Big technology firms Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook and Flipkart have collectively invested $1.82 billion in Indian startups so far this year, compared to $899 million in calendar year 2020, according to Venture Intelligence data. And their startup investments number 13 so far, compared to 17 deals in 2020.

       Though the big tech firms are often criticised for killing competition, they have given India’s growing digital consumption story a resounding vote of confidence. For instance, Flipkart has been an active investor in the country and has a portfolio of ...