Quick Summary
India’s startup ecosystem has grown into one of the fastest evolving in the world, ranking 22nd globally with over 1.59 lakh DPIIT recognized startups. Backed by the government’s Startup India initiative (launched in 2016), this thriving landscape is powered by innovation across technology, healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, and more. Many startups, including Swiggy, PhonePe, Zepto, and CRED, have reached unicorn status, proving India’s strength as a global innovation hub.
This curated list of the top startups in India 2025 highlights ventures that stand out for funding, revenue growth, market reach, and social impact, based on verified data and trusted reports. If you want to explore how Indian startups are shaping industries, driving jobs, and redefining entrepreneurship, this guide covers everything you need.
Here is a list of the top startups in India:
Ola Electric is a subsidiary of the ride-hailing giant Ola that is focused on building electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The company aims to make sustainable mobility accessible to everyone by providing electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers. Ola Electric has raised over $500 million in funding and is valued at $4 billion. Ola Electric was started in 2017 in Bangalore, India, by Bhavish Aggarwal (CEO, Ola).
Paytm, one of the most famous startups in India, is a digital payments platform that allows users to make payments, transfer money, and pay bills online. The company has been instrumental in revolutionizing the digital payments sector in India and has been recognized as one of the country’s most successful startups. Paytm has raised over $4 billion in funding and is valued at over $16 billion. It is also one of the few startups in India to have the unicorn status. Paytm was started in 2010 in Noida, India, by Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
Udaan is a B2B e-commerce platform that connects small and medium-sized businesses with wholesalers and manufacturers. Founded in 2016 in Bengaluru by Amod Malviya, Vaibhav Gupta, and Sujeet Kumar, Udaan enables retailers to source inventory across categories like FMCG, staples, pharma, and more.
As of June 2025, Udaan has raised a total of $1.95–2.1 billion in equity and debt funding. Its most recent funding round was a Series G raise of $114 million led by M&G Investments and Lightspeed, maintaining a flat valuation of approximately $1.8 billion.
Zomato is an online food delivery platform that allows users to order food from their favorite restaurants. The company has a presence in over 24 countries and is one of the most successful startups in India. Zomato has raised over $2.2 billion in funding and is valued at over $8 billion. Zomato was started in 2008 in Delhi, India by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah.
CRED is a credit card management platform that allows users to manage their credit cards, pay bills, and earn rewards. The company has been instrumental in revolutionizing the credit card industry in India and has been recognized as one of the most successful startups in the country. CRED has raised over $800 million in funding and is valued at over $4 billion. CRED was started in 2018 in Bangalore, India by Kunal Shah.
Swiggy is an online food delivery platform that allows users to order food from their favorite restaurants. The company has a presence in over 500 cities in India and is one of the most successful startups in the country. Swiggy has raised over $1.7 billion in funding and is valued at over $5 billion. Swiggy was started in 2014 in Bangalore, India, by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini.
Razorpay is a digital payments platform that allows businesses to accept payments online. The company is one of the top startups in India and has been instrumental in revolutionizing the digital payments sector in India, and has been recognized as one of the most successful startups in the country. Razorpay has raised over $1 billion in funding and is valued at over $3 billion. Razorpay was started in 2014 in Bangalore, India, by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar.
PharmEasy is a digital healthcare platform that offers online medicine ordering, lab tests, and doctor consultations. The company has been instrumental in revolutionizing the healthcare industry in India and has been recognized as one of the most successful startups in the country. PharmEasy has raised over $900 million in funding and is valued at over $4.6 billion. PharmEasy was started in 2015 in Mumbai, India by Dharmil Sheth and Dhaval Shah.
InMobi is a mobile advertising platform that allows advertisers to reach their target audience through mobile devices. The company has been instrumental in revolutionizing the mobile advertising industry in India and has been recognized as one of the most successful startups in the country. InMobi has raised over $1.6 billion in funding and is valued at over $2.5 billion. InMobi was started in 2007 in Bangalore, India, by Naveen Tewari, Mohit Saxena, Amit Gupta, and Abhay Singhal.
