Comprehensive List of 112 Indian Unicorn Startups

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian business ecosystem, the term "unicorn" has become synonymous with unparalleled success and innovation. As of today, there are a staggering 112 Indian unicorns, each a testament to the country's economic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. Join us on an insightful journey as we unveil a comprehensive list that delves into sector analysis, location specifics, and detailed insights about these remarkable entities.

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Defining Unicorns

Before we embark on our exploration, let's clarify what makes a company a unicorn. In the business realm, a unicorn is a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion. These are not just companies; they are symbols of disruptive ideas, resilience, and strategic brilliance.

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Indian Startup Landscape: A Sector-Wise Analysis of the Unicorn Ecosystem

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India's dynamic startup landscape, represented by 112 unicorns, is a testament to its rapidly evolving technological and entrepreneurial prowess. Dominating this landscape is the Fintech sector with 20 unicorns, signifying a massive shift towards digital finance in response to the country's unique market demands. SaaS, with 17 unicorns, highlights India’s growing influence in global software services, leveraging its strong tech talent pool. The E-Commerce sector, boasting 16 unicorns, mirrors the rising consumer shift to online shopping, fueled by increased digital connectivity.

Notably, Edtech and Marketplace sectors are also prominent, illustrating India's focus on digital education and online commercial platforms, driven by a large, young demographic seeking tech-enabled solutions. Other sectors like Logistics, Foodtech, and Healthtech, though smaller, reflect the country’s adaptive response to evolving consumer preferences and the increasing integration of technology in traditional domains.

This diverse sectoral spread not only signifies India's leap in digital and tech-driven entrepreneurship but also positions it as a burgeoning hub for global innovation and economic growth.

Geographical Distribution of Indian Unicorns: Urban Hubs Leading the Way

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The distribution of headquarters among India's 112 unicorns highlights a strong preference for major cities. Bangalore leads with 42 unicorns, emphasizing its status as India's top tech hub. Gurugram and Mumbai, each with 18 unicorns, underscore their roles as key financial and corporate centers. Delhi and Noida show the National Capital Region's growing startup presence. Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad, though hosting fewer unicorns, are emerging as significant tech cities. Jaipur and Thane's minimal representation indicate the expanding reach of India's startup ecosystem into diverse regions. This trend reflects the concentration of entrepreneurial activity in urban areas with favorable business ecosystems.

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infoedge

Sector:   Technology Holding Company

Founding Year: 1995

Unicorn Entry: Before 2011

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors: Temasek Holdings and Lightbox

Info Edge, founded in 1995 by Sanjeev Bikhchandani, is one of India's premier online classifieds companies, running platforms like Naukri.com (job portal), Jeevansathi.com (matrimonial portal), 99acres.com (real estate portal), and Shiksha.com (education portal). The company has been a pioneer in the Indian internet ecosystem, with a focus on providing value-added services in various verticals. Info Edge is notable not only for its successful online platforms but also for its role as an investor in promising startups, including the likes of Zomato and PolicyBazaar. Its enduring success is attributed to its deep understanding of the Indian market, diversified portfolio, and strategic investments.

MakemyTrip

Sector:   Travel & Leisure

Founding Year: 2000

Unicorn Entry: 2010

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Bootstrap

Founded in 2000 by Deep Kalra, MakeMyTrip is one of India's leading online travel companies. Initially started to cater to the needs of the Indian community in the US, the company expanded its services to India in 2005, capitalizing on the growing internet penetration and e-commerce market in the country. MakeMyTrip provides a comprehensive range of travel services, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, bus and rail tickets, and more. The company has been at the forefront of India's online travel sector, pioneering many innovations and services tailored to the needs of Indian travelers. Its success can be attributed to its user-friendly platform, diverse travel options, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. Over the years, MakeMyTrip has expanded its operations and merged with and acquired several other travel companies, further solidifying its position in the market.

Zoho

Sector:   SaaS

Founding Year: 1996

Unicorn Entry: Before 2011

Headquarter: Chennai

Key Investors: Bootstrap

Zoho Corporation, founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas, is a global technology company known for its wide range of software products and services. Initially started as Advent NetInc., the company rebranded to Zoho in 2009 to focus more on cloud-based business tools. Zoho's extensive product suite includes solutions for CRM, HR, accounting, email marketing, project management, and more, catering to businesses of all sizes. Zoho has distinguished itself with its commitment to privacy, avoiding the ad-based revenue model, and offering an integrated suite of applications that rival those of larger players in the market. The company has been widely recognized for its innovative software solutions, customer-centric approach, and sustainable growth model. Despite being bootstrapped, Zoho has achieved significant global presence and competitiveness in the SaaS industry.

