{"id":31646,"date":"2025-08-26T00:54:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T19:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2024.site.zeroado.com\/?post_type=blog&p=31646"},"modified":"2026-08-03T23:52:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T18:22:13","slug":"entrepreneurs-in-india","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/zeroado.stagex.dev\/sg-en\/blog\/entrepreneurs-in-india","title":{"rendered":"101 Entrepreneurs in India Shaping the Future of India & the World in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Deepinder
Deepinder Goyal, founder of Zomato, delivering food on a Royal Enfield, showcasing his hands-on entrepreneurial spirit in India. [Source: <\/em>News18<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Recognize him?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is the man who leads a company worth 33 billion USD in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need to spell his name?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is none other than Deepinder Goyal (or DP, as India Inc. and I myself call him), the celebrated founder and CEO of Zomato, not just India’s but the world\u2019s most famous and valued tech-powered food delivery platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in 2008, when Deepinder Goyal started Foodiebay, a simple website to browse restaurant menus. No one imagined it would grow into Zomato, a company that changed how India eats and became a global food-tech giant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the truth is DP isn\u2019t an exception. India is full of founders who began with nothing more than an idea and a big dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some built world-class software from a tiny room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some are working on artificial intelligence in Bengaluru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some are fixing how we pay, study, travel, or order goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They try, they fail, they get up again. Sometimes they fall flat, but they don\u2019t give up. That\u2019s what makes them special. That\u2019s how they shape not only India, but also the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This list is an attempt to celebrate them. The 101 entrepreneurs in India who are shaping the future in 2026. Not just the billionaires you see on magazine covers, but builders, doers, and dreamers creating real impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

List of 101 entrepreneurs in India you should know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we start, a note: these names are the ones I (and the ZeroAdo team) truly admire. It\u2019s a collaborative list, but the words are mine. You may have your own favorites and that\u2019s the beauty of entrepreneurship. Everyone has their own taste. Some love coffee, some love tea. \u2615\ud83c\udf75<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So let\u2019s raise a cup (whichever you like) and begin. \ud83d\ude80<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akash Bhadange & Yogini Bende<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Akash
Akash Bhadange and Yogini Bende, co-founders of Peerlist, an entrepreneur-driven platform in India. [Source: <\/em>LinkedIn<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it take to stand out in today\u2019s noisy job market? A r\u00e9sum\u00e9? A LinkedIn profile? Or proof of what you\u2019ve actually built?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the question Akash Bhadange<\/a> and Yogini Bende<\/a> asked before starting Peerlist, a platform where professionals don\u2019t just list titles, but showcase their real work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Akash, a product design expert with years of experience at companies like Athenahealth, Cellpoint Digital, and Helpshift, knew the frustration of being defined only by job titles. Yogini, with the same spirit, believed professionals deserved a space where skills spoke louder than words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, in 2021, the duo built Peerlist<\/a>, and by 29, Akash had already secured USD 1.12 million in funding to grow the platform. Today, Peerlist is becoming India\u2019s answer to LinkedIn, only more authentic, more human, and more proof-driven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vivek Raina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Vivek
Vivek Raina, co-founder and CEO of Excitel, a leading entrepreneur in India\u2019s broadband and internet services sector. [Source: <\/em>The Weekend Leader<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When Vivek Raina<\/a> looked at India\u2019s internet landscape in 2015, he saw something broken. Data was expensive, plans were confusing, and speed was a luxury. He decided to change that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With over 20 years of experience in companies like Hathway and Reliance, Vivek knew the pain points of Indian households. His idea with Excitel<\/a> was simple but bold: giving people unlimited internet, fair prices, and pure focus on broadbands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Vivek\u2019s journey doesn\u2019t stop at business. With Launchpad Kashmir, he\u2019s mentoring young entrepreneurs from his homeland, proving that success isn\u2019t just about profits, but also about lifting others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deepinder Goyal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Deepinder
Deepinder Goyal, founder and CEO of Zomato, one of India\u2019s most successful entrepreneurs. [Source: <\/em>Money Control<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Deepinder Goyal<\/a> is the man behind Zomato<\/a>, one of India\u2019s biggest startup stories. Back in 2008, he started with a small idea, putting restaurant menus online. That small step grew into a giant food discovery and delivery company that now works in 10,000+ cities across 24 countries!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under his leadership, Zomato went public in 2021 with a huge $12 billion value. Later, the company also bought Blinkit to start quick grocery delivery. And just recently, Zomato made its first-ever profit, a big moment for Indian startups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Deepinder doesn\u2019t stop at Zomato. He\u2019s also building new ventures like LAT Aerospace<\/a> (aviation startup) and Continue (a health and wellness venture), proving that he\u2019s always thinking about the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aadit Palicha<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Aadit
Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, the young co-founders of Zepto, one of India\u2019s fastest-growing startups. [Source: <\/em>Mint<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What were you doing at 23?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Aadit Palicha<\/a>, the answer is simple: building one of India\u2019s fastest-growing startups – Zepto<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aadit left Stanford and, after an earlier startup called KiranaKart, he and his friend Kaivalya Vohra<\/a> launched Zepto in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Armed with dark stores, sharp technology, and relentless ambition, Zepto scaled to 4M+ users in just two years. It went on to become a $5 billion unicorn, making Aadit one of India\u2019s youngest entrepreneurs to achieve that milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aadit has also been featured in the Hurun Under 30 list. And for him, this is just the beginning, he wants Zepto to go global and change how people shop for good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alakh Pandey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Alakh
Alakh Pandey, founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, a famous entrepreneur in India. [Source: <\/em>BusinessToday<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Physics Wallah<\/a> is an edtech company that gives students quality education at affordable prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, Alakh Pandey<\/a> started as a small-town teacher and began teaching on YouTube in 2016. His simple and fun way of teaching quickly made him popular, especially between JEE and NEET students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2020, along with Prateek Maheshwari<\/a>, he launched the PW app so students from smaller cities could get top-quality courses at prices they could afford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Physics Wallah is valued at $2.8 billion and is helping millions of learners both online and offline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ritesh Agarwal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ritesh
Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, one of the top entrepreneurs in India. [Source: <\/em>Startup Article<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At 19, when most were busy choosing a career, Ritesh Agarwal<\/a> was already fixing India\u2019s broken budget hotel system. That\u2019s how OYO Rooms<\/a> was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His idea was so strong that he even won the famous Thiel Fellowship. He grew it fast with help from big investors like SoftBank, and now OYO is global, even owning Motel 6 in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey wasn\u2019t smooth. During COVID-19, OYO faced tough times, but Ritesh adapted with long-stay rentals and digital-first hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, OYO is worth billions, and Ritesh is one of India\u2019s most well-known startup founders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shashvat Nakrani <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Shashvat
Shashvat Nakrani, co-founder and COO of BharatPe, a young entrepreneur in India. [Source: <\/em>Lifestyle Asia India<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shashvat Nakrani<\/a>, born in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, in 1994, showed his love for business from a young age. While studying at IIT Delhi, he noticed a big problem, small shop owners had no easy and low-cost way to accept digital payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At just 19 years old, he dropped out of IIT and started BharatPe<\/a> in 2018 with Bhavik Koladiya<\/a> (later joined by Ashneer Grover<\/a>). His idea was simple but powerful, one QR code for all apps, with zero fees for merchants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea worked. BharatPe grew fast and became a big name in fintech. Today, it not only helps shopkeepers take payments but also gives loans, and credit to merchants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By 2026, BharatPe reached a value of $5.3 billion, making Shashvat one of India\u2019s youngest self-made billionaires.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karan Mehta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Karan
Karan Mehta, co-founder of Kissht, one of the successful entrepreneurs in India. [Source: <\/em>Rezolv<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How do you bring credit to people who banks often ignore?<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the question Karan Mehta<\/a> set out to answer with Kissht<\/a>, a fintech startup that makes digital loans easy for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He studied Computer Engineering in Mumbai and later did his Master\u2019s at Carnegie Mellon University. Karan began his career at Citadel Investment Group but soon moved into startups like Swipe Payments and Karma Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2015, he co-founded Kissht, where he created smart systems using AI for credit scoring, fraud checks, and easy onboarding. This helped many underserved people access digital loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After leaving Kissht in March 2026, Karan co-founded Rezolv<\/a>, an AI-driven debt resolution platform, and Ring, which simplifies customer payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karan\u2019s journey shows one thing clearly: he consistently uses technology to solve real problems and strengthen digital lending in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Byju Raveendran <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Byju
Byju Raveendran, founder and CEO of BYJU’S, a famous entrepreneur in India. [Source: <\/em>Dutch Uncles<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Byju Raveendran<\/a> went from a small village in Kerala to building one of the biggest edtech companies in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It all started when he was helping his friends prepare for the CAT exam. His unique way of teaching made tough topics easy and fun. Soon, this side gig grew into BYJU\u2019S<\/a>, a digital learning app that became a $22 billion global giant at its peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Byju\u2019s mix of storytelling and teaching changed how millions of students learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, BYJU\u2019S has faced financial and operational challenges. But Byju hasn\u2019t given up. With new ideas like BYJU\u2019S Tuition Centers, he is working hard to rebuild and adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His journey shows the real ups and downs of entrepreneurship, big dreams, fast growth, and the courage to face tough times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shashank ND <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Shashank
Shashank ND and Abhinav Lal, founder and co-founder of Practo, famous entrepreneurs in India. [Source: <\/em>Forbes India<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some businesses are born from personal pain. For Shashank ND<\/a>, it was the struggle of getting his father\u2019s medical records for a second opinion. That frustration gave birth to Practo in 2008, co-founded with Abhinav Lal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What began as a software tool for doctors grew into one of India\u2019s most important health-tech platforms, offering online doctor consultations, medicine delivery, check-ups, and even AI-driven healthcare solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Practo<\/a> became a lifeline, enabling millions to connect with doctors from home. Today, it stands as India\u2019s leading healthcare platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fortune 40 Under 40, Shashank continues to push boundaries by focusing on AI in healthcare, elder care, and mental health, while also preparing for an IPO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tilak Mehta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Tilak
