India’s startup community mourned the loss of Ratan Tata, former Tata Group chairman, who passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday, October 9.
At 86, Tata passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was in the ICU. Known for his philanthropy, he inspired many founders and was beloved by people of all ages. Ratan Tata was a supportive investor in Indian startups, backing passionate entrepreneurs. He recently partially sold his stake in Upstox, a brokerage platform.
Continue͏͏ Exploring:͏͏ Philanthropist and business icon Ratan Tata passes away at 86
Snapdeal, Paytm and Noise co-founders mourns legendary Tata
Notably, he was an early investor in major companies like Paytm and Urban Company. In 2014, Tata made one of his first startup investments in Snapdeal. Sharing his condolences on Tata’s death, Snapdeal and Titan Capital co-founder Kunal Bahl said, “India has lost one of its greatest titans, a true statesman of industry. Mr. Ratan Tata was more than just a business leader—his compassion, humility, and kindness inspired millions. His legacy will live on forever.”
Furthermore, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm’s founder and CEO paid tribute to Tata, calling him a legendary figure. “Entrepreneurs of the next generation will miss interacting with the most humble businessman of India,” Sharma said on X, sharing a photo with Tata.
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Joining the row in mourning the loss of a legendary icon, Gaurav Khatri, co-founder and CEO of Noise, paid a heartfelt tribute to Ratan Tata. “Ratan Tata’s true legacy isn’t just in what he built, but in the quiet ways he’s shaped lives,” Khatri wrote. He remembered Tata as an industry veteran who touched hearts with “Empathy”, “compassion” and “kindness” that will last far beyond his lifetime.
Meanwhile business tycoon and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates paying tribute, said Tata “left an indelible mark on India—and the world.” Mayank Arya, YesMadam’s founder and CEO, praised him, “Ratan Tata laid the foundations of ‘the culture of possibility’ which changed the very language of ambition of India.”
