30 Best and Most Successful Startups in India

The Indian Flag by Naveed Ahmed on Unsplash

30 Best and Most Successful Startups in India

India is a nation on the rise, with a rapidly growing economy and a population of over 1.3 billion people. At the center of this growth are the entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and taking risks to create new and innovative businesses.

They do this by starting new businesses (startups) to fill a niche in the market. It’s no secret that startups are risky businesses, with some studies suggesting that up to 90% of startups fail. However, despite the daunting odds, there are a number of startups in India that have managed to not only survive but thrive.

They have gone on to become some of the most successful and innovative businesses not only in the country but globally as well. This article will attempt to identify 30 of these success stories in India.

aanand lena (That’s Hindu for Enjoy!)

1. Classplus

Tutor with students in a classroom by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Classplus was founded in 2018 by Mukul Rustagi and Bhaswat Agarwal. The company offers a platform that allows private tutors and coaching institutes to manage their businesses and reach a wider audience.

What sets them apart? Well, with Classplus, it’s like having a personal assistant for your tutoring business! While Classplus is currently focused on the Indian market, its innovative approach to ed-tech could soon make them a global brand.

It’s clear that Rustagi and Agarwal are teaching the rest of the startup world a thing or two about disrupting an industry. Classplus is proving to be a ‘class’ act as the name suggests.

2. Flipkart

The main office of Flipkart e-commerce in India by Glassdoor – Wikimedia Commons

Flipkart is India’s answer to Amazon. Founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal its headquarters are located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Flipkart is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in India selling a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, groceries, and more. Since its humble beginnings as an online bookstore, Flipkart has come a long way.

It is now a global brand that competes with the world’s largest online retailers. In 2018, Walmart acquired a 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion. This made it one of the most significant acquisitions in the Indian startup ecosystem.

3. Paytm

The Paytm HQ in Noida, India by Lakshmisreekanth – Wikipedia

Paytm is an Indian startup that revolutionized the way payments, shopping, and online transactions are done. Founded in 2010 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm has grown from a simple mobile recharge platform to a full-fledged digital wallet with over 450 million registered users.

With its headquarters in Noida, India, Paytm offers a range of services including mobile recharges, bill payments, e-commerce, and even movie ticket bookings. The company has also expanded globally, with operations in Canada and Japan. The company is also known for its catchy tagline “Paytm karo” (meaning “do Paytm”).

4. Zomato

Logo of zomato by AwH108 – Wikimedia Commons

Zomato is a food-tech giant that took the world by storm after its inception in 2008. Founded by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, the company has its headquarters in Gurugram, India.

It initially launched as a restaurant review and discovery platform but has expanded to become a food delivery and table booking service. With a presence in over 25 countries, it’s safe to say that Zomato has established itself as a global brand. These countries include; Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.

5. BYJU’s

Byju Raveendran (mentioned below) CEO Byju’s (company logo behind him) by cherian_in – Wikimedia Commons

BYJU’s is a fast-growing tech company founded in 2011 by Byju Raveendran. Yes, it’s called BYJU’s because it belongs to Byju. With its headquarters in Bangalore, India it is known for providing online classes and courses to K-12 students and for preparing students for competitive exams.

BYJU’s has over 100 million users and is one of the largest edtech companies in the world. The company has expanded beyond India and has a growing presence in other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

6. Ola Cabs

Yes, it’s a cab company! Ola Cabs is an Indian ride-hailing company headquartered in Bangalore. Founded in 2010 by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati it provides services including peer-to-peer ridesharing, ride service hailing, taxi, and food delivery services.

Ola Cabs has been expanding aggressively and is now available in over 250 Indian cities as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. With its bright pink logo and catchy jingle, Ola Cabs has quickly become a household name in India, making it easier and more affordable for millions to get around in style.

7. BigBasket

BigBasket is a food delivery company that delivers everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat and dairy products straight to your doorstep. It was founded in 2011 by Hari Menon, Vipul Parekh, Abhinay Choudhari, V.S. Sudhakar, and Ramesh Baliga.

The BigBasket headquarters are in Bengaluru, India. While BigBasket’s services are currently only available in India, its reputation for quality and convenience is certainly global.

8. Swiggy

Swiggy is one of India’s largest online food ordering and delivery platforms. Founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, the company is headquartered in Bangalore, India.

With a presence in over 500 cities in India, it has revolutionized the food delivery industry in India. While Swiggy is currently only operating in India, it has become a major player in the food delivery market and is poised for future growth and expansion beyond India.

Discover more food startups here!

9. Quikr

Logo of Quikr by Akvwha143 – Wikimedia Commons

Quikr is an Indian classified advertising platform founded in 2008 by Pranay Chulet. Based in Bangalore, the company offers a wide range of services including buying and selling used goods, renting properties, and job postings.

The name “Quikr” itself is a play on the word “quick,” highlighting the company’s focus on making transactions fast and easy. The company currently only operates within the bounds of India but it has a fairly reputable brand that is growing at a fast rate.

