Ex-Meta executive quits job to build Bihar’s startup scene, faces harsh reality: 'It's painful to admit...'

Amit Kumar’s post prompted a wave of reactions from professionals and entrepreneurs across India, many expressing both empathy and disappointment.

Amit Kumar, a former Vice President of Product Development at Meta, has gone viral on LinkedIn after revealing his experience of leaving his high-profile role in the United States to foster entrepreneurship in Bihar. Kumar, who moved back to India in 2023 with a vision to establish a startup ecosystem in his home state, shared that despite his best efforts, he faced deep-rooted challenges that went beyond funding or ideas.

In a detailed post, Kumar wrote: “Two years ago, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I quit my job at Meta USA and returned to India with a purpose: to build something meaningful in Bihar, my home state.”

He said his aim was to draw on his international experience to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs. “I wanted to create opportunities, mentor young entrepreneurs, and prove that Bihar could stand as a hub of innovation and growth,” he noted.

However, Kumar explained that his enthusiasm and investments were tested by the realities of the ground. Over two years, he worked to establish operations, invested personal funds, and managed to raise Rs 130 crore in pre-seed capital from international markets, but the experience left him with an unexpected conclusion.

He wrote: “The ground reality is very different. I’ve seen more self-interest than collaboration, more promises than actions, and more manipulation than professionalism.”

According to him, the real difficulties did not stem from the lack of capital or innovation but from systemic issues. “The challenges didn’t come from a lack of ideas or funding, but from a lack of integrity, transparency, and accountability in many local interactions,” he said.

Kumar admitted that his strong emotional ties to Bihar had occasionally led to lapses in judgment. “I didn’t follow strict processes while dealing with certain people because I was too emotional, driven by my connection to Bihar and my belief in Biharis. That trust, unfortunately, was often misplaced,” he wrote.

He concluded his post with a note of clarity rather than frustration, stating: “It’s painful to admit, but I’ve decided to relocate all startup operations outside Bihar. This decision doesn’t come from anger, it comes from clarity. Change can only begin when truth is accepted, and I’ve accepted mine.”

Kumar’s post prompted a wave of reactions from professionals and entrepreneurs across India, many expressing both empathy and disappointment.

One commenter wrote: “Sad to hear this. As a Bihari, it always haunted me. Despite being hard-working and smart, we lack integrity, respect, and honesty. I relocated from Bihar in the ’90s, but seeing your words, it feels like nothing has changed.”

Another user remarked on the broader state of entrepreneurship in the region, saying: “Sad to hear about your experience. I, too, returned to India for entrepreneurship and have been partly successful because I chose Bengaluru. Bihar still lacks top-down commitment. Let’s connect if I can help in any way from here.”

An entrepreneur from Bihar added a note of solidarity: “As someone who has built a startup in Bihar (with the same intent and sentiment of giving back to the motherland), I resonate with your struggles. Societal and psychological praxis is a major barrier in creating something new there. But as an optimist, I can see the rate of progressive change taking place at the grassroots level. We need people like you to lead that change.”

Others expressed disappointment at his experience while commending his effort. One person commented: “Every Bihari who achieved something in his or her life wants to return to Bihar, but unfortunately, the system and mindset of Bihar and Biharis are still the same — they don’t want to change at all.”

Another wrote: “As unfortunate as it gets. Really disheartened to read this. All the best, Amit. Thanks a lot for trying.”