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Writer's pictureNilesh Limaye

Why has India not witnessed any promising startups in the last 10 years?

India has seen several startups make a significant mark on the global stage.These startups have not only led India in the global market but have also become symbols of India's prowess in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship on the global stage, Some of the prominent names include:


Blog on Promising startups in India by Nilesh Limaye
Blog on Promising startups in India by Nilesh Limaye


  1. Flipkart: Founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, Flipkart is one of India's largest e-commerce platforms. It gained global attention when Walmart acquired a majority stake in the company in 2018.

  2. Paytm: Started in 2010 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm is a leading digital payments and financial services platform in India. It expanded its services to include e-commerce, ticket bookings, and more, gaining widespread recognition.

  3. Ola: Founded in 2010 by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, Ola is India's largest ride-hailing service. The company has also expanded its operations internationally, making a mark in markets such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

  4. BYJU'S: Launched in 2011 by Byju Raveendran, BYJU'S is India's largest online learning platform. It offers interactive educational content for students from kindergarten to college, and has expanded globally with operations in countries like the US, UK, Australia, and the Middle East.

  5. Zomato: Founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, Zomato started as a restaurant discovery platform and expanded to include food delivery services. It has operations in multiple countries, including the US, UAE, and Southeast Asia.

  6. OYO: Started in 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal, OYO revolutionized the budget hotel industry with its technology-driven approach. It has expanded globally to become one of the world's largest hotel chains.

  7. InMobi: Founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari, InMobi is a global mobile advertising and technology platform. It serves leading brands and agencies worldwide with innovative advertising solutions.

  8. Freshworks: Launched in 2010 by Girish Mathrubootham, Freshworks provides customer engagement software and has a global customer base. The company went public in 2021, marking a significant milestone for Indian startups.

  9. Razorpay: Founded in 2014 by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar, Razorpay is a leading payment gateway and financial technology platform. It has expanded its services globally and is known for its innovative payment solutions.

  10. Swiggy: Founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, Swiggy is India's largest food delivery platform. It has expanded its services to several cities in India and ventured into new business verticals.


India also has indeed witnessed numerous promising startups over the last decade, with many success stories across various sectors.


  1. Udaan (2016): Started in 2016 by Amod Malviya, Sujeet Kumar, and Vaibhav Gupta, Udaan is a B2B e-commerce platform connecting manufacturers and wholesalers with retailers. It has quickly become one of the largest B2B marketplaces in India.

  2. Unacademy (2015): Founded by Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini, and Hemesh Singh in 2015, Unacademy is an online learning platform offering a wide range of courses and tutorials. It has become a popular choice for students preparing for competitive exams.

  3. CRED (2018): Founded by Kunal Shah in 2018, CRED is a members-only platform that rewards users for paying credit card bills on time. It has gained a loyal user base and has expanded its offerings beyond credit card rewards. 


However, if there is a perception that there hasn't been a significant number of notable startups in the last 10 years, it might stem from a few factors:


  1. High Competition and Challenges: The startup ecosystem in India is highly competitive, with startups facing challenges such as fierce competition, market saturation in certain sectors, and regulatory hurdles. This can make it more difficult for new ventures to stand out and gain significant traction.

  2. Evolving Ecosystem: The startup ecosystem in India has evolved rapidly, with shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and changes in investor sentiment. Some startups might have faced challenges adapting to these changes or pivoting their business models accordingly.

  3. Market Dynamics: Certain sectors might have seen slower growth or faced challenges due to external factors such as economic fluctuations, policy changes, or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This can impact the success and growth of startups operating in these sectors.

  4. Funding Challenges: While there has been a significant influx of funding into the Indian startup ecosystem, access to funding remains a challenge for many startups, especially those in the early stages. Lack of sufficient funding can hinder growth and expansion plans.

  5. Execution and Scaling: Building a successful startup requires not just a great idea but also effective execution, scalability, and a sustainable business model. Some startups might have struggled with these aspects, leading to slower growth or challenges in achieving scale.

  6. Exit Opportunities: The availability of exit opportunities, such as acquisitions or IPOs, is also a crucial factor for startups and their investors. A lack of viable exit options can impact the attractiveness of certain sectors for investment.


Despite these challenges, it's essential to note that India's startup ecosystem continues to thrive, with numerous success stories emerging every year. There are still promising startups making waves in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, and more. Additionally, initiatives by the government, supportive policies, increasing digital adoption, and a growing consumer market all contribute to the continued growth and potential of the Indian startup ecosystem. 

Happy to assist!

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