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InMobi

Sector:  Adtech - MobileAds

Founding Year: 2007

Unicorn Entry: 2011

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: KPCB, Sherpalo Ventures, SoftBank

Founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari, Mohit Saxena, Amit Gupta, and Abhay Singhal, InMobi started as an SMS-based search platform named mKhoj. It later pivoted to become a global mobile advertising platform. InMobi has made significant strides in the ad-tech space, innovating with platforms like Glance and Roposo. The company's expansion into content and discovery platforms demonstrates its adaptability and foresight in the evolving digital landscape.

Flipkart

Sector:   E-Commerce

Founding Year: 2007

Unicorn Entry: 2012

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Accel, Tiger Global, Naspers, SoftBank, Tencent

Flipkart, founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, began as an online bookstore. It quickly expanded into a comprehensive e-commerce platform, offering a wide range of products. Flipkart's journey includes significant milestones like the acquisition of Myntra and a majority stake buyout by Walmart. Despite intense competition, Flipkart remains a dominant player in India's e-commerce market, continually innovating and expanding its services.

Mu Sigma

Sector:   SaaS - Analytics

Founding Year: 2004

Unicorn Entry: 2013

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Accel, Sequoia Capital, General Atlantic

Dhiraj Rajaram founded Mu Sigma in 2004 to provide big data analytics and decision support services for large corporations. The company's innovative approach to data-driven decision-making and its unique training program for analysts have kept it at the forefront of the analytics industry. Despite the challenges in a rapidly evolving field, MuSigma remains a key player in the world of big data and analytics.

Ola

Sector:   Mobility - Ride Aggregator

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2014

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Matrix Partners, Steadview, SoftBank, Tencent

Ola, founded by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati in 2010, revolutionized urban transportation in India. Starting as a ride-hailing service, Ola has diversified into food delivery, electric vehicles, and even international markets. The company's adaptability in expanding and evolving its services reflects a keen understanding of consumer needs and market trends.

Snapdeal

Sector:   E-Commerce

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2014

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Kalaari Capital, Nexus Ventures, Bessemer, SoftBank, Alibaba

Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal launched Snapdeal in 2010, initially as a daily deals platform, which later pivoted to become an online marketplace. Despite facing fierce competition, Snapdeal has made a significant turnaround by focusing on value-conscious buyers, especially in non-metro cities. This strategic shift has helped Snapdeal carve a unique position in the crowded e-commerce space.

PayTM

Sector:   Fintech - Payments & Wallet

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2015

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors: Saama Capital, Elevation Capital, Alibaba, Berkshire Hathway

Vijay Shekhar Sharma founded PayTM in 2010,initially as a mobile recharge and bill payments platform. It quickly expanded into a digital wallet and an e-commerce marketplace. Paytm's growth accelerated with the demonetization drive in India, leading to widespread adoption of its digital wallet services. The company's continuous innovation in financial services and e-commerce demonstrates its adaptability to the changing digital landscape.

Quikr

Sector:   Marketplace - Classifieds

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2015

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Matrix Partners, Omidyar Network, Norwest, Kinnevik, Steadview Capital

Founded by Pranay Chulet and Jiby Thomas in 2008, Quikr has been a prominent player in India's online classifieds market. Starting as a typical classifieds platform, it expanded into verticals like real estate, jobs, and services. Despite facing challenges in profitability, Quikr continues to innovate and adapt, reflecting the dynamic nature of India's digital marketplace.

Zomato

Sector:   Foodtech

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2015

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Info Edge, Sequoia Capital, Vy Capital, Alibaba, Steadview Capital

Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah founded Zomato in 2008, initially as a restaurant discovery and review platform. It later expanded into food delivery, becoming one of the leading food services platforms in India. Zomato's journey includes diversifications such as grocery delivery and sustainability initiatives. Its ability to innovate and adapt has been critical in maintaining its prominence in the fast-paced food services industry.

ShopClues

Sector:   E-Commerce

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2016

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Nexus Ventures, Helion Ventures, Beenos, Tiger Global, Others

Founded in 2011 by Sandeep Aggarwal, Sanjay Sethi, and Radhika Aggarwal, ShopClues began as a marketplace for unstructured categories. The company later shifted its focus to catering to the needs of consumers in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, a strategic pivot that differentiated it from other e-commerce giants. This focus on a niche market has allowed ShopClues to sustain itself in a highly competitive environment.

