Background & RewardWise: From Academia to Startup Founder
Abhishek Gupta's journey from academia to entrepreneurship represents a growing trend among professionals taking sabbaticals to pursue startup dreams in India. After earning his PhD from UIUC in 2009 and becoming a professor in 2015, he was promoted to Associate Professor at Ohio State University before embarking on this ambitious venture.
What is RewardWise? RewardWise is a comprehensive platform designed for small businesses to run loyalty programs, membership systems, and rental programs. The platform addresses a critical gap in the Indian market where small businesses struggle with customer acquisition and retention.
The Inspiration: The idea came from watching his wife run ChaiBack.com and witnessing her challenges with customer acquisition and engagement. This firsthand experience revealed the massive opportunity for a solution that could help small businesses compete with larger chains.
The Timeline: On July 4th, Abhishek moved his family to Bangalore for a one-year sabbatical, diving headfirst into India's startup ecosystem while maintaining his academic position in the US.
Why Choose India for Your Startup? The Market Opportunity
If you're considering where to launch your startup, India presents a compelling case that's hard to ignore. The country is experiencing a massive digital transformation that creates unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The Market Transition Advantage
India's market is actively transitioning from offline to online operations, creating a massive opportunity window. Unlike the US market where everyone already has established systems in place, Indian businesses are just beginning their digital journey. This means you can capture market share before competition intensifies.
Key Reasons India Wins for Startups:
- Market Transition: Indian businesses are moving from offline to online—you can be the solution they need right now
- US Market Saturation: American businesses already have established systems, making market entry extremely difficult
- New Business Boom: Thousands of new businesses are opening across India every month, creating a constantly expanding customer base
- Talent Availability: You can build distributed development teams in India with skilled engineers at competitive rates
- Economic Growth: India is on track to become a $5-10 trillion economy, with the government actively supporting digital initiatives through programs like Digital India
Real-World Example: In 2023, booking spa appointments in most Indian cities still requires phone calls. Compare this to the US where online booking has been standard for over a decade. This gap represents a massive opportunity to digitize services that are still manual.
The combination of market readiness, economic growth, and digital adoption makes India one of the most attractive startup destinations globally. However, as you'll see in the next section, the execution comes with unique challenges.
What Are the Real Challenges of Starting a Company in India as an NRI?
Starting a company in India as a foreign resident is an uphill battle that most guides don't prepare you for. The official documentation makes it sound straightforward, but the reality involves hidden requirements at every step that can delay your launch by months.
The NRI Entrepreneur's Roadblock List
If you're an NRI or foreign resident planning to start a company in India, here's what you'll actually face:
- Indian Resident Co-Founder Required: You cannot register a company as a sole foreign founder—you must have an Indian resident as a co-founder or director
- Physical Office Address Mandatory: Virtual offices don't work for most registrations; you need a legitimate physical address with proof
- GST Registration Complexity: Filing for GST involves multiple documents and verification steps that aren't clearly documented
- Telecom Registrations: If your business involves any communication services, prepare for additional regulatory hurdles
- The "Step 0 Before Step 1" Problem: Each requirement has hidden prerequisites that only reveal themselves when you try to complete the main task
- Payment Gateway Nightmare: Getting approval from Razorpay, Paytm, or other payment gateways can take 3-6 months, with constant requests for additional documentation
- Undocumented Requirements: Every step reveals new requirements that weren't mentioned in the official guidelines
How Long Does It Really Take?
While the official timeline suggests 2-3 weeks for company registration, the reality for NRIs is 3-6 months to get fully operational with payment processing capabilities. This doesn't include the time spent discovering and fulfilling hidden requirements.
The Practical Solution: Start a US Company Instead
Why Abhishek Started a US Company for His India-Focused Startup:
- ✓ 3-4 days total setup time from filing to operational status
- ✓ EIN from IRS arrives quickly through online application
- ✓ Stripe payment gateway approved in 1-2 days with immediate processing capability
- ✓ No hidden requirements—the process is exactly as documented
- ✓ Transparent regulations from the IRS and state authorities
- ✓ Can still serve Indian customers while avoiding NRI registration hurdles
Reality Check: If you're an Indian resident starting a company in India, the process is relatively straightforward and well-documented. However, foreign residents and NRIs face significant bureaucratic hurdles that can delay your business launch by months. Many successful India-focused startups actually incorporate in the US or Singapore first, then expand to India once they have traction.
