21 Top Indian Startups to Watch in 2024

India.

As the fifth largest economy in the world (according to nominal GDP), India is classified as a middle-income developing market. The top startups in India are those that are answering the everyday needs of the 1.3+ billion people who live in the country. 

From fintech to fashion, successful Indian startups (many of which have achieved unicorn status) are streamlining transactions in a number of industries. Successful founders have seen how the tides have turned in the markets. Young people want to be able to use their electronic devices for necessities and luxuries alike. Businesses want to make it easier for customers to pay. All consumers crave convenience, whether they’re at home or in-store. 

Whether it’s finding a job, investing in futures, or getting food delivered, the companies on this list are redefining how people live, work, and manage their affairs. These successful India startups prove that there’s a built-in ecosystem in the country, one that’s clearly open to new opportunities in practically every industry.

Successful Startups in India to Follow

Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation, tech, and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the top startups in India of 2024 that startup lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow.

Disclaimer: With so many exciting Indian startups launching and growing, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups that are listed below are not officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.

1. Zolve

  • Location: Bangalore
  • Industry: Fintech
  • Founders: Raghunandan G
  • Founded In: 2020
  • Funding: Debt Financing, $155.1 Million
  • Investors Include: Accel, Tiger Global Management, Lightspeed India Partners 

Zolve is a fintech startup connecting non-US citizens with the financial services they need to thrive in the States. From opening a US checking account to securing an auto loan, Zolve has provided financial services to thousands of international users living in the United States through their neobanking platform.

2. Apna

  • Location: Mumbai
  • Industry: Human Resources
  • Founders: Nirmit Parikh, Tanmay Desai
  • Founded In: 2019
  • Funding: Series C, $193.5 Million
  • Investors Include: Tiger Global Management, Insight Partners, Sequoia Capital India

Apna is a platform that connects employers and employees based on their requirements and skills. The company is addressing the changing face of the workforce today by offering everything from remote jobs to part-time gigs. Platforms like these aren’t just helping employers fill roles within their company; they’re also providing flexibility to workers who want to control their own schedules.

3. Upmetrics

  • Location: Surat, Gujarat
  • Industry: Software
  • Founders: Paresh Balar, Vinay Kevadiya
  • Founded In: 2017
  • Funding: N/A
  • Investors Include: N/A

Upmetrics is an AI-powered business planning and financial forecasting platform for small businesses and startups. Their tools include an AI business plan generator, content generation, financial forecasting, and a pitch deck builder. The platform emphasizes collaboration and accessibility, aiming to make business planning understandable for all. Upmetrics has served over 110,000 entrepreneurs and partnered with institutions like Hampton University and SCORE to support aspiring business owners.

4. Groww

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Fintech
  • Founders: Harsh Jain, Ishan Bansal Dean, Lalit Keshre, Neeraj Singh
  • Founded In: 2016
  • Funding: Series E, $393.3 Million
  • Investors Include: Sequoia Capital, Ribbit Capital, Propel Venture Partners

Groww is a fintech platform that makes it possible for everyday people to invest. Mutual funds, stocks, IPOs, futures: customers can create an account and manage their money. Plus, they can do it all without having to pay exorbitant fees for the privilege. Groww has more than 30 million users who trust the platform to provide new financial opportunities and protect their privacy.

5. PharmEasy

  • Location: Mumbai
  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Founders: Dharmil Sheth, Dhaval Shah, Mikhil Innani
  • Founded In: 2015
  • Funding: Debt Financing, $1.6 Billion
  • Investors Include: ADQ, VestinWolf Capital Management, Trifecta Capital Advisors

PharmEasy is an online pharmacy that delivers medications to more than 1,000 cities and towns across the country. The company partners with a number of professionals to provide safe and affordable medication to customers. PharmEasy markets itself as a one-stop shop for pharmaceuticals, and the platform also makes it possible to book appointments for diagnostic tests, full-body checkups, blood tests, etc.

6. Paytm Payments Bank

  • Location: New Delhi
  • Industry: Fintech
  • Founders: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
  • Founded In: 2017
  • Funding: Series Unknown, $31.4 Million
  • Investors Include: Paytm, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, One97 Mobility Fund

Paytm is a payment platform that allows people to pay everything from their monthly rent and utility bills to movie tickets. The app is fast and accepted both online and in-stores. All customers have to do is load up their wallets to start using it. 

7. Swiggy

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Food Delivery
  • Founders: Nandan Reddy, Phani Kishan Addepalli, Rahul Jaimini, Sriharsha Majety
  • Founded In: 2014
  • Funding: Undisclosed, $3.6 Billion
  • Investors Include: Baron Capital Group, Sumeru Venture

Swiggy is a food delivery app where consumers can order their favorite meals and support local restaurateurs at the same time. The technology makes it possible to pay, track, and manage orders all in a single place. From game night to date night, customers have come to rely on Swiggy for fast, accurate, affordable service when they need it most.

