Young Pune Entrepreneurs Choose Startups Over Conventional Jobs

Reported by Siddhi Patil
Pune, 12th July 2025: From school students to college graduates, young people in Pune are increasingly choosing startups over conventional jobs. This growing shift is driven by a desire for independence, creative freedom, and the urge to build something meaningful from a young age. Students are walking away from placement opportunities and corporate offers to pursue ideas they believe in. And in the process, changing the city’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Pranav Harkal and Akchat Gupta, students of Symbiosis College, opted out of campus placements to start their own media agency. Their journey began in the second year of college when Akchat was exploring freelance work and small ventures. Pranav later joined him, and together they launched Cambunnny Media, a media agency that helps brands with marketing using micro-influencers.

According to Pranav Harkal, “The subject of entrepreneurship in college subconsciously shaped my mindset because of its practical curriculum.” He added, “I could do a 9-5 job, which is considered to be ‘safe’, but we never know when the economy will fall or when there would be another mass-layoff. So why sit on a desk the entire day for monetary incentive while getting no credit for your contribution.”

Acknowledging his privilege, he said, “I knew that I wanted to have something of my own. Because I had the privilege to take my time with things, and I didn’t have the pressure of being a breadwinner.”

Akchat Gupta, who did try interviewing for campus placements, said, “I applied for a big company, but by the last round of the interview, I realised that big companies are not looking for creative minds, but for slaves. And I didn’t try to apply anywhere else.”

Gargi Lele, a 20-year-old psychology student and certified art therapist, has started a venture selling unique activity books for children. “As someone who loves working with children, I always saw a lack of variety in kids’ activity books. It would always be activities of drawing, colouring, or tracing alphabets. So, I designed a book that would engage children with their parents and enhance their creativity,” she said.

Lele added, “I didn’t have any ‘this is it’ moment. I just thought that something was lacking, and instead of waiting for someone else to make it, I made it myself. And that is what I love about entrepreneurship. It’s just doing what you’re waiting for. And in a conventional job, I’d have to wait for approvals till a point where my idea would be changed completely for their profit. When I make it, I just get to put my ideas to work.”

Mrunal Purohit started her canvas bag business when she was 18. Now 20, her aim is to combine fashion with sustainability and replace plastic bags with canvas alternatives. “I always knew that working for someone else wasn’t something I could possibly do. It changed in the second year, when I took entrepreneurship as a subject. That’s what gave me the confidence and knowledge to put my ideas to reality,” she said. Mrunal plans to expand her business through self-funding instead of joining a conventional job.

Aman Awati started his first design and tech startup at the age of 18. Since then, he has launched other ventures including business mentorship and has worked on reform projects in medical education and government systems in Maharashtra.

“Since childhood, I’ve naturally gravitated toward leadership—whether leading friend groups or organizing events like the Design Expo and NDA Awards in college,” said Awati. “I’ve always been driven by problem-solving, conflict resolution, and the desire to create meaningful impact.”

He added, “In 2018, I took a leap into entrepreneurship despite having no business background in my family. It was a bold move, especially coming from a service-oriented household, but I built my path step by step.”

Awati also highlighted the challenges of working with government systems. “Driving change within government structures is incredibly challenging. Early on, I faced resistance, pushback, and skepticism—especially as a young outsider. But my persistence, belief in my purpose, and refusal to give up kept me going.”

Speaking about the current job market, he said, “While many of my peers are stuck in the same place—worried about layoffs or uncertain about their future—I’ve taken a different path. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve sacrificed parts of my youth, but as they say, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ And the view from the top makes it all worth it.”
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about business. For me, it’s deeply personal. It’s about purpose, passion, and persistence. And I’m just getting started. There is more to come!”

Prahar Jain, a 12th-grade student, started his clothing startup One and Only Fashion. “Since 6th grade, I knew that I wanted to start something of my own. Last year, while helping my father with his business, I gained the confidence to start my own clothing line that would connect with Gen Z,” he said. Jain designs T-shirts related to anime and other Gen Z trends, promoting them through event collaborations.

He is now working on creating a community and designing AI influencers to help promote his brand. “I don’t plan on taking a job ever. I am pretty young to make such a big decision, but I know for a fact that this is my calling,” he said.

On the conventional job versus entrepreneurship debate, Jain added, “Both conventional jobs and entrepreneurship are good depending on the people who are doing it. But for me, entrepreneurship is better than a conventional job because there is a lot of potential in terms of expansion and learning new things. There are also things like freedom and flexibility, and it creates your distinct identity.”

These young individuals from Pune are part of a growing trend that reflects changing aspirations and priorities among India’s youth. For them, building something of their own is not just a career choice, but a way of life.