10. OYO Rooms

The logo of OYO Rooms – Indian hotel chain by OYO Rooms – Wikimedia Commons

OYO Rooms is a disruptor in the hospitality industry that’s changing the way people book hotel rooms. Founded in 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal, OYO Rooms has headquarters in Gurugram and a global presence in over 80 countries.

It provides affordable and standardized hotel rooms to budget-conscious travelers, leveraging technology to manage inventory, pricing, and quality control. Whether you’re in Delhi or Dallas, OYO Rooms promises a comfortable stay at a fraction of the cost of traditional hotels.

11. Udaan

Udaan executives at IIMR by Jazz0790 – Wikipedia Commons

Udaan is the perfect example of how to make a splash in the world of Indian startups. Founded in 2016 by a trio of ex-Flipkart (discussed above) executives, the company has already become a unicorn, valued at over $7 billion.

With its headquarters in Bangalore, Udaan is enabling small and medium-sized businesses to buy and sell goods easily and efficiently. It has quickly become one of the fastest-growing B2B e-commerce platforms in India.

Udaan provides everything from electronics to food and beverage products. While it currently operates only in India, there are already talks of expansion into other markets.

12. Practo

Prato Logo by San – Wikimedia Commons

Practo is a medical startup that has revolutionized healthcare in India. Founded in 2008 by Shashank ND and Abhinav Lal, it has become the go-to platform for booking appointments with doctors, ordering medicines, and consulting with healthcare professionals.

Practo has its headquarters in Bangalore and has expanded its services across India and recently opened branches in Southeast Asia. It’s no longer just a local Indian startup, but a global brand that’s making waves in the healthcare industry.

13. InMobi

InMobi is a mobile advertising platform. It was founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari, Mohit Saxena, Amit Gupta, and Abhay Singhal and has its headquarters in Bangalore, India. InMobi is all about mobile advertising, enabling advertisers to reach out to their target audience with personalized and engaging content.

14. Razorpay

Shashank Kumar (founder) in Razorpay by Yourstory – Wikimedia Commons

Razorpay is a financial technology startup that can be categorized as a true gem in the Indian startup scene. Founded in 2013 by Shashank Kumar and Harshil Mathur, the company is headquartered in Bangalore, India.

Razorpay is a payment platform or gateway that enables businesses to accept digital payments from their customers through various payment modes. The startup has grown rapidly in the last few years becoming a giant that processes transactions worth billions of dollars annually.

15. PolicyBazaar

PolicyBazaar, founded in 2008, is an Indian insurance aggregator, with headquarters in Gurugram, India. They claim to be India’s best & largest online insurance marketplace. A claim that is backed by their rampant growth and over 10 million customers.

The company was co-founded by Yashish Dahiya, Alok Bansal, and Avaneesh Nirjar. It allows customers to compare and purchase insurance policies from various companies.

PolicyBazaar has expanded its services to include loans, credit cards, and mutual funds. Although it primarily operates in India, PolicyBazaar is a well-known brand across the globe and has attracted investors from all over the world.

16. PhonePe

PhonePe is a financial technology startup that allows users to transfer money, pay bills, and recharge mobiles through its mobile app. Founded in 2015 by Sameer Nigam, Rahul Chari, and Burzin Engineer, PhonePe has its headquarters in Bangalore, India.

The company has quickly become a household name in India, with over 350 million users. It has also expanded its services to include investments, insurance, and gold purchases. Though its services are currently only available in India, PhonePe has its sights set on global expansion.

17. Lenskart

Peyush Bansal- Lenskart CEO and founder (see the company logo on the shelf) by Ajayrwat – Wikimedia Commons

Looking for the perfect pair of glasses? Look no further than Lenskart! Founded in 2010 by Peyush Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi, this Indian eyewear company has quickly become a go-to for stylish frames and top-notch vision care.

With headquarters in Delhi, Lenskart has expanded throughout India and even globally, serving customers in the US, Canada, Singapore, and beyond. Whether you need prescription glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses, Lenskart has got you covered.

18. Ola Electric

OLA Electric scooter manufacturing unit in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu by Gnoeee – Wikimedia Commons

Ola Electric is charging up the Indian electric vehicle market with its innovative solutions. It was founded in 2017 by Bhavish Aggarwal, the same founder as Ola Cabs (discussed above). Ola Electric is headquartered in Bengaluru, India.

The company aims to provide sustainable and affordable mobility solutions in India, with an emphasis on electric vehicles. While it may be a relatively new player in the industry, Ola Electric has already made a significant impact, with plans to expand globally in the near future.

19. CarDekho

CarDekho is an online marketplace for buying and selling new and used cars. Founded in 2008 by siblings Amit and Anurag Jain, CarDekho is headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

With its user-friendly interface and advanced search options, CarDekho has quickly become the go-to destination for car buyers and sellers in India. The platform offers a range of services, including car financing, insurance, and accessories. While it primarily operates in India, CarDekho has also expanded to other markets such as Indonesia and the UAE.

20. Nykaa

Nykaa.com – Your Beauty, Our Passion by RiahDaswani – Wikimedia Commons

Nykaa, founded in 2012 by Falguni Nayar, is an Indian e-commerce company that specializes in beauty and wellness products. With its headquarters in Mumbai, Nykaa has become one of the largest online beauty retailers in India.