Hike

Sector:   Social Media - Messaging

Founding Year: 2012

Unicorn Entry: 2016

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Tencent, Foxconn

Kavin Bharti Mittal launched Hike in 2012as a messaging app tailored for the Indian market with features like regional language support. Facing stiff competition in the messaging space, Hike pivoted to focus on gaming and social networking through its platforms Vibe and Rush. This pivot reflects Hike's agility in navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape.

ReNew Power

Sector:   Green Energy

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2017

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Bootstrap

Sumant Sinha founded ReNew Power in 2011,positioning it as a leader in India's renewable energy sector. The company has made significant strides in wind and solar energy, contributing substantially to India's green energy targets. ReNew Power's consistent growth and commitment to sustainability demonstrate the potential of renewable energy in shaping a greener future.

BYJU'S

Sector:   Edtech

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Aarin Capital, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Tencent, General Atlantic, Tiger Global

BYJU'S, founded by Byju Raveendran in 2011, has grown into a leading global ed-tech company. Initially offering K-12 learning programs, it has diversified into test prep, coding, and international education platforms through acquisitions. Despite challenges, BYJU'S continues to innovate, impacting millions of learners worldwide.

Rivigo

Sector:   Logistics Services - Trucks

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Elevation Capital, Warburg Pincus

Rivigo, founded in 2014 by Deepak Garg and Gazal Kalra, is a technology-enabled logistics company that has revolutionized the Indian trucking sector. The company introduced a unique 'driver relay' model, which ensures drivers return home the same day, thereby improving their quality of life and efficiency. This model has set Rivigo apart in a traditionally unorganized market. The company has also invested heavily in technology to optimize logistics and supply chain operations, making it a significant player in the logistics industry.

Paytm Mall

Sector:   E-Commerce

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors: Elevation Capital, Alibaba, SoftBank, eBay

PayTM Mall, launched in 2017, is thee-commerce arm of the digital payment giant PayTM, founded by Vijay Shekhar Sharma. Initially following the footsteps of its parent company in the digital commerce space, Paytm Mall has seen a series of evolutions. Facing intense competition from more established e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, Paytm Mall pivoted its business model from an inventory-led model to an online-to-offline (O2O) model. This shift was aimed at leveraging PayTM's vast user base and integrating online shopping with offline retailers. While it has faced challenges in establishing a foothold in India's fiercely competitive e-commerce market, PayTM Mall continues to explore innovative ways to connect consumers, offline merchants, and brands.

Swiggy

Sector:   Foodtech

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Accel, Elevation Capital, Norwest, Naspers, Tencent, Invesco

Founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, Swiggy began as a food delivery platform, aiming to bring a greater degree of convenience and choice to urban food consumers. Based in Bengaluru, the company rapidly expanded across India, leveraging technology to streamline the logistics of food delivery. Recognizing the evolving needs of its customer base, Swiggy diversified into delivering groceries and other essentials, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the brand name Swiggy Instamart. This pivot not only broadened its market appeal but also helped cushion the impact of the pandemic on its core food delivery business. Today, Swiggy stands as one of India's most versatile and widely used delivery services.

PolicyBazaar

Sector:   Fintech - Insurance

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Info Edge, Intel, Inventus Capital, Tiger Global, SoftBank, Tencent, Steadview Capital

PolicyBazaar, launched in 2008 by Yashish Dahiya, Alok Bansal, and Avaneesh Nirjar, transformed the Indian insurance landscape. The company started as a comparison website for insurance products, addressing the need for an unbiased platform to compare and buy insurance in India. Over the years, PolicyBazaar has expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of insurance products, including health, life, auto, and travel insurance, catering to the diverse needs of Indian consumers. Its user-friendly platform and effective use of technology have made purchasing insurance more accessible and transparent. The company's success is evident in its wide spread recognition and substantial customer base.

Freshworks

Sector:   SaaS - CRM

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Chennai

Key Investors: Accel, Tiger Global, Google,Sequoia Capital, Steadview Capital

Freshworks, founded by Girish Mathrubootham and Shan Krishnasamy in 2010, is a software development company that provides intuitive customer engagement, customer support, and CRM solutions. Starting with Freshdesk, a customer support tool, the company has since expanded its product suite to include Freshservice, Freshsales, and Freshchat, among others. Freshworks has successfully carved a niche in the highly competitive SaaS(Software as a Service) market by focusing on small and medium businesses with products that are easy to use and implement. The company's global expansion and innovative product suite demonstrate its commitment to simplifying business software and improving user experience.