Zepto is a Mumbai-based firm that promises 10-minute supermarket delivery. Zepto is most known for bringing goods before the turn of the year. In 2021, it collaborated with more than 86 dark store owners in 13 different areas, resulting in over one million deliveries. To fulfill orders quickly, Zepto leverages a network of ‘cloud stores’ or micro-warehouses. According to IMARC Group’s analysis, the Indian online grocery business is expected to be worth $6.8 billion by 2022. The market is expected to develop significantly in the next years, reaching $37.0 billion in 2028. Zepto began its operations in April 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra.
Meesho is an online marketplace dedicated to making e-commerce more accessible and inclusive in India. The company’s objective is to democratize Internet commerce by linking sellers with customers and entrepreneurs and providing a diverse range of products online. Meesho began its operations in the year 2015. Vidit Atrey and Sanjeev Bharnwal, both IIT Delhi grads, launched Meesho to empower anyone to launch their own internet business.
boAt is an Indian consumer electronics brand, primarily known for its stylish and affordable audio products, including wireless earphones, headphones, and Bluetooth speakers. The startup was founded in 2016 by Avi Kumar and Gaurav Khatri to create trendy, high-quality audio devices that resonate with young, tech-savvy consumers. boAt became extremely popular by offering high-performance audio products at competitive prices, often targeting the millennial and Gen Z markets.
BharatPe is an Indian fintech platform that focuses on simplifying digital payments and financial solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It offers a range of services, including QR code-based payments, lending, and even a loyalty program for merchants. With its aim to empower India’s diverse merchant ecosystem, BharatPe is revolutionizing digital transactions for unbanked and underbanked segments. It was founded by Ashneer Grover and Shashvat Nakrani in 2018.
Livspace is a leading home interior design and renovation platform that provides end-to-end solutions to create personalized living spaces. Offering design, product sourcing, and execution services, Livspace brings together technology and interior design expertise to help homeowners reimagine their spaces with a seamless, customer-centric approach. It was founded by Ramakant Sharma and Anuj Srivastava in 2014.
Ola Cabs is an Indian ride-hailing platform that revolutionized urban mobility by connecting riders with drivers through its app. Offering a range of ride options, from budget-friendly to premium, Ola Cabs serves millions of users across India and globally. It is known for its convenience, safety features, and competitive pricing, making it a popular choice for commuters. Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati founded it in 2010.
Digit Insurance is a modern and customer-friendly insurance company offering a wide range of policies, from health to motor to travel insurance. Known for its transparent, easy-to-understand approach and quick claim settlements, Digit is transforming the insurance landscape with its tech-driven, no-hassle experience for policyholders. Kamesh Goyal founded it in 2016.
Groww is an investment platform designed for the modern investor. It simplifies the process of investing in mutual funds, stocks, and other financial instruments with a user-friendly app. Groww’s goal is to make investing accessible, especially for beginners, by offering a seamless experience and educational content to guide users toward informed financial decisions. It was founded by Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Ishaan Mittal, and Neeraj Singh in 2016.
PhonePe is a digital payments platform that allows users to transfer money, pay bills, recharge, and make online purchases. With its easy-to-use interface and robust security features, PhonePe is a market leader in UPI-based transactions in India. The app also enables various services such as insurance, gold investment, and wealth management. It was founded by Sameer Nigam, Rahul Chari, and Burzin Engineer in 2015.
Skyroot Aerospace is an Indian private space technology company focused on developing innovative and cost-effective space launch vehicles. Aiming to play a significant role in global space exploration, Skyroot’s goal is to make space more accessible and to compete with established players in the aerospace industry. Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka founded it in 2018.
Delhivery is a leading logistics and supply chain services company in India, offering end-to-end solutions including warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery. With a tech-driven approach, Delhivery ensures efficient delivery and logistics services for businesses, helping them scale and grow in the competitive e-commerce landscape. Sahil Barua, Mohit Tandon, Suraj Saharan, and Kapil Bharati founded it in 2011.
Licious is an online platform that delivers fresh, high-quality meat, seafood, and other gourmet foods directly to consumers. Known for its premium offerings and commitment to hygiene, Licious has redefined the way people shop for non-vegetarian food with a focus on quality, convenience, and quick delivery. Abhay Hanjura and Vivek Gupta founded it in 2015.