It offers a wide range of products from makeup and skincare to hair care and fragrances. The company has also expanded into the brick-and-mortar retail space with its chain of Nykaa Luxe stores. Despite primarily serving the Indian market, Nykaa has gained international recognition.

21. Dream11

Dream11 logo by Himalayan7914 – Wikimedia Commons

Dream11 is a fantasy sports platform founded in India in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth. Its headquarters are in Mumbai, India.

Dream11 allows users to play fantasy cricket, football, basketball, baseball, kabaddi, and hockey online. The company has become a popular brand in India and is considered a unicorn startup with a valuation of over $2 billion. The platform has over 100 million registered users, making it one of the largest fantasy sports platforms in the world.

22. FamPay

FamPay is a fintech company revolutionizing the way teenagers in India make digital payments. Founded in 2019 by Sambhav Jain and Kush Taneja, this startup has quickly gained traction with its unique offering.

With FamPay, teens can make cashless transactions and manage their money safely and securely. FamPay also allows parents to send money to their adolescent children via UPI, P2P, and card payments. Its headquarters is in Bangalore, India.

At the moment, Fampay is only operational in India. Though this might not be the case for so long.

Discover the more fintech startups here!

23. Rivigo

Founded in 2014 by Deepak Garg, Rivigo is a tech-driven logistics company that aims to revolutionize the trucking industry in India. With headquarters in Gurgaon, it uses cutting-edge technology such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of logistics operations in India.

The company operates a network of over 70,000 trucks across 1,500+ locations in India. This makes it one of the largest logistics companies in the country.

24. WinZO

WinZO Games Logo by Kaushikkingman – Wikimedia Commons

Founded as recently as 2018, WinZO is a mobile e-sports social game platform that rewards participants with cash and prizes. It is the brainchild of Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore and is based in New Delhi.

The company is all about creating a fun and engaging platform for gaming enthusiasts. And, boy, have they succeeded! WinZO is now one of the most popular gaming apps in India, with millions of users playing and winning real money every day. Although still relatively young, WinZO is making waves in the Indian gaming scene and quickly establishing itself as a major player.

25. Setu

Setu is a fintech startup whose goal is to boost economic growth by simplifying the process of accessing financial services in India. They achieve this through a user-friendly mobile app.

Setu was founded in late 2018 by Sahil Kini and Nikhil Kumar and is based in Bangalore. With Setu, you can access a range of financial services, from banking to insurance, all in one place.

26. MyGate

MyGate is a company that takes the security of gated communities to the next level. It was founded in 2016 by Vijay Arisetty, Abhishek Kumar, and Shreyans Daga to solve the security issues that gated communities were facing.

With headquarters in Bangalore, MyGate has become the go-to solution for communities that need to keep unauthorized visitors out. It provides features such as digital ID verification, staff attendance management, and even helps with deliveries.

27. Myelin Foundry

Myelin Foundry is a tech startup that specializes in developing cutting-edge AI algorithms for video streaming applications. Based in Bangalore, India, the company was co-founded by Gopichand Katragadda, Ganesh Suryanarayanan, and Aditi Olemann, all of whom have extensive experience in technology and innovation.

Myelin Foundry’s AI algorithms are designed to optimize video streaming quality, reduce bandwidth usage, and enhance user engagement. Although still a relatively new player in the tech scene (founded in 2019), Myelin Foundry has already made waves in the industry and has attracted significant investment.

28. IDfy

IDfy is a Mumbai-based startup that provides cutting-edge solutions for identity verification and fraud prevention. Founded in 2011 by Ashok Hariharan and Vineet Jawa, IDfy has become a leading player in the fintech industry.

It is actively helping businesses to authenticate the identities of their customers and protect against fraud. With its state-of-the-art technology, IDfy has made a name for itself in the Indian market and is rapidly expanding globally. IDfy operates across industries, including banking, insurance, and e-commerce.

29. OZiva

OZiva is the brainchild of two fitness enthusiasts Aarti Gill and Mihir Gadani. It is a leading Indian wellness brand that was founded in 2016.

 Based in Mumbai, OZiva offers a range of plant-based nutrition products for everyday wellness, weight management, and sports nutrition. Whether you want to improve your energy levels, boost immunity, or achieve your fitness goals, OZiva has got you covered.

30. Miko

Miko 2 robots by emotix – Wikimedia Commons

Miko is not your typical company; it’s a robot that wants to be your friend. Founded in India in 2015, this charming little bot has won the hearts of children and adults alike.

The company, built around the robot, is the brainchild of three IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Bombay graduates. Namely; Sneh R Vaswani, Prashant Iyengar, and Chintan Raikar.

Miko is headquartered in Mumbai and is part of the robotics industry. With its advanced AI technology, Miko can chat, play games, and even dance with you.

In conclusion, India’s entrepreneurs seem to be overworking. As soon as there is a niche in the market you can be sure a startup is on the way to fill it. This list does not come close to exhausting the number of startups in the country. However, some hard decisions had to be made!

See our list of the esteemed 2023 unicorn startups here!