OYO

Sector:   Proptech - Hotel Booking

Founding Year: 2013

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Lightspeed Ventures, Sequoia Capital, SoftBank

OYO, founded in 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal, started as a platform to book budget hotels in India. It quickly expanded its business model to partner with hotels and standardize rooms under the OYO brand, ensuring consistent service quality. The company has since diversified into various segments, including vacation homes and co-living spaces, and expanded its operations to several countries worldwide. OYO's rapid growth can be attributed to its innovative business model, technology-driven approach, and aggressive expansion strategies. Despite facing challenges, including regulatory hurdles and market fluctuations, OYO continues to be a prominent player in the hospitality industry.

Udaan

Sector:   B2B E-Commerce

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Lightspeed Ventures, DST Global, Tencent

Udaan, founded in 2016 by Amod Malviya, Sujeet Kumar, and Vaibhav Gupta, is a B2B (business-to-business) trade platform, designed to bring manufacturers, wholesalers, traders, and retailers onto a single platform. The company aims to make business-to-business trading more efficient and transparent, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses in India. Udaan's innovative approach lies in leveraging technology to enable easier credit access, a wide range of products, and logistics support to its users. Despite the complexities of India's vast B2B market, Udaan has managed to make significant inroads, simplifying the supply chain and trade process for thousands of businesses across the country.

BillDesk

Sector:   Fintech - B2B Payments

Founding Year: 2000

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: SIDBI VC, TA Associates, General Atlantic

Founded in 2000 by M.N. Srinivasu, Ajay Kaushal, and Karthik Ganapathy, BillDesk is a pioneer in India's online payment processing landscape. The company started as a platform for simplifying bill payments and quickly became an integral part of India's digital payment infrastructure. BillDesk's success lies in its robust, secure, and versatile payment gateway solutions, catering to a wide range of industries including utilities, telecommunications, and government services. Over the years, BillDesk has consistently expanded its offerings and partnerships, adapting to the evolving digital payment needs of Indian consumers and businesses. Its resilience and innovation have cemented its status as one of the leading payment processing companies in India.

PhonePe

Sector:   Fintech - Payments

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2018

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Tencent

Launched in 2015 by Sameer Nigam, Rahul Chari, and Burzin Engineer, PhonePe started as a mobile payments app, leveraging the new Unified Payments Interface (UPI) framework developed by the National Payments Corporation of India. The platform quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and diverse range of services, including bill payments, recharges, and peer-to-peer money transfers. PhonePe's exponential growth is a testament to its adaptability and innovative approach, particularly in expanding its offerings to include financial services like insurance and mutual funds. The company has been instrumental in driving digital payment adoption in India, making financial transactions more accessible and convenient.

Delhivery

Sector:   Logistics Services

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2019

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Nexus Ventures, Multiples PE, Tiger Global, Carlyle, SoftBank, Fosun Group, Steadview Capital

Founded in 2011 by Sahil Barua, Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani, Kapil Bharati, and Suraj Saharan, Delhivery began as a hyper-local express delivery service. It has since evolved into a full-scale logistics and supply chain services company, offering a wide range of solutions like parcel transportation, warehousing, freight, and cross-border logistics. Delhivery's growth can be attributed to its technology-driven approach, optimizing logistics operations and enhancing customer experiences. Th company's ability to scale rapidly and innovate has made it a key player in transforming India's logistics sector, particularly in the e-commerce era.

BigBasket

Sector:   E-Commerce - Groceries

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2019

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Ascent Capital, HelionVentures, Bessemer, IFC, Alibaba

BigBasket, founded in 2011 by V.S.Sudhakar, Hari Menon, Vipul Parekh, Abhinay Choudhari, and V.S. Ramesh, is India's leading online grocery store. The company started with the aim of making grocery shopping convenient and has since expanded its offerings to include a wide range of products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to personal care and household items. BigBasket's focus on quality, timely delivery, and a vast inventory has helped it gain a loyal customer base. The company's adaptability was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it ramped up operations to meet the surge in online grocery shopping, solidifying its position in the Indian e-grocery market.

