Early-stage startups still in hiring mode

Four out of five early-stage startups in the country are actively seeking to hire people in 2023, according to a survey by industry body FICCI in partnership with Randstad India. The survey looked at startups with a current workforce of fewer than 20 employees, have secured Series A and Series B funding and are well-capitalized. Close to one third of the startups are looking to up their headcount by over 30%. Agri/agritech, AI/ML/deeptech, automotive and e-commerce/delivery services are expected to increase hiring in the 11-20% range. The study also states that hiring will primarily occur at the junior and mid-levels. However, the Agri/agritech and automotive sectors will focus more on senior level C-suite hiring.