Here are are some of the highlights of how the space has fared to date:
Indian startups have received over $147 billion in funding between 2016 and 2014, which has resulted in the creation of over 16 lakh jobs, as per DPIIT. Startups in fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce have tackled local challenges and gained global recognition. Companies like Zomato, Nykaa, and Ola showcase India’s shift from job seekers to job creators, driving economic progress, DPIIT added.
After nearly two years of funding winter, the startup ecosystem in India regained the heat in 2024. Startups raised over $11 billion in 2024, up from $9.4 billion in 2023, according to data from Venture Intelligence. 2024 also saw a resurgence of major funding rounds, with VC firms injecting over $10 billion into the ecosystem. Zepto alone raised more than $1 billion, and family offices played a larger role, contributing over $1 billion to startup investments.
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Fintech, e-commerce and enterprise tech have continued to attract the most capital in the last 5 years. In 2024, these sectors accounted for more than two-thirds of the total funding. And this is likely to get better as VC funds are currently sitting on $9 billion of dry powder.
According to IVCA, when Startup India launched nine years ago, India had ten unicorns. Today, the country has 118 unicorns or companies that are valued at over a billion dollars.
Until 5 years ago, India didn’t have a single venture-funded startup that was publicly listed with over $10 billion market cap. Today, we have five companies over that number including Zomato at a $30 billion market cap. Info Edge, Makemytrip, Swiggy and Policybazaar are all over $10 billion in public market cap, as per IVCA.
If one story stood out in 2024, it was the remarkable rise of startup IPOs. Last year saw 13 startups, including eight tech companies, go public, raising billions and solidifying India’s global presence. Swiggy’s $1.3 billion IPO stood out as the largest tech public offering worldwide in 2024.
Also Read: Govt keen on more funding for startups, to meet AIFs to explore avenues
India’s startup ecosystem is poised for a transformative year in 2025, building on the momentum of 2024. Looking ahead, 2025 is set to continue this momentum, with an even bigger IPO pipeline. At least 25 startups, including Zetwerk, Meesho, Bluestone, Urban Company, Zepto, Groww, and Pine Labs, are preparing to hit the public markets.
2025 also presents abundant opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). AI is on the verge of widespread adoption, giving startups the tools to innovate in sectors like healthcare, education, and fintech. This push for accessible, transformative technologies is poised to drive scalable impact.
