Why Indian Entrepreneurs Must Learn to Celebrate Failure Too!

“It’s over. But it’s not the end.”

That’s the spirit emerging from a rising tide of Indian founders who are not just winding up their startups—but sharing their failures openly and honestly. At a time when startup successes dominate headlines and LinkedIn timelines, a few brave voices are challenging the norm and telling the other side of the story: what happens when a startup fails.

In the high-stakes world of Indian startups, failure has long been a word whispered in corners. But this week, two emotionally raw and powerfully honest posts on LinkedIn shook things up. One from Himaksh Kashyap, the founder of AntarVastra, and another from Shreedha Singh, co-founder of the Ayurvedic beauty brand TAC (The Ayurveda Co.). Their reflections bring into sharp focus a conversation the Indian startup community often avoids: failure is not just a possibility, it's a phase. And it’s time we stopped hiding it.

Himaksh Kashyap: The Founder Who Sold His Car Before Saying Goodbye

In a deeply moving LinkedIn post, Himaksh Kashyap, who once pitched his sustainable hemp textile startup Antar on Shark Tank India, announced the closure of his venture.

“At one point, I had to sell out my household goods and then my car to stay afloat… but finally gave up.”

There’s no drama in his tone, only clarity. Kashyap acknowledges missteps, poor judgment, and business challenges that spiraled beyond control. But in his failure, he doesn’t seek sympathy. He offers lessons.

Instead of hiding away, Himaksh has decided to share his learnings from the hemp textile industry and announced his next entrepreneurial leap—this time into media and entertainment.

“I am not going to repeat the same mistakes,” he promises, calling out to investors willing to “bet on a failed horse.”

This kind of honesty is rare and refreshing. Most founders disappear after a startup folds, quietly updating their LinkedIn profiles to reflect new beginnings without context. But Himaksh is part of a growing tribe unafraid to own their full journey, failures included.

Shreedha Singh: An Industry’s Brutal Reality Check

While Kashyap’s story is deeply personal, Shreedha Singh’s post about wrapping up TAC feels more like a call to arms. With precision and pain, she highlights the irony of India’s relationship with its own Ayurvedic heritage.

“You say you love Ayurveda. But Neem gets buried under the weight of Salicylic.”

Her words are not just about one brand shutting down—they reflect the frustration of an entire industry that’s been sidelined by global trends. TAC built a beauty brand rooted in Ayurveda, proudly celebrating Indian ingredients. But when faced with the harsh realities of market dynamics, shifting customer preferences, and inconsistent demand, it folded.

“We built something proudly rooted in Bharat. And, watched it drown in a market full of chemicals & actives.”

Her post isn't just a goodbye—it's a reality check. And it’s a reminder that even when vision and values align, survival isn't guaranteed.

Why Talking About Failure Matters

Startups fail. It’s a fact. Globally, 90% of startups fail within the first five years. Yet, the Indian ecosystem has been slower to build a cultural cushion for failure. There's glorification of unicorns, of pitch wins, and funding rounds—but no structured space or emotional safety net for those who fall short.

And here lies the problem.

When failure is stigmatized:

• Entrepreneurs feel isolated.

• Valuable lessons go unshared.

• The next generation of founders don’t know what not to do.

On the flip side, talking about failure openly can fuel resilience, foster better decision-making, and prepare founders to bounce back smarter. Founders like Himaksh and Shreedha are not just narrating the end of a journey—they are building the foundation of a healthier startup culture, where real stories, both good and bad, are told.

India is slowly learning what Silicon Valley has long known: Failure is not a full stop. It’s a comma.

We need more platforms where founders can:

• Share post-mortems without fear of judgment.

• Get support from investors and mentors, even after failure.

• Access mental health resources, because the emotional toll is real.

It’s also time for investors to normalize portfolio failures and celebrate entrepreneurs who try again—often better equipped. As Himaksh says, “I may be a failed horse, but I’ve learned how not to fall.”

A Call for Compassion—and Courage

We celebrate entrepreneurs who scale to success. But we must also celebrate those who tried, gave it everything, and had the courage to say, “I couldn’t make it work.”

Their journeys are just as valuable—sometimes even more so. Because success stories tell us what went right. But failure stories tell us what could go wrong—and how to do better next time.

In a time where mental health, burnout, and unsustainable hustle culture are real threats, building a community that respects failure isn’t just ideal. It’s essential.