Top 10 Indian Startups to Watch in 2025: Shaping the Future of Innovation
- Ava Collins
- Nov 6
- 6 min read
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India’s startup landscape has evolved from a fledgling ecosystem to a global innovation powerhouse. With over 100,000 registered startups and a growing pool of young entrepreneurs, the country now ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, after the U.S. and China.
From fintech and space technology to clean mobility and AI-driven healthcare, India’s new-age companies are building solutions that redefine how we live, work, and connect. These startups are not just chasing valuations — they’re solving real-world challenges with technology and creativity.
Here are 10 startups leading India’s innovation wave in 2025, shaping industries and inspiring the next generation of builders.
Once dismissed as a passing trend, Zepto has now become the face of India’s rapid delivery revolution.The Mumbai-based unicorn delivers essentials in under 10 minutes across major metros, powered by micro-warehouses and real-time inventory optimization. Zepto’s focus on speed, reliability, and tech-driven logistics continues to set new benchmarks in the quick commerce space.
Revenue: FY24 ~ ₹4,454 crores. FY25 ~ ₹11,110 crores (~1.5× growth) according to regulatory filings.
Valuation / funding: Raised ~$450 M–$500 M in a round valuing it at $7 billion (~₹57,000 crores) in 2025.
Market share: Holds ~29–32% share in India’s quick-commerce (10-minute grocery) segment.
Market context: The India quick commerce market is growing rapidly; one estimate suggests it will triple in size by 2028.
Key risk: Although revenue is growing fast, losses remain large (e.g., FY24 loss ~₹1,248 crores) and unit economics remain challenging.
Take-away: Zepto is scaling aggressively in a hot segment (urban quick delivery) but needs to show sustainable profitability to fulfill high valuation expectations.
Based in Hyderabad, Skyroot Aerospace became the first Indian private company to launch a rocket into space.Their Vikram series of rockets has opened the doors for affordable, commercial satellite launches — symbolizing India’s growing dominance in the global space economy. With private investment and ISRO collaboration, Skyroot is building India’s version of SpaceX.
Market opportunity: The India space-launch services market (small satellites, launches) is projected to grow from ~$445 M in 2023 to much larger by 2030.
Corporate milestones: Skyroot has executed private rocket launches, developed carbon-composite rockets, and signed a collaboration with Axiom Space of the US.
Status: Still pre-profit, highly capital‐intensive; valuations largely based on future potential rather than steady cash flows.
Take-away: A high-risk, high-reward bet in the long-term private-space economy. For investors comfortable with deep technology and long horizons.
From humble beginnings to a billion-dollar brand, Lenskart has transformed how India buys eyewear.Using AI-powered face scanning and style recommendations, the company offers personalized solutions both online and in stores. Now expanding globally into Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Lenskart is India’s next consumer-tech giant with a digital-first mindset.
Revenue: For FY25 ~ $755 million (~₹6,415 crores); growth ~17% year on year.
Recent milestone: Turned profitable in FY25 (net profit ~₹297 crores) ahead of IPO.
Market size: The organised Indian eyewear market was ~₹46,314 crores (US$5.58 bn) in recent years; Lenskart claims ~25% share in organised segment.
Valuation / funding: Raised ~$1.6 billion over 26+ rounds; valuation ~ $5 billion+ as of mid-2024.
Take-away: Lenskart is among the more mature startups here — profitable, scaling globally, with strong positioning in a large market.
As the world moves toward sustainability, BluSmart is leading India’s EV mobility revolution.The startup operates an all-electric ride-hailing fleet with zero tailpipe emissions, clean charging infrastructure, and fixed-driver incomes — a model that’s both eco-friendly and socially conscious. BluSmart’s vision: make every ride a step toward a greener future.
Revenue: FY24 gross sales ~ ₹376 crores (vs ~₹160 crores in FY23) — ~135% growth.
Market context: India’s ride-hailing market in large cities projected to grow from ~$20 billion today to ~$90 billion by 2030.
Risks: Recent reports of service suspension in some cities and regulatory/financing pressures.
Take-away: BluSmart is carving out a niche in electrified mobility but faces steep competition and execution risk.
Founded by EatFit’s Ankit Nagori, Curefoods is India’s emerging digital-first food brand platform. It operates multiple cloud kitchen brands under one umbrella, optimizing menus, supply chains, and customer engagement through data analytics. Curefoods is redefining the future of dining — one app order at a time.
Revenue: FY25 operating revenue ~ ₹746 crores, up ~28% from ₹585 crores in FY24.
