YourDOST’s well-being study says nearly half of startup founders lack community support

The report revealed that 61 per cent of founders experience high well-being, but 33 per cent struggle with low well-being, highlighting a stark divide in emotional health

YourDOST, India’s leading Emotional Wellness Platform has published a comprehensive survey titled “Emotional Wellbeing of Entrepreneurs 2024” with the latest numbers on founder mental health.

The report is an effort in collaboration with INK, Tie Global Summit, Upekkha and NSRCEL cell of IIM Bengaluru and YourDOST.

In a landscape where 68 per cent of Indian entrepreneurs report experiencing severe stress (ASSOCHAM, 2023), and startup founder burnout contributes to nearly one-third of venture failures, understanding the emotional well-being of founders has become critical to India’s entrepreneurial success story

The report revealed that 61 per cent of founders experience high well-being, but 33 per cent struggle with low well-being, highlighting a stark divide in emotional health.

Imposter syndrome affects 31 per cent of entrepreneurs, with early-stage founders reporting significantly higher levels. These challenges underscore the pressures of the entrepreneurial journey in India, which boasts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

With Indian startups raising over $25 billion in funding last year, the pressure on founders to perform has never been higher.

Other Key Findings in the Report Were:

74 per cent of experienced entrepreneurs (6+ years) report high wellness, compared to just 57 per cent of early-stage founders.

Women founders outperform their male counterparts in work-life balance (58 per cent vs. 37 per cent) and emotional well-being (68 per cent vs. 55 per cent).

However, 48 per cent of founders report low community support and only 31 per cent feel strong support from entrepreneurial networks.

Early-career entrepreneurs experience lower satisfaction (43 per cent) compared to seasoned entrepreneurs (59 per cent), reflecting the pressures and uncertainties of the early stages of the entrepreneurial journey.

The 14-point assessment underpinning this report evaluates crucial emotional parameters shaping entrepreneurial success, such as:

Stress management and burnout prevention

Leadership decision-making under pressure

Work-life integration strategies

Support system accessibility