Indian Entrepreneurs Take Charge, Dream11 CEO Harsh Jain Elected Chairperson of IAMAI's New Council

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has undergone a significant transformation with the election of its new 24-member governing council. This development represents a noteworthy shift in the leadership of the fast-evolving technology and startup sector in India. The absence of Big Tech members on the council demonstrates the determination of Indian entrepreneurs to assert greater control over policy-making. Harsh Jain, co-founder of Dream Sports, has been elected as the new chairperson, with Rajesh Magow of MakeMyTrip as vice chairperson, and Satyan Gajwani of Times Internet as the treasurer.

In addition to Jain, Magow, and Gajwani, the industry body's executive council will include Shubho Ray as president ex-officio. These appointments follow the recent election held by IAMAI, in which 83 members vied for a position on the governing council. The top three companies, based on the votes received, make up the executive council. This outcome aims to address the concerns of Indian entrepreneurs who sought stronger representation of homegrown companies within the leadership of IAMAI.

The deliberate exclusion of Big Tech companies from the IAMAI governing council was a strategic move. It reflects a sentiment that the industry body and Indian internet organizations had been unquestioningly endorsing the demands of Big Tech. In particular, there was dissatisfaction with Google regarding its Play Store and billing policies. The decision to keep Big Tech out of the council signifies a desire to ensure that the policy-making process aligns more closely with the interests of Indian entrepreneurs.