Market context: The food-services and cloud-kitchen market in India is evolving rapidly; Curefoods hosts multiple brands under one roof.
Take-away: A newer player with solid growth but relatively smaller scale so far. Key will be profitability and brand margin control.
Ather Energy is revolutionizing urban mobility with its smart, connected electric scooters.Built with in-house technology, advanced charging networks, and over-the-air software updates, Ather’s scooters represent the perfect blend of performance and intelligence. As India embraces EVs, Ather is shaping the future of two-wheeler mobility.
Revenue: Q1 FY26 ~ ₹644.6 crores, up ~79% YoY; net loss ~₹178.2 crores.
IPO: Listed in 2025; valuation ~USD 1.37 billion; initial price drop on debut.
Market goal: Aiming for ~20% share of India’s electric two-wheeler market in near term.
Market context: EV 2-wheeler penetration still low (~6–7%), but long-term potential is large.
Take-away: Strong growth story, but still in heavy investment mode and not yet profitable. Ideal for investors with vision and risk tolerance.
Founded by Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal, Navi is making financial services more accessible for the masses.From instant personal loans to affordable health insurance and mutual funds, Navi’s app-first model removes complexity from finance. It’s a digital-first fintech brand built for India’s growing middle class.
Revenue: FY24 ~ ₹2,290 crores, up ~37% from FY23 (~₹1,667 crores). Profit jumped ~17× to ~₹358.5 crores.
Other metrics: ~20 million monthly active users; exploring IPO by FY26.
Take-away: A fintech player with strong metrics and user base growth, riding the digital finance wave in India.
InCred bridges the gap between traditional banking and modern borrowers. By leveraging data analytics and AI, the company provides education loans, personal credit, and SME financing faster and more transparently than legacy institutions. With a customer-first approach, InCred is redefining India’s credit ecosystem.
Market presence: The company’s platform serves education loans, SME/business credit, and personal loans.
Public data on recent revenues/valuation is limited.
Take-away: A promising segment (fin-tech credit) but lacks publicly disclosed financials compared to peers. Higher uncertainty.
In the age of AI, Scaler is helping India’s professionals stay ahead.This Bengaluru-based edtech startup focuses on upskilling working professionals in software development, data science, and AI-driven technologies. With mentor-led programs and job placement support, Scaler is creating the tech leaders of tomorrow.
Segment: EdTech focused on upskilling professionals in software development, AI, data science.
Market context: India’s upskilling/reskilling market is large and growing given tech job demand.
Financials: Detailed recent public financials are limited.
Take-away: With rising demand for tech talent and lifelong learning, Scaler is well-positioned. But like many edtech firms, scalability and monetization remain key metrics to watch.
Zerodha disrupted India’s stockbroking industry with its zero-commission model and user-first approach.By empowering millions of first-time investors, it democratized wealth creation in India. Today, Zerodha stands as a symbol of trust and transparency — proof that innovation doesn’t always need funding, just vision and execution.
Market share: In just 8 months after launching its Margin Trading Facility (MTF), Zerodha captured ~5% market share in that segment.
Business model: Zero-commission broking, strong retail engagement.
Market context: India’s retail investments and trading population continue expanding; fintech analytics show growth though margin pressure exists.
Take-away: A well-known name in Indian investing. Less “start-up” in vulnerability; still innovation-driven and relevant for digital investing trends.
Why Startups Matter in 2025
India’s startup scene is not just about unicorns — it’s about transformation.By 2027, analysts expect 100+ new unicorns, with sectors like AI, clean energy, and healthtech driving the next wave of disruption. The ecosystem is shifting from “growth at all costs” to “sustainable and purpose-driven innovation.”
These startups are changing how we think, consume, and create. They are not just building apps — they are building the digital infrastructure of New India.
Analysts expect 100+ new unicorns in India by ~2027, with major growth in AI, clean energy, healthtech, and mobility.
These startups illustrate diverse sectors (fintech, mobility, space, consumer, edtech) — showing the breadth of India’s innovation wave.
Many are using digital platforms, data-analytics, and app-based models, which align well with younger professionals, urban consumers, and mobile-first behaviour.
Conclusion
As India enters a new decade of digital transformation, its startups are emerging as the torchbearers of progress.From delivering groceries in minutes to reaching space in record time, this new generation of founders is redefining ambition, technology, and impact. Top 10 Indian Startups to Watch in 2025
Stay tuned with The Digital Era for exclusive founder interviews, industry insights, and stories from the heart of India’s innovation ecosystem.
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