Tilak Mehta, founder of Papers N Parcels, a young entrepreneur in India. [Source: <\/em>GNTTV<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Started by Tilak Mehta<\/a> at 19, Papers N Parcels (PNP) is a delivery startup in Mumbai that delivers parcels within the city on the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inspiration came from Tilak\u2019s own problem. One day, he needed his books delivered quickly and cheaply, but it was hard to find a service. That\u2019s when he thought of creating PNP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He built it using Mumbai\u2019s famous Dabbawala network for last-mile delivery. And it worked! Today, PNP handles thousands of deliveries every day and has crossed \u20b9100 crore in turnover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tilak\u2019s story proves it: you don\u2019t need decades of experience to solve real problems, just a smart idea, huge guts, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falguni Nayar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Falguni
Falguni Nayar, founder and CEO of Nykaa, one of India\u2019s most successful female entrepreneurs. [Source: <\/em>Social Samosa<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Imagine leaving a successful investment banking career at the age of 50 to chase a dream. That\u2019s exactly what Falguni Nayar<\/a> did when she launched Nykaa in 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her goal was simple but powerful: transform how Indians shop for beauty and lifestyle products. What started as an online platform soon expanded into physical stores, becoming a household name (including mine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2021, Nykaa<\/a> went public with one of India\u2019s most successful IPOs, and Falguni became one of the few self-made female billionaires in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, with a net worth of over \u20b927,000 crore, she continues to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide. Her story proves one timeless truth: it\u2019s never too late to start something, and age is no barrier to ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radhika Gupta <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Radhika
Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management, a leading woman entrepreneur in India. [Source: <\/em>Edelweiss MF<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Radhika Gupta<\/a> is the first and only woman to lead a big asset management company in India. She studied at Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania, and started her career with big names like McKinsey and AQR Capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, she co-founded Forefront Capital, India\u2019s first homegrown hedge fund, which was later bought by Edelweiss. In 2017, she became the CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management<\/a>. Under her leadership, the company has grown fast and even launched India\u2019s first corporate bond ETF, the Bharat Bond ETF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Radhika\u2019s story goes beyond business. She is also an author (her book Limitless), a TEDx speaker, and an advocate for financial literacy. She also serves as the VC of AMFI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She has been named in Economic Times 40 Under 40 and recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. For entrepreneurs, her journey is proof that you don\u2019t just lead by numbers, you lead by rewriting norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sriharsha Majety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sriharsha
Sriharsha Majety, co-founder and CEO of Swiggy, a prominent entrepreneur in India. [Source: <\/em>The Financial Express<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Back in 2014, when food delivery was still a chaotic space in India, Sriharsha Majety<\/a>, an alumnus of BITS Pilani and IIM Calcutta saw an opportunity. As a decision he co-founded Swiggy<\/a> in 2014 along with Nandan Reddy<\/a> and Rahul Jaimini<\/a>. Before this, he had also worked on another startup called Bundl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With his mix of technical skills, global exposure, and strong drive, he grew Swiggy into one of India\u2019s biggest food delivery platforms. Over time, Swiggy expanded into new areas too, cloud kitchens (The Bowl Company), courier services (Swiggy Genie), and quick grocery delivery (Instamart).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though the early days had tough competition, Sriharsha focused on logistics, technology, and customer experience, which helped make Swiggy a household name. Today, Swiggy operates in 500+ cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2019, he won the Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award. And in 2024, he led Swiggy\u2019s IPO, which listed at \u20b9412 per share, marking a milestone for Indian startups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sriharsha now dreams of making Swiggy much more than food delivery, building a complete hyperlocal delivery system that makes urban life easier and more convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anand Mahindra <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Anand
Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, one of India\u2019s most influential business leaders. [Source: <\/em>The Statesman<\/em><\/a>]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anand Mahindra<\/a>, a name we always heard when it comes to supporting young Indian entrepreneurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is one of India\u2019s most admired business leaders, known not just for his global vision, sharp ideas, and active presence on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Harvard MBA with a background in filmmaking and architecture, he transformed the Mahindra Group<\/a> from an automobile manufacturer into a global powerhouse spanning farming, IT, finance, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I like about Anand Mahindra is his human touch and the virality of his tweets. No, not because he\u2019s a business tycoon, but because he connects with people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s also behind social initiatives like Project Nanhi Kali<\/a>, which supports girl child education. Recognized with the Padma Bhushan and listed among Fortune\u2019s World\u2019s 50 Greatest Leaders, Anand Mahindra shows that leadership is not only about business success but also about creating value for society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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