For decades, Indian professionals have quietly climbed the ranks of Silicon Valley, occupying key roles in some of the most influential companies in the world. Whether it’s the Big Five or any renowned technology company, the contributions of Indian talent have been integral to the rise of the global tech ecosystem. But a new shift is underway. Today Indians, as entrepreneurs, are stepping out from behind the curtains, transforming from key contributors within multinational corporations to founders and CEOs of their own startups.
Helping to bridge this burgeoning Indian startup ecosystem with the global market, especially Silicon Valley, is Ronjini Joshua, founder of boutique PR agency Silver Telegram. Armed with two decades of experience, a deep understanding of cultural nuances, and a passion for connecting businesses across borders, Ronjini is uniquely positioned to support Indian founders in making their mark on the world stage.
India has long been a hub of intellectual and technical talent, with many brilliant engineers and scientists. However, the traditional barriers of capital, infrastructure, and market access often limited the ability of these silent giants to bring their innovations to global markets. That is changing.
“In the past few years, there’s been a seismic shift,” Ronjini explains. “Indian startups are no longer just servicing global markets—they’re claiming their place in them. What’s remarkable is the confidence and infrastructure they now have to scale their ideas internationally.” The statistics show that 28% of Indian startups serve the global market—out of which, about 60% serve the U.S. and Canada as one of their markets.
This shift is powered by several factors.
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, incubating bold ideas and driving entrepreneurs to seek innovative solutions. Simultaneously, a new wave of Indian investors has emerged, willing to back domestic as well as foreign ventures with the capital needed to scale. Just in 2023, the foreign direct investments from India in the United States amounted to about $4.66 billion. “Historically, Indian startups needed higher-level investors to make the jump to markets like the U.S. Those investors now exist, which has opened doors for emerging companies to globalize their offerings,” Ronjini observes. She further points out, “Even the first-generation Indian-Americans are now at a point where they have the stability and resources to take their parents’ entrepreneurial spirit to the next level, ready to create something of their own.”
As Indian startups make their way into markets like the U.S., cultural nuances and communication barriers present their own set of challenges. While English proficiency in India is high, subtleties in language, work ethic, and business norms can create friction. Ronjini’s role as a connector is as much about this cultural understanding as it is about business strategy. Born to Indian immigrants in the U.S., she strayed from the traditional career paths to forge a path in public relations—a field where South Asians have historically been underrepresented. Her diverse background has given her a dual perspective: the ability to ‘speak both languages’ of Indian and Western business culture. This skill is invaluable to Indian startups, many of which face challenges when entering new markets.
“Over 20 years of expertise in the U.S. PR landscape, but Indian at heart, I completely understand this disconnection. That is why, through Silver Telegram, my team and I help them translate their culture and vision for a global audience,” Ronjini affirms. She truly understands how to craft narratives that resonate across borders. “It’s to bridge the softer side of business—the trust, relationships, and mutual understanding that’s crucial for success in these completely new markets.”
Recent political shifts and changing economic trends have further accelerated the push for Indian startups to go global. At the same time, the saturation of the American tech market has made it more receptive to fresh, high-level innovation from other regions. “The elections have brought both opportunities and challenges. While navigating these new dynamics may be tough, it also underscores the need for a bridge between Indian companies and markets like the U.S.,” she adds.
Silver Telegram’s highly personalised model is a key advantage for startups navigating this transition. While larger agencies often come with rigid processes and bureaucratic layers, Ronjini’s team offers a customised and hands-on approach. “Our global size allows us to be agile and deeply involved in our clients’ journey,” she notes. “We become an extension of their team, understanding their technical expertise while shaping a narrative that connects with diverse audiences.”
This personalised approach has been pivotal for Indian startups in technical fields ranging from robotics to artificial intelligence. Many of these companies are led by highly technical founders who excel in innovation but often struggle with marketing and storytelling. That is why a PR agency like Silver Telegram is needed to add that value—helping them communicate their ideas in a way that captures attention and builds trust.
“We all know that America remains one of the largest markets in the world. But it’s not just to immigrate here, it’s about globalising,” Ronjini explains. “Indian startups no longer have to just solve local problems; they can bring solutions that have universal appeal.”. Beyond the U.S., Indian startups are also looking at other markets in the Middle East and Europe.
As India’s startups step onto the global stage, Ronjini sees a brighter future for innovation, not just in technology but also in education and sustainability. She believes that these companies are giving voice to a talent pool that has long been underestimated. She concludes, “My only mission is to help them amplify their voices and share their brilliance with the world. The time is now, and I’m proud to be part of this journey.”