This doesn't mean you should give up on starting a company in India—it means you need to plan for these challenges and consider alternative incorporation strategies. For more insights on managing NRI banking and financial challenges, check out our comprehensive guide.
Why Bangalore is the Best City for Startups in India
Choosing the right city for your startup can make or break your venture. After evaluating multiple Indian cities, Bangalore emerged as the clear winner for building a tech startup. Here's why this decision matters and how Bangalore compares to other major tech hubs.
The City Evaluation Process
The shortlist included major tech and business hubs: Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Patna (family city). Each city was evaluated on air quality, tech ecosystem, cost of living, talent availability, and startup culture.
Why Bangalore Won the Startup City Battle
- ✓ Best Air Quality Among Tech Hubs: While not perfect, Bangalore has significantly better air quality than Delhi/Gurgaon and Mumbai, making it healthier for families
- ✓ Thriving Tech Ecosystem: Home to thousands of startups, tech giants, and venture capital firms—networking opportunities are everywhere
- ✓ Affordable Real Estate: Significantly cheaper than Mumbai while offering better quality of life and space
- ✓ Extremely Collaborative Community: Bangalore's startup community is known for helping each other—founders regularly share resources, introductions, and advice
- ✓ Strong Startup Culture: The city breathes entrepreneurship with regular meetups, accelerators, and a supportive ecosystem
- ✓ Talent Pool: Access to engineers, designers, and business professionals from top institutions like IISc and IIMs
Why Other Cities Didn't Make the Cut
Mumbai: Rejected due to extremely high cost of living combined with poor air quality. The real estate prices make it difficult for early-stage startups to sustain operations.
Gurgaon/Delhi: Air quality issues are severe, especially during winter months. The AQI regularly crosses 400, making it unhealthy for families with young children.
Patna: While family connections exist, the city lacks a tech ecosystem. Finding skilled developers, designers, and business talent would be extremely challenging.
Hyderabad & Chennai: Good alternatives with growing tech scenes, but Bangalore's established ecosystem and collaborative culture gave it the edge.
The Bangalore Advantage for Returnees
For professionals returning from the US, Bangalore offers the smoothest transition. The city has a large community of returnees who understand the cultural adjustment challenges. You'll find international schools, familiar food options, and a work culture that's more aligned with Western practices compared to other Indian cities.
If you're considering moving back to India from the US, Bangalore should be at the top of your list for tech and startup opportunities.
How Do Kids Adjust to International Schools in Bangalore?
One of the biggest concerns for families relocating to India is children's education and adjustment. The good news? Kids adapt remarkably well, especially when you choose the right school and community.
The Oakridge International School Experience
Abhishek's daughters—a 5-year-old in EYP1 and a 3-year-old in Nursery—attend Oakridge International School in Bangalore. The transition was surprisingly smooth, with both children settling in within weeks.
What Made the Transition Easy:
- School Bus Routine: The daily school bus became the highlight of their day, providing structure and excitement
- Previous Visit Memory: Having visited Bangalore before helped the children remember the environment and feel less anxious
- Instant Friend Circle: Living in an apartment complex with 500+ kids meant instant playmates and social connections
- International Curriculum: The IB curriculum at Oakridge aligns well with US educational standards, making future transitions easier
The Abundance of Affordable Activities in India
One of the most striking differences between the US and India is the availability and affordability of extracurricular activities. In the US, each class can cost $100-200 per month with limited options. In India, you can explore dozens of activities at a fraction of the cost.
