Thinktank and lobby group IndiaTech has announced the appointment of Rameesh Kailasam, as its new CEO, the news comes about four months after the resignation of Gyanendra Badgaiyan, a former IAS officer. He was appointed as the first CEO of the thinktank when it was formed last year.
Rameesh Kailasam previously worked as the acting managing director of public affairs and strategic communications consulting company APCO Worldwide. APCO is known for advising the PM Narendra Modi in various roles. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as the industry is in the process of discussing the draft e-commerce policy.
New investors and startups are expected to join the thinktank, as it looks to hire more talent.
IndiaTech was formed by domestic internet companies to assist domestic startups by having a say in the policy-making decision to help them provide a level playing field against global rivals. It is backed by some of the most prominent startups and investors in the country. Currently, the thinktank has 14 members including Ola, Quikr, Lenskart, Urban Ladder, MakeMyTrip, Steadview Capital, among others.
“Fundamentally, we are not looking for protectionism but a level playing field that involves businesses to continue to thrive and not get stifled due to capital alone. We also need to decide if we will just be a technology consuming nation or also a creating nation,” said Kailasam.
It is believed that if Indian homegrown internet startups fail, India is likely to lose $10 billion in foreign direct investment and more than $1 billion in tax revenues. It will also lead to less job creation, which is important for the country, considering the growing population.
IndiaTech’s inputs during the draft e-commerce policy discussions will be important as Indian startups look to them to help influence the policy in their interest.