In a conversation that has captured the attention of India's business community, tech billionaire Elon Musk shared crucial advice for young founders during a recent podcast episode. The discussion took place on 'People by WTF,' the popular podcast hosted by Indian entrepreneur and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. Musk's core message, which has since gone viral across social media platforms in India, was straightforward: entrepreneurs should focus on creating useful products and services rather than directly chasing wealth.
The Core Philosophy: Value Creation Over Financial Gain
During the engaging episode, Musk expressed his admiration for builders and creators who aim to contribute something meaningful to society. He advised founders to anchor their ventures in purpose, resilience, and a long-term commitment. Musk stated he is a 'big fan of anyone who wants to build and who wants to create more value than they consume.' This philosophy challenges the prevalent startup culture where rapid scaling, early fundraising, and valuation often become the primary metrics of success.
He argued that when a business genuinely strives to provide something useful, success is a natural byproduct. This perspective offers a refreshing counter-narrative for many new Indian founders who feel immense pressure to grow fast and seek investment prematurely. Musk's view suggests that sustainable, long-term growth is rooted in usefulness and real problem-solving, not just hype or marketing momentum.
Practical Implications for India's Startup Ecosystem
Musk's comments highlight a strategic shift for Indian entrepreneurship. Instead of replicating existing models or chasing trends solely for profit, he encourages founders to identify genuine gaps in society. The opportunities are vast across India's rapidly developing digital and industrial landscape—from affordable tech and education to rural services and healthcare. Building solutions that tangibly improve lives for others should be the foundation of every venture.
Useful products, according to Musk, build trust, create resilience, and endure far longer than businesses based on fleeting trends. This advice is particularly timely as India witnesses an explosion of innovation across sectors. It urges a mindset shift where the measure of a venture's potential is its real-world utility and positive impact on communities.
The Role of Hard Work, Patience, and Resilience
Beyond the focus on usefulness, Musk also addressed the gritty reality of entrepreneurship. He emphasized that building something valuable involves significant sacrifice, long hours, and emotional pressure. Success is rarely instant, and the journey requires immense patience and a willingness to face failure without giving up.
This part of his advice tackles a common pitfall: the desire for quick results that overrides perseverance, leading many startups to collapse. Musk encourages young builders to stay committed to their vision, work consistently, and remain grounded during setbacks. He posits that hard work, when combined with a clear purpose, becomes the essential fuel for meaningful and lasting growth. The entrepreneurs who endure these difficult phases are often the ones who go on to transform industries.
How Indian Entrepreneurs Can Apply This Advice
For founders inspired by Musk's message, the application begins with keen observation. Identifying everyday challenges within their own families, workplaces, or local communities can provide the strongest foundation for innovation. The practical approach involves starting with problem validation and small prototypes rather than immediately focusing on fundraising or branding.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to test their ideas directly with users, listen to feedback, and commit to continuous improvement, prioritizing quality and utility over speed. Adopting a long-term thinking model helps in building businesses that contribute genuine value rather than creating temporary excitement. Musk's underlying principle is clear: profits will follow organically when a solution effectively addresses a real and pressing problem.
The reason Musk's message is resonating so powerfully across India is simple: it replaces the overwhelming pressure of financial pursuit with the clarity of purpose. It reminds aspiring founders that meaningful contribution holds greater significance than chasing financial success in isolation. For a nation teeming with entrepreneurial talent and ambition, this advice champions a future built on usefulness, resilience, and visionary thinking. The powerful takeaway for every dreamer is this: build something useful, contribute positively to society, and the results will follow in due time.
