Bengaluru| 31st July 2026 As one of India’s foremost technology and innovation hubs, Karnataka, and Bengaluru in particular, has broght together strengths across D2C, AI, software, fintech, advanced manufacturing, gaming and digital services and the state has become one of India’s most globally connected business ecosystems, making it an ideal launchpad for Global-First Businesses, said Prachi Dharani, CEO & Co-founder, PayGlocal, said here today.
Unveiling Karnataka Export Economy Report, an original research initiative by PayGlocal under The Borderless Collective in an event in city, she said, “International growth is no longer just about acquiring customers overseas. It depends on having the right ecosystem around the business. Payments, banking, logistics, compliance, taxation and market access all need to work seamlessly together”.
PayGlocal’s The Borderless Collective convened leaders from across payments, banking, logistics, marketplaces, taxation, compliance, technology and global commerce in Bengaluru to explore how India’s cross-border ecosystem can better support businesses building for international markets from inception.
“Through The Borderless Collective, we’re bringing together that ecosystem while contributing original research and industry intelligence that help businesses navigate global expansion with greater confidence. Our vision is simple: if a business is ready to build for the world, the ecosystem it needs should already be here waiting for it”, Prachi Dharani added.
Drawing on industry insights and extensive research, the Karnataka Export Economy Report, highlights Karnataka’s emergence as one of India’s most globally connected economies. It contributes nearly one-quarter of India’s exports by value, despite accounting for only around 5% of India’s population. Software and services exports reached approximately US$173 billion in FY26, representing nearly 41% of India’s total software exports. Merchandise exports of approximately US$27 billion make Karnataka the fourth-largest exporting state in India.
The report also highlights that Bengaluru is home to more than 14,000 startups, creating globally scalable businesses across D2C, AI, software and fintech. Karnataka continues to strengthen its position across electronics, engineering goods, aerospace, biotechnology, textiles and precision manufacturing, while advancing its ambition of achieving US$100 billion in merchandise exports.
Together, these trends position Karnataka as one of India’s most dynamic ecosystems for Global-First Businesses.
The event witnessed in depth discussions focused on the capabilities businesses need to scale internationally, from cross-border payments and banking to marketplace expansion, logistics, taxation, regulatory compliance, AI-powered commerce and international market access.
Darpan Lamba, Co-founder, Xportel, Sudeep Singh, CEO, DMSMatrix, Ashwath S Pai, Executive Partner – Taxation, ASA & Associates LLP, Amit Agarwal, Managing Director, Mindspace Solutions and other industry experts were present.
