine how diverse leadership can drive the next era of cross-border collaboration. From digital trade to sustainable finance, cutting-edge technology to inclusive growth, the session bridged strategic vision with practical implementation.
The forum was officially opened by Hon Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, alongside Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade.
IGF Roundtable ‘Founders Without Borders – Why Diversity Builds Better Start-ups’
Roundtable Chair:
Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head – Zoho for Startups, Zoho Corporation
Featured Participants:
- Af Malhotra, Founder & CEO, Diversity Economics AI
- Ahana Banerjee, Founder, Clear
- Anmol Goel, Founder & CEO, Gacs Ltd
- Dr Anshul Gupta, Co-founder & Venture Partner, ABRA Ventures
- Bhavit Sheth, COO & Co-founder, Dream11 & Dream Sports
- Drishdey Caullychurn, Founder & CEO, TEXpert AI
- Gayatri Panda, Entrepreneur & Investor, IBU Group of Companies
- Lopa Patel MBE, Chair, Diversity UK
- Mini Biswas, Copilot Innovation Award Winner & Global DEI Champion 2025, Cisilion
- Nikita Thakrar, Co-founder & CEO, Included VC
- Pragya Saboo, Founder, Stealth Start-up
- Sahiba Patni, Co-founder & CEO, WeDeliver UK
- Utkarsh Amitabh, CEO, Network Capital
Topic: Founders Without Borders – Why Diversity Builds Better Start-ups
At a time when Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are facing growing resistance in some regions, including the UK, this roundtable reasserted the case for diversity not only as a moral imperative but as a strategic advantage in the global start-up landscape.
Global founders and investors discussed how inclusive teams consistently outperform others, how varied perspectives fuel innovation, and what it takes to scale ventures across international markets. The session underscored the tangible return on investment (ROI) of representation in entrepreneurship, advocating that the future of innovation is fundamentally borderless.
Key Discussion Points:
- In what ways do diverse founding teams excel in innovation, resilience, and global market access?
- How does diversity influence fundraising success, scaling operations, and team performance?
- How do inclusive leadership teams effectively navigate cultural nuance and unlock international growth?
- What practices embed inclusivity from the outset across hiring, product design, and investor engagement?
- What lessons can be drawn from start-ups that have succeeded or struggled in this regard?
About the India Global Forum
The Forum
A flagship IGF initiative, the Forum provided a strategic platform to explore how UK–India relations are adapting in an evolving geopolitical landscape, with a focus on diplomacy, defence, cultural leadership, collaborative innovation, and the Free Trade Agreement.
Future Frontiers Forum: Science, Tech & Innovation
Held at the Science Museum, London, the UK–India Future Frontiers Forum explored transformative technologies including AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and healthtech. It examined how the UK’s advanced research capabilities and India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem can deliver impactful breakthroughs.
- Hon Piyush Goyal led a fireside conversation on reshaping global tech through UK–India collaboration
- Lord Patrick Vallance, UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, discussed unlocking bilateral innovation opportunities
- Greg Jackson, Founder & CEO of Octopus Energy, shared insights on pioneering cleaner, smarter energy solutions
The forum also featured Pitchers & Punters, where NXTGen innovators presented AI and cleantech ideas to a high-profile panel of investors and corporates.
Key Themes Included:
AI & Quantum | Space Frontiers | Health Innovation | Clean Energy & Climate Tech
Financing Infrastructure Forum – Investing in Infrastructure
This forum emphasised bilateral cooperation in sustainable infrastructure and examined how the UK’s financial sector can both support and benefit from India’s large-scale infrastructure development.
UK–India Future Forum: UKIFF Dialogues
UKIFF Dialogues provided an exclusive platform for peer-to-peer conversations among business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. These dialogues explored cross-sectoral opportunities and challenges, culminating in a comprehensive outcomes report.
IGF Summer Reception
The second day concluded with the IGF Summer Reception, an elegant evening of al fresco dining, live music, and networking in the courtyard of St. James’ Court, attended by IGF participants and dignitaries.
IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers
Launched at IGF London 2024, this prestigious award celebrates contemporary Indian fiction. Dr Shalini Mullick was named the inaugural recipient, receiving a $25,000 cash prize, one of the largest literary awards globally, in partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha.
Culture and Creativity Forum
This forum showcased leading performers and cultural innovators from both the UK and India, spotlighting their influence in redefining national identity, engaging communities, and championing the creative power of two great democracies.
For more details, visit: IGF London 2025 – Forging Winning Partnerships