Activities the Kids Pursued in Bangalore:
- ✓ Swimming: Made significant progress in just 3-4 months with regular coaching
- ✓ Skating: Went from beginners to skating confidently in the apartment complex
- ✓ Drawing Classes: Developed artistic skills with professional instructors
- ✓ Dancing: Participated in cultural dance performances during festivals
- ✓ Cultural Events: Regular participation in Durga Puja, Diwali, and community celebrations
US vs India: The Class Availability Gap
"We explored 20 different classes for each girl and found 3-4 that work perfectly for their interests and schedules. In the US, classes are expensive and difficult to access—you're limited by location, timing, and cost. In India, you have abundant affordable options within a 2-kilometer radius. This abundance lets kids explore multiple interests without breaking the bank."
The Social Development Advantage
Beyond academics, the social environment in Indian apartment complexes provides unmatched opportunities for children to develop social skills. With hundreds of kids in the same community, children naturally form friendships, learn to navigate social dynamics, and develop independence.
For more insights on raising children in India versus the USA, including education system comparisons, check out our detailed guide.
Sabbatical in India: Expectations vs Reality
Every returnee has expectations about life in India based on childhood memories, parents' stories, or vacation visits. Here's the honest truth about what exceeded expectations and what fell short during this sabbatical experience in Bangalore.
What Exceeded Expectations
Several aspects of life in Bangalore turned out to be significantly better than anticipated:
- ✓ Festival Celebrations: The scale and organization of cultural events like Durga Puja and Diwali far exceeded expectations—professional stages, performances, and community participation
- ✓ Kids' Stage Performances: Children participating in cultural performances within weeks of arrival, building confidence and cultural connection
- ✓ Abundance of Affordable Classes: Access to 20+ different activity options for kids at a fraction of US costs
- ✓ Household Help: Availability of maids, cooks, and drivers that significantly improve quality of life and work-life balance
- ✓ Gig Economy Services: Ability to rent drivers for 4-hour blocks, order anything via apps, and access services on-demand
- ✓ Startup Ecosystem: The collaborative nature of Bangalore's startup community and willingness to help newcomers
What Didn't Meet Expectations
Only one major aspect fell short of expectations, but it's significant:
- Daily Socializing: The expectation of frequent social interactions and spontaneous gatherings didn't materialize due to modern work culture. People work late hours, especially those with US clients, making weekday evening socializing nearly impossible.
What You'll Miss from the US
Being honest about the trade-offs helps set realistic expectations. Here's what you'll genuinely miss about life in the US:
- Proximity and Convenience: In Columbus, Ohio, everything is 20 minutes away—groceries, schools, offices, entertainment. In Bangalore, the same trip can take 60-90 minutes due to traffic
- No Traffic: US cities (outside major metros) have minimal traffic. Bangalore traffic is a daily challenge that affects quality of life
- Better Air Quality: Despite Bangalore having the best air quality among Indian tech hubs, it still doesn't match US standards
- 9-to-5 Work Culture: American work culture respects personal time. Indian work culture often extends into evenings and weekends
- Infrastructure Reliability: Power outages, water supply issues, and infrastructure challenges are rare in the US but occasional in India
The Honest Assessment: Life in Bangalore offers incredible advantages—cultural richness, affordable help, abundant opportunities for kids, and a thriving startup ecosystem. However, you'll trade US conveniences like minimal traffic, better air quality, and strict work-life boundaries. The key is knowing these trade-offs upfront and deciding if the benefits outweigh the challenges for your specific situation.
For a deeper comparison of life in both countries, read our guide on India vs USA quality of life for returnees.
Essential Logistics: How to Prepare for Moving to India
The difference between a smooth transition and a frustrating one often comes down to preparation. Here are the critical logistics you must handle before moving to India, based on real experience.
Pre-Move Essentials (Complete These During a Visit)
Abhishek completed these during a 2022 visit to India, which made the 2023 permanent move significantly smoother. You should do the same:
- Indian Phone Number: Set up a postpaid account using a family member's address. This is your lifeline for all future transactions. Prepaid accounts have limitations for NRIs.
- Bank Account: Open both NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) and NRE (Non-Resident External) accounts. NRO handles India-sourced income, while NRE handles foreign income. You'll need both for different purposes.