Nykaa is an Indian e-commerce platform that specializes in beauty, wellness, and fashion products. With a curated selection of top brands, Nykaa has built a loyal customer base by providing high-quality products, expert advice, and an engaging online shopping experience. It also offers exclusive collections and beauty tutorials. It is one of the top startups in India. Falguni Nayar founded it in 2012.
Postman is a popular API testing and development platform used by software developers and businesses to streamline their API lifecycle. With its intuitive interface and powerful tools, Postman allows users to design, test, and monitor APIs with ease, making it an indispensable tool in modern software development. Abhinav Asthana, Ankit Sobti, and Naren Soni founded it in 2014.
Rapido is a bike taxi service that provides affordable and quick transportation options for people on the go. Operating in various cities across India, Rapido connects riders with bike drivers, ensuring faster travel time and lower fares compared to traditional taxis. It’s a convenient solution for those looking for a swift and budget-friendly way to commute in urban areas. Aravind Sanka, Raghu K founded it in 2015.
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| Startup | Industry | Valuation (₹ crore) | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flipkart | E-commerce | 3,00,000+ | Acquired by Walmart |
| BYJU’S | Edtech | 1,80,000+ | Expanded to global markets |
| Zomato | Food delivery | 80,000+ | Successful IPO, expanding overseas |
| Ola | Mobility | 70,000+ | Leading EV innovation in India |
| Paytm | Fintech | 40,000+ | Listed on Indian stock exchange |
| Swiggy | Food delivery | 60,000+ | Expanded into grocery delivery |
| PhonePe | Fintech | 70,000+ | Leading UPI payment platform |
| Razorpay | Fintech | 50,000+ | Simplified payments for businesses |
| Dream11 | Fantasy sports | 65,000+ | First Indian gaming unicorn |
| Delhivery | Logistics | 45,000+ | IPO and nationwide expansion |
Apart from the top 12 startups, several other new startups in India are making waves in their respective industries.
The startups in the Indian ecosystem are also witnessing a surge in investments from foreign
investors. According to a report by Nasscom, the total funding raised by Indian startups in 2021 crossed $20 billion, with over 50% of the funding coming from foreign investors. This indicates a growing confidence in the Indian startup ecosystem and its growth potential.
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India’s startup ecosystem has transformed into one of the world’s fastest-growing, backed by over 1.59 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups and strong government support through the Startup India initiative. The top startups in India 2025 are not only fueling innovation and job creation but are also shaping industries, boosting the digital economy, and driving global recognition. With a talented workforce, rising investor confidence, and a culture of entrepreneurship, India is firmly positioned as the world’s 3rd largest startup hub, paving the way for even more unicorns and impactful ventures in the years ahead.
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Starting a startup in India offers access to a vast consumer market, government support through initiatives like Startup India, affordable talent, and rising investor confidence. Entrepreneurs also benefit from a thriving digital ecosystem, diverse industry opportunities, and the chance to scale globally.
Startups in India face several challenges, including:
1. Sustaining profitability over the long term.
2. Generating revenue or secure funding
3. Intense competition from established companies.
4. Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic processes
Unicorn startups in India are privately held companies valued at over $1 billion, such as Swiggy, PhonePe, and Meesho, reflecting the country’s booming startup ecosystem.
There’s no single “best” startup, but top performers in 2025 include Swiggy, Paytm, PhonePe, Meesho, and Ola Electric, recognized for innovation, funding, and market impact.
Startup India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India on 16th January 2016 to foster innovation, support startups, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
The best startup for beginners is often service-based or digital businesses that require low upfront investment, such as freelance writing, social media management, virtual assistant services, or dropshipping, as they can leverage existing skills and platforms like Shopify and GoDaddy to start quickly with minimal capital.
Startups can pay more, but it depends heavily on the company’s funding stage and the employee’s skills, with well-funded startups offering high salaries to attract talent, while others may offer lower pay in exchange for potential stock options that could lead to significant wealth if the company succeeds.
Authored by, Samiksha Samra
Digital Content Writer
Samiksha is a writer with a passion for sharing ideas and a knack for detail. She loves turning concepts into meaningful, engaging content. With a strong background in research and content strategy, she crafts clear, easy-to-understand narratives that resonate with readers. Her curiosity drives her to explore new subjects, ensuring every piece she creates is both insightful and impactful.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
