Hello Mumbai Entreprenuer DeskÂ
An Exclusive Interview with Mohit Sureka on World MSME Day 2026
On the occasion of World MSME Day 2026, Hello Mumbai News had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with Mohit Sureka, Founder of Global Startup Club, a leading platform dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across the world. In this insightful conversation, Mohit Sureka shares his vision for India’s startup ecosystem, the importance of building globally competitive and enduring companies, the transformative role of technology and innovation, and the mindset required for MSMEs and startups to achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Hello Mumbai NewsÂ
On the occasion of World MSME Day, how do you assess the current state of India’s MSME and startup ecosystem?
Mohit Sureka
India has built one of the world’s most vibrant startup and MSME ecosystems. The challenge now isn’t creating more startups—it’s building more globally competitive, profitable businesses. The next decade must be about sustainable growth, exports, and innovation.
Hello Mumbai News
What inspired you to establish the Global Startup Club, and what is its core mission?
Mohit Sureka
I realised founders don’t just need fundingthey need the right people around them. Global Startup Club was built to help entrepreneurs **Learn, Connect and Grow** by creating meaningful relationships that lead to business opportunities, investments, and global expansion.
Hello Mumbai News
How is Global Startup Club helping MSMEs and startups?
Mohit Sureka
We connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, customers, corporates, and fellow founders through events, memberships, and global communities. Our focus is simple—turn conversations into collaborations and collaborations into businesses.
Hello Mumbai News
What are the biggest challenges faced by MSMEs and early-stage startups today?
Mohit Sureka
Funding is important, but execution is everything. The biggest challenges are acquiring customers, managing cash flow, hiring great teams, and scaling consistently. Businesses succeed when founders solve these problems well.
Hello Mumbai News
How can AI and digital transformation empower MSMEs?
Mohit Sureka
AI is the biggest equaliser for small businesses. Today, an MSME can automate marketing, sales, customer support, finance, and operations using tools that were once available only to large enterprises. Technology is making global competition more accessible than ever.
Hello Mumbai News
What role does collaboration play in strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem?
Mohit Sureka
No ecosystem grows in isolation. When founders, investors, corporates, academia, and government collaborate, innovation accelerates. Strong ecosystems are built on partnerships, not competition.
Hello Mumbai News
What advice would you give first-time entrepreneurs?
Mohit Sureka
Don’t chase funding—chase customers. Solve real problems, manage cash wisely, build trust, and keep learning. Great businesses are built through consistency, not overnight success.
Hello Mumbai News
How important are innovation and global market access for Indian MSMEs?
Mohit Sureka
They are essential. India’s domestic market is enormous, but global markets can multiply opportunities. MSMEs that innovate and think internationally from day one will define India’s next growth story.
Hello Mumbai News
What initiatives is Global Startup Club planning over the next few years?
Mohit Sureka
We’re expanding our startup summits to cities like Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad while strengthening our global footprint. We’re launching **Founder School**, Global Startups Accelerator founder-focused content and startup highlights, and international delegations to Singapore and Dubai (2027), followed by the UK, Amsterdam, and Berlin (2028)to help entrepreneurs access global markets.
Hello Mumbai News
What message would you like to share on World MSME Day 2026?
Mohit Sureka
India doesn’t need more entrepreneurs—we need more entrepreneurs who build enduring global companies. Dream bigger, embrace technology, build meaningful relationships, and never stop learning. The future belongs to founders who think globally and execute relentlessly.