- UPI Setup: Link your Indian phone number to your NRO account and set up UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This is essential for daily transactions—from paying for groceries to splitting restaurant bills.
Why This is Critical: Everything in India is OTP-driven. You cannot complete any financial transaction, government registration, or service signup without receiving OTPs on your Indian phone number. Without these three essentials (phone, bank, UPI) set up in advance, you'll face weeks of delays and frustration after arrival.
Housing: Finding and Securing Your Bangalore Home
The housing process in India has improved significantly with technology and professional real estate agents:
- Remote Signing Works: Abhishek signed his lease remotely from the US through a real estate agent, and the process worked smoothly
- Transparent Process: Contrary to expectations, there's actually less cheating in Indian real estate compared to some US markets—agents are motivated to maintain long-term relationships
- Agent Value: A good real estate agent handles documentation, owner negotiations, and legal verification—worth the commission
- Society Selection: Prioritize apartment complexes with good schools nearby, active communities, and amenities like swimming pools and play areas for kids
Using US Credit Cards in India
You can use your US credit cards in India, but expect an adjustment period:
- Initial Fraud Detection: Your first few transactions in India will likely trigger fraud alerts and card blocks
- Inform Banks Multiple Times: Call your credit card companies before departure and again after arrival to inform them of your India stay
- Persistence Pays Off: After several failed transactions and repeated confirmations, the cards will work everywhere
- Wide Acceptance: Once cleared, you can use US cards for Amazon.in, gasoline, restaurants, and virtually all purchases
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Be aware of 2-3% foreign transaction fees on most US cards (consider getting cards with no foreign transaction fees)
Additional Logistics to Handle
- ✓ Aadhaar Card: Apply for Aadhaar as soon as you arrive—it's required for many services
- ✓ PAN Card: Essential for any financial transactions and tax purposes
- ✓ Driving License: Get an Indian driving license or international driving permit
- ✓ School Admissions: Start the school admission process 6-12 months in advance for international schools
- ✓ Health Insurance: Arrange international or Indian health insurance before arrival
For comprehensive guidance on financial preparation, check our detailed guide on financial planning for moving to India from the US.
Should You Relocate to India? Practical Advice by Career Path
The right path for relocating to India depends entirely on your career situation. Here's specific advice for different scenarios based on real experience in Bangalore's ecosystem.
For Employees: The Intra-Company Transfer Route
The Easiest and Safest Path: Transfer within the same company from US office to India office
This is the route most people in Bangalore's tech community follow, and for good reason. You maintain your salary structure (often in USD), keep your benefits, and have a support system that understands the transition challenges. Companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and major consulting firms have well-established transfer processes.
Why This Works: Your visa, work authorization, and employment are handled by the company. You avoid the uncertainty of job hunting in a new market and maintain career continuity.
For Startup Founders: The Entrepreneurial Path
If you're starting your own company, you have the most flexibility but also the most challenges:
- You Set Your Own Work Culture: Unlike joining an Indian company, you can establish work-life boundaries that match your expectations
- Abundant Talent Pool: Bangalore has plenty of skilled engineers, designers, and business professionals available for hire
- Funding Strategy is Critical: Decide early whether you'll bootstrap, seek Indian VC funding, or raise from US investors—each path has different implications
- Customer Acquisition Plan: Indian market dynamics are different from the US—plan your go-to-market strategy carefully
- Consider US Incorporation First: As discussed earlier, starting a US company and serving Indian customers is often easier than navigating NRI company registration
- Build Your Network Early: Join startup founder groups, attend meetups, and connect with the ecosystem before you need help
For Those Joining Indian Companies: Do Your Due Diligence
This path requires the most careful evaluation. Indian work culture is fundamentally different from US work culture, and not everyone adapts well.