Dream11

Sector:   Gaming

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2019

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Kalaari Capital, Tencent, Multiples PE, Steadview, Alpha Wave Global

Dream11, founded in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, is India's premier fantasy sports platform, allowing users to play fantasy cricket, football, kabaddi, and basketball. The platform gained immense popularity by allowing users to create their teams and win prizes based on real-life matches and player performances. Dream11's success is a result of its unique offering in the Indian market, combining the country's passion for sports with the emerging trend of online gaming. The company has faced regulatory challenges due to the nature of fantasy sports, but its innovative approach and marketing strategies have helped it become a leader in India's online gaming industry.

Druva

Sector:   SaaS - Data Management

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2019

Headquarter: Pune

Key Investors: WestBridge, Nexus Ventures, Sequoia Capital

Druva, founded in 2008 by Jaspreet Singh, Milind Borate, and Ramani Kothandaraman, has emerged as a global leader in cloud data protection and management. The company started with the vision of providing data backup solutions without the complexity of hardware infrastructure. Druva's cloud-native approach enables businesses to protect and manage their critical data across endpoints, data centers, and cloud applications. Its innovative technology, which provides scalable, secure, and cost-effective data protection solutions, has been instrumental in its rapid growth. Druva's continuous adaptation to the evolving digital landscape, especially with increasing emphasis on cloud security and compliance, highlights its commitment to innovation in the field of cloud data management.

Icertis

Sector:   SaaS - Contract Management

Founding Year: 2009

Unicorn Entry: 2019

Headquarter: Pune

Key Investors: Eight Roads, B Capital, Premji Invest

Icertis, co-founded in 2009 by Samir Bodas and Monish Darda, specializes in cloud-based contract lifecycle management. The company's platform, Icertis Contract Management (ICM), helps enterprises streamline and automate the entire contract lifecycle, from initiation to execution and compliance. Icertis has carved a niche in this market with its flexible, AI-powered solution that adapts to complex contracting scenarios across various industries. Its ability to transform the foundational element of commerce - contracts - into strategic assets has made it a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency and compliance. Icertis' success is reflected in its rapidly growing global customer base and recognition as a leader in the contract management space.

Ola Electric

Sector:   Mobility - Electric

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2019

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: SoftBank, Tiger Global,Matrix Partners

An extension of Ola Cabs, Ola Electric wasfounded by Bhavish Aggarwal and launched in 2017. The company represents astrategic pivot towards electric mobility, to reduce dependence on fossil fuelsand combat air pollution. Ola Electric ventured into the manufacturing ofelectric scooters and has set ambitious goals, including building the world'slargest scooter factory in Tamil Nadu, India. The company's foray into electricvehicle (EV) production highlights its commitment to sustainable transportationsolutions. Despite challenges in scaling production and navigating the EVmarket, Ola Electric's initiatives have positioned it as a significant playerin India's evolving EV landscape.

Lenskart

Sector:   E-Commerce - Eyewear

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2019

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: SoftBank, Kedaara Capital, TPG, Chiratae Ventures, TR Capital

Founded in 2010 by Peyush Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi, Lenskart has revolutionized the eyewear industry in India. Starting as an online portal for eyewear, the company has expanded toa hybrid model with a significant offline presence through retail stores. Lenskart's unique selling proposition lies in its technology-driven approach, including 3D try-on features and home eye check-up services. The company's focus on affordable pricing, stylish designs, and customer-centric services has made it a popular brand among consumers. Lenskart's successful blend of e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail strategies demonstrates its innovative approach in a traditionally offline market.

Pine Labs

Sector:   Fintech - PoS Payment Solutions

Founding Year: 1998

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, New Atlantic Ventures, Altimeter Capital, Temasek, Mastercard

Pine Labs, founded in 1998 by Lokvir Kapoor, Rajul Garg, and Tarun Upaday, initially started as card-based payments and loyalty solution for petroleum companies. It has since evolved into a prominent merchant commerce platform, providing a range of payment, loyalty ,and financing solutions to businesses. Pine Lab's ability to adapt to changing market dynamics is evident in its transition from a single-product company to a diverse fintech platform, offering point-of-sale machines, integrated billing solutions, and merchant lending services. The company's growth has been bolstered by its deep understanding of the payments ecosystem and continuous innovation, making it a key player in India's rapidly evolving digital payments space.

Nykaa

Sector:   E-Commerce - Personal Care & Cosmetics

Founding Year: 2012

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Techpro Ventures, TVSCapital, Sharrp Ventures, TPG Growth, Steadview Capital

Founded in 2012 by Falguni Nayar, Nykaa started as an online platform for beauty and wellness products. It distinguished itself in the Indian market by offering a wide array of authentic and high-quality beauty products, addressing a gap in this