According to Meta’s ‘India’s Startups and SMEs: Growth Drivers of the Economy’ report, an impressive 70% of early-stage startups in India are already integrating AI tools into their operations. The findings suggest that AI is no longer just a buzzword—it's becoming foundational to startup success. Whether it's for customer service, content creation, data analysis, or productivity enhancements, AI is being tapped to maximise efficiency and scale with limited resources.

Creator Collaborations Skyrocket

While AI adoption is significant, startups are also increasingly turning to creators as brand allies. The report states that 88% of Indian startups are partnering with content creators to drive awareness and connect with niche audiences. This trend shows that startups view creators not just as marketers but as community builders who bring authenticity and targeted reach. Interestingly, among startups that have already scaled, 80% credit creator partnerships as a major contributor to their growth. These collaborations are helping startups tap into existing online communities, build trust faster, and grow more organically.

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Meta’s Role in the Ecosystem

Meta India, through its various platforms including Facebook and Instagram, says it is committed to nurturing this AI-creator-startup ecosystem. Over the past five years, Meta claims to have supported over 63 crore (630 million) businesses globally and helped 200 million businesses use its tools to expand their digital footprint.

Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President of Meta in India, emphasised that India's digital economy has created a fertile ground for startup innovation. Meta’s goal, she said, is to be an active enabler in this journey—offering scalable platforms, monetisation support, and growth tools tailored for small businesses.

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A Rising Digital Tide

Meta's insights underline a broader shift: Indian startups aren’t just embracing technology—they’re redefining how modern businesses grow. AI and creators are no longer optional add-ons; they’re central to the playbook. For startups looking to break through the noise and scale efficiently, the message is clear: innovate with tech, collaborate with creators, and don’t underestimate the power of digital platforms.