⚠️ Critical Due Diligence Checklist:
- Research the Manager: Your direct manager will determine your quality of life. Talk to current and former team members on LinkedIn
- Understand Work Hours: Indian work culture often extends into evenings, nights, and weekends—especially for companies with global clients
- Clarify Expectations: Get explicit clarity on work hours, on-call expectations, and weekend work requirements
- Evaluate Work-Life Balance: Ask current employees about their typical day and week—don't rely on official policies
- Consider the Adjustment: Moving from US 9-to-5 culture to Indian work culture is a significant lifestyle change that affects your entire family
- Salary and Benefits: Understand the total compensation package including housing allowance, transportation, and health insurance
Reality Check: Many returnees struggle with Indian work culture after experiencing US work-life balance. The expectation of being available for late-night calls, weekend work, and extended hours is common in Indian companies, especially those serving global clients. This isn't suitable for everyone, particularly those with young families.
The Remote Work Option
An increasingly popular path is maintaining your US job while living in India:
- Keep your US salary and benefits
- Work US hours from India (evening/night in India time)
- Requires employer approval and proper tax planning
- Best of both worlds if you can manage the schedule
For more guidance on career transitions, read our article on career planning for professionals returning to India.
International Curriculum vs CBSE: Which Education System is Better?
Choosing the right education system for your children is one of the most important decisions when relocating to India. The choice between international curriculum (IB, IGCSE) and Indian boards (CBSE, ICSE) has long-term implications for your child's future.
International Curriculum (IB/IGCSE) Advantages
International schools like Oakridge follow curricula designed for global mobility and university admissions:
- ✓ International University Admissions: IB curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for admissions to universities worldwide
- ✓ Holistic Development: Builds comprehensive resumes with service learning, nonprofit activities, sports, and arts—not just academics
- ✓ Broader Exposure: Emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives beyond textbook learning
- ✓ Better for Global Universities: Particularly advantageous for admissions to NUS Singapore, European universities, and US colleges
- ✓ Flexibility for Returnees: If you move back to the US or another country, the curriculum transition is smoother
CBSE/ICSE: The Indian Board Approach
Focus: CBSE and ICSE boards focus primarily on academic excellence with strong emphasis on science and mathematics. The curriculum is rigorous but less focused on extracurricular development and holistic growth.
Best For: Students planning to pursue engineering or medicine in India through competitive exams like JEE or NEET. The curriculum aligns perfectly with these exam patterns.
Indian vs US Engineering Education: Quality Comparison
There's a common misconception that US engineering education is vastly superior to Indian education. The reality is more nuanced:
Quality Parity: Top Indian institutions like IITs and IISc match US standards for undergraduate, Masters, and PhD programs. The quality of education, faculty, and research output is comparable to top US universities.
The Real Difference is Job Market: The US has significantly more high-tech jobs requiring specialized skills—think AI research at Google, chip design at NVIDIA, or autonomous vehicles at Tesla. India has fewer such opportunities currently, though US companies are increasingly opening R&D centers in India.
Data Science Reality Check:
"There's a huge glut of data science students in the US right now. Many who came from India for MS in Data Science can't find jobs because the market is oversaturated. Market realities change rapidly—you can't predict what will be in demand 15-20 years ahead when your child enters the job market."
The Commoditization of Technical Skills
Technology is rapidly commoditizing specialized skills. Ten years ago, you needed a data scientist with advanced degrees to train machine learning models. Today, you can download TensorFlow and start training models in seconds. This trend will continue, making adaptability and continuous learning more valuable than any specific technical skill.
The Bottom Line: Choose international curriculum if you value global mobility and holistic development. Choose CBSE/ICSE if you're certain your child will pursue competitive exams for Indian universities. Either way, focus on developing adaptability and learning skills rather than betting on specific technical specializations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can NRIs start a company in India without an Indian co-founder?
A: Starting a company in India as foreign resident is uphill battle. You need Indian co-founder, office address, GST registration - hidden requirements everywhere. Need Indian resident co-founder (mandatory), office address required, GST filing, telecom registrations, hidden requirements - "Step 0 before Step 1", payment gateway access takes months (still waiting for Razorpay/Paytm), each step reveals new undocumented requirements. If you're Indian resident starting company in India, process is straightforward. Foreign residents face significant bureaucratic hurdles.
Q: How long does it take to get payment gateway approval in India?
A: Payment gateway access takes months for NRI entrepreneurs in India. Getting approval from Razorpay, Paytm, or other payment gateways can take 3-6 months, with constant requests for additional documentation. In contrast, starting a US company and getting Stripe payment gateway approval takes only 1-2 days with immediate processing capability. This is why many India-focused startups actually incorporate in the US or Singapore first.
Q: Why is Bangalore better than Mumbai for startups?
A: Bangalore won because of best air quality among tech hubs, thriving tech ecosystem, cheaper real estate than Mumbai, extremely collaborative community, and strong startup culture. Mumbai was rejected due to high cost of living combined with low air quality. The real estate prices make it difficult for early-stage startups to sustain operations. Bangalore offers significantly better air quality than Delhi/Gurgaon and Mumbai, making it healthier for families, while being more affordable than Mumbai.
Q: What should I set up before moving to India permanently?
A: Get phone number, bank account, and UPI sorted BEFORE permanent move. Everything in India is OTP-driven. You need Indian Phone Number through postpaid account using family member, Bank Account with NRO/NRE account, and UPI Setup by linking phone to NRO account for UPI transactions. Everything in India is OTP-driven, so you cannot complete any financial transaction, government registration, or service signup without receiving OTPs on your Indian phone number.
Q: How is the work culture different in Indian companies compared to US companies?
A: Indian work culture extends into evenings/nights/weekends, very different from US 9-to-5 culture. Many people work US hours (evening/night shifts), Indian companies with US clients have evening meetings, and you can't just call someone for evening tea like previous generation. Weekday evening socializing is difficult because many professionals in Bangalore work with US clients, meaning their workday extends into evening and night hours. Unlike the US 9-to-5 culture, Indian work culture often extends into evenings and weekends.
Q: Should I choose international school or CBSE for my kids in India?
A: International Curriculum prepares for international university admissions, builds resume with service, nonprofit activities, provides more exposure beyond academics, and is better for NUS Singapore, European, US universities. IB curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for admissions to universities worldwide with emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives beyond textbook learning. CBSE/ICSE focus more on academic side only, best for students planning to pursue engineering or medicine in India through competitive exams like JEE or NEET.
Q: What is the easiest way to relocate to India for work?
A: Easiest Path is transfer within same company (US office → India office). Most people in Bangalore tech community follow this route. Tried and tested. You maintain your salary structure (often in USD), keep your benefits, and have a support system that understands the transition challenges. Companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and major consulting firms have well-established transfer processes. Your visa, work authorization, and employment are handled by the company.
Q: Can I use my US credit cards in India?
A: You can use your US credit cards in India, but expect an adjustment period. Initial fraud detection issues occur, you need to inform credit card companies multiple times, and after several failed transactions, cards now work everywhere. You can use them for Amazon.in, gasoline, and all purchases. Call your credit card companies before departure and again after arrival to inform them of your India stay. Be aware of 2-3% foreign transaction fees on most US cards.
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What's the Social Life Really Like in Bangalore for Returnees?
If you're expecting the social life your parents described from their India days—dropping by for evening tea, spontaneous gatherings, and constant social interaction—you need to adjust your expectations. Modern India, especially in tech hubs like Bangalore, operates on a very different schedule.
What Works Exceptionally Well
The Weekday Evening Challenge
Here's what most returnees don't anticipate: weekday evening socializing is extremely difficult in modern India's tech ecosystem. The work culture has fundamentally changed from previous generations.
Why Weekday Socializing is Challenging:
The Reality Check: If you're moving to Bangalore expecting the social life your parents described from 1980s-90s India, you'll be disappointed. Modern Indian work culture, especially in tech hubs, is more demanding than US work culture. Weekend socializing works beautifully, but weekday evenings are challenging due to work commitments.
How to Build Your Social Circle
Despite the weekday challenges, you can build a strong social network by:
The key is adjusting your expectations and focusing on weekend socializing rather than expecting daily evening interactions.