8. BharatPe

  • Location: New Delhi
  • Industry: Fintech
  • Founders: Ashneer Grover, Bhavik Koladiya, Shashvat Nakrani
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding: Debt Financing, $680.5 Million
  • Investors Include: IIFL Wealth Management, MAS Financial Services LTD, Northern Arc

BharatPe makes it possible for businesses to take out loans and accept payments in one place. Whether a customer is trying to pay with Google Pay or Paytm, there’s just one QR code that a business owner, store clerk, or manager needs to worry about. In addition to easier sales transactions, the company offers loans at competitive rates without requiring an in-person visit. 

9. Urban Company

  • Location: Gurgaon
  • Industry: Home Services 
  • Founders: Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Raghav Chandra, Varun Khaitan
  • Founded In: 2014
  • Funding: Secondary Market, $445.9 Million
  • Investors Include: Wellington Management, Dragoneer Investment Group, Vy Capital 

The Urban Company brings the salon to customers’ homes. Eyebrow threading, facials, massages, pedicures, and haircuts: people can book appointments with vetted professionals and enjoy services at their own homes. The app offers transparent pricing and guarantees its services. 

10. CRED

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Credit Cards
  • Founders: Kunal Shah
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding: Series F, $801.5 Million
  • Investors Include: Sofina, GIC, Tiger Global Management

CRED rewards customers for paying their bills on time. Every time a customer meets a financial obligation, they earn CRED coins. These coins accumulate, which people can use to get special access to curated experiences and products. There are more than 9 million people who use CRED to help them stay on top of their finances and receive incentives for it at the same time. 

11. Razorpay

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Fintech
  • Founders: Harshil Mathur, Shashank Kumar
  • Founded In: 2014
  • Funding: Secondary Market, $816.3 Million
  • Investors Include: TCV, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Moore Strategic Ventures

Razorpay helps businesses accept, process, and distribute funds through its product suite. Whether people are paying by credit, debit, netbanking, UPI, or payment wallets, RazorPay upgrades the business banking experience, making it possible for business owners to bring their accounts up-to-speed, automate payroll compliance, and collect recurring payments. There’s a wide range of features on RazorPay that make it handy for business owners of all kinds. 

12. Meesho

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Fashion
  • Founders: Sanjeev Barnwal, Vidit Aatrey
  • Founded In: 2015
  • Funding: Debt Financing, $1.1 Billion
  • Investors Include: Trifecta Capital Advisors, Meta, Good Capital

Meesho is an online shopping site for men and women, featuring everything from clothes to kitchen accessories. The platform allows sellers to advertise their goods and provides affordable, quality items for shoppers throughout the country. The technology makes for an easy and affordable shopping experience and allows shoppers to share recommendations or make suggestions to friends and family.

13. upGrad

  • Location: Mumbai
  • Industry: Education
  • Founders: Mayank Kumar, Phalgun Kompalli, Ravijot Chugh, Ronnie Screwvala
  • Founded In: 2015
  • Funding: Series Unknown, $668.2 Million
  • Investors Include: Educational Testing Services, IIFL Finances, Lupa Systems

upGrad is an educational platform where people can enroll in programs on product management, entrepreneurship, digital management technology, data-driven management, and digital marketing. The platform also reveals industry insights, which can make it easier for people to choose classes or anticipate the next shift in their sector.

14. CoinDCX

  • Location: Mumbai
  • Industry: Cryptocurrency
  • Founders: Neeraj Khandelwal, Sumit Gupta
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding: Series D, $247 Million
  • Investors Include: Polychain, Kindred Ventures, B Capital Group

CoinDCX is a popular crypto investment app created to dissolve the many barriers that stand in the way of access to virtual currency. While widely available in many parts of the world, Indians had a difficult time performing transactions prior to this startup. The platform educates people about how crypto works and makes it possible for them to invest and trade without the hassle. The interface is simple to use, and the technology is fully compliant. 

15. Livspace

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Ecommerce
  • Founders: Anuj Srivastava, Ramakant Sharma, Shagufta Anurag
  • Founded In: 2014
  • Funding: Series F, $431.6 Million
  • Investors Include: Peugeot SA, Jungle Ventures, Ingka Group

Livspace is an online shopping platform that helps people design and furnish their dream houses. Whether it’s a simple project, like repainting a room, or a larger project, like renovating an entire kitchen, the technology functions as an end-to-end service. It’s available for both homeowners and interior designers alike and backed by a number of prominent investors in the space. 

16. Mensa Brands

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Founders: Ananth Narayanan, Aniket Nikumb, Pawan Kumar Dasaraju
  • Founded In: 2021 
  • Funding: Debt Financing, $254.3 Million
  • Investors Include: Accel, Tiger Global Management, Norwest Venture Partners

Mensa is known as a house of brands, meaning founders come to them to help them market and scale their brand so it can become a household name. The company uses digital tools and metrics to ensure that customers connect with the brand’s values, so they have an emotional attachment and loyalty to the larger company. They offer affordable rates and the chance to build a bigger culture for any brand partner.

17. ClassPlus

  • Location: Noida
  • Industry: Education
  • Founders: Bhaswat Agarwal, Bikash Dash, Mukul Rustagi, Nikhil Goel, Vatsal Rustagi
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding: Series D, $129.5 Million
  • Investors Include: Alpha Wave Ventures, Chimera Investment, Tiger Global Management

ClassPlus makes it possible for tutors to put all of their services online. The mobile SaaS platform features thousands of educator profiles, so they can build their online presence and help more students. YouTubers, coaches, and teachers alike can level the playing field so more students can get the help they need to thrive. 

18. Digit Insurance

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Insurance
  • Founders: Kamesh Goyal, Philip Varghese, Sriram Shankar, Vijay Kumar
  • Founded In: 2016
  • Funding: Series Unknown, $585.6 Million
  • Investors Include: IIFL Wealth Management, Ithan Creek Master Investors, Sequoia Capital

Digit Insurance offers an all-in-one platform for all types of coverage. Car, health, rickshaw, flight delays: practically everything you can imagine is available. This is a popular service throughout the country because the technology makes it easy to process claims (e.g., through your phone) and is transparent about its terms and conditions for each policy.

19. Infra.market

  • Location: Thane
  • Industry: Construction
  • Founders: Aaditya Sharda, Souvik Sengupta
  • Founded In: 2016
  • Funding: Series N/A, $406.6 Million
  • Investors Include: Mars Growth Capital, Sanjeev Kumar, Pankaj Chaddah

Infra.market provides materials for a variety of construction projects, including interior items, foundation, and finishing touches. This solution company is for retailers, enterprise customers, and homeowners alike with different platforms and apps based on who’s searching for materials. The company also implements virtual and augmented technology so customers can envision their end result before they buy. 

20. ShareChat

  • Location: Bengaluru
  • Industry: Social Media
  • Founders: Ankush Sachdeva, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Farid Ahsan
  • Founded In: 2015
  • Funding: Series H, $1.7 Billion
  • Investors Include: Google, The Times Group, Temasek Holdings

ShareChat was born after noticing a significant audience on Facebook and WhatsApp using Indic languages. Spoken by 800 million people in a variety of countries, this social media platform aims to connect people through technology and encourage meaningful relationships. It’s beloved for its inclusivity and its promise to empower those who come to the table.

21. KredditBee

  • Location: Bengaluru 
  • Industry: Fintech
  • Founders: ​​Karthikeyan Krishnaswamy, Madhusudan Ekambaram, Wan Hong
  • Founded In: 2018
  • Funding: Series D, ₹27.4 Billion
  • Investors Include: India SME Investments, NewQuest Capital Partners, Alpine Capital

KreditBee is a lending platform designed specifically for young people. Customers can get personalized loans and choose a repayment plan that works for them. The company also offers fast loans for salaried individuals and purchase loans for people shopping through one of their affiliate partners.

FAQs

How many startups are there in India?

According to government figures, there are more than 65,000 startups in India. In a country of more than 1.3 billion, there’s plenty of competition to conquer large shares of the market, but the bigger question is whether a startup can effectively address the needs of its target demographic.

Why are there so many startups in India?

Every region of India has its own challenges to work with, and this is on top of the general needs of different populations. A global pandemic brought healthcare into focus, which had spillover effects on every other industry. Startups today are hoping to make people’s lives easier by filling a niche in the market in a way that no one has before.

How do I find startups in India?

You can find startups in India through the Startup India Network, which features more than 490,000 profiles of entrepreneurs and professionals. You can also reach out to the government to find partnership opportunities. Different ministries and departments within the administration are there to help grow the economy by encouraging new enterprises.

Why do startups fail in India?

According to venture capitalists, the biggest reason is that startups lack innovation in their space. Entrepreneurs need to make it clear to the public what they can and why they can do it better than their competitors. Whether distinguishing themselves based on functionality, customer service, or price, startups trying to compete in India need to be clear on why the consumer should choose them over another company.

What are some successful Indian startups?

Successful startups in India, like Ola and PharmEasy, are similar to successful companies in the US. These companies are merging technology with various industries to bring integrated experiences to consumers who want to control the experience from their electronic devices.

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