Indian Founder’s First US Visit Reveals What Americans Do Better

An Indian startup founder’s first visit to the United States has sparked an honest conversation about work culture, innovation, and execution, after he publicly shared what he believes Americans do better than Indians. His observations, shared during meetings with entrepreneurs, investors, and employees across major U.S. cities, have resonated widely across India’s startup ecosystem.

The founder, who runs a fast-growing technology company in India, said the visit challenged several assumptions he previously held. While praising India’s talent pool and adaptability, he noted that American workplaces excel in clarity of communication, speed of execution, and long-term planning.

One of the biggest differences he observed was decision-making. “In the U.S., decisions are faster and more clearly owned,” he said. Teams tend to define responsibilities early, reducing confusion and delays. In contrast, Indian teams often rely on layered approvals, which can slow momentum despite high individual capability.

Another area where Americans stood out, according to the founder, was respect for time. Meetings started and ended on schedule, with clear agendas and outcomes. He noted that while Indian professionals often work longer hours, productivity in the U.S. felt more focused and structured. “It’s not about working less—it’s about working deliberately,” he explained.

The founder also highlighted how American companies encourage open disagreement. Employees at all levels felt comfortable questioning ideas, even those proposed by senior leadership. This culture, he said, leads to stronger problem-solving and reduces the risk of costly mistakes. In India, hierarchy can sometimes limit honest feedback, even when employees have valuable insights.

Risk-taking emerged as another key contrast. American founders, he observed, are more willing to fail publicly and move on quickly. Failure is often viewed as experience rather than a stigma. Indian entrepreneurs, while ambitious, still face cultural pressure to avoid visible setbacks.

However, the founder was careful to emphasize that this was not a criticism of India. He praised Indian professionals for their resilience, technical skill, and ability to operate in complex environments. He also noted that Indian startups are often more cost-efficient and adaptable than their U.S. counterparts.

Industry experts say such cross-border observations are valuable as Indian startups increasingly expand globally. Understanding cultural differences can help founders build stronger international teams, attract global investment, and scale sustainably.

The founder concluded that the ideal approach lies somewhere in between. “If Indian hustle combines with American structure,” he said, “we can build truly world-class companies.” His reflections have since sparked discussions across social media, business forums, and founder communities, highlighting the growing maturity of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.