BENGALURU, 21st June 2025: For Santosh Iyer, the Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, a visit to Bengaluru isn’t complete without savouring an authentic benne dosa and a strong cup of filter coffee.
However, it’s not just the cuisine that draws him back to this vibrant city; it’s the unmistakable energy fuelled by entrepreneurial spirit, ambitious founders, and innovative thinkers who are developing ideas that have the potential to shape the global future.
During his recent visit, Iyer immersed himself in Bengaluru’s dynamic startup ecosystem. From next-generation electric scooters to AI-driven fintech companies and friends-turned-entrepreneurs launching premium restaurants, the city’s startup culture was evident everywhere.
While startups focus on building innovative products, Mercedes-Benz is committed to building a legacy—a shared vision drives both.
At River, an electric two-wheeler startup co-founded by Aravind Mani, he witnessed how a company can grow rapidly, expanding from two founders to 800 employees in just four years. Their flagship product, the Indie electric scooter, transitioned from concept to showroom in a mere 27 months—a testament to agility, execution, and the precision of Indian engineering.
Iyer then connected with others pursuing diverse dreams: one friend transitioned from a comfortable corporate position to found a Japanese fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Bengaluru, while another launched SmartWealth. AI, a fintech platform that uses proprietary AI to assist professionals in managing their wealth with minimal time commitment.
Where Startup Grit Meets German Precision
In the heart of the city lies Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), one of the brand’s largest and most significant R&D hubs worldwide. While Bengaluru’s startup founders may be focused on achieving IPOs, the teams at MBRDI are shaping what future Mercedes-Benz vehicles will feel and drive like over the next decade.
Iyer’s visit to MBRDI was both personal and strategic. Together with Manu Saale, MD and CEO of MBRDI, and his leadership team—Prasanna Gonuguntla, Anshuman Awasthi, Parthiv Shah, and Praveen Bhatt—he gained firsthand insight into how Bengaluru’s engineering prowess integrates into Mercedes-Benz’s global innovation strategy. From advanced connected car systems to state-of-the-art electric powertrain software, the team are contributing more than just support—they are actively helping to define the brand’s future.
Bengaluru’s Risk DNA
So, why Bengaluru? The city’s true advantage lies not just in its coding talent but in its mindset. This is a city that is comfortable with failure, impatient with mediocrity, and driven by a relentless curiosity. Founders frequently pivot industries, switch careers, or abandon stability in pursuit of something greater. Increasingly, global companies like Mercedes-Benz are adopting this same mindset in their operations.
For Iyer, while the city’s filter coffee is legendary, it’s the innovative ideas brewing here that are shaping the future of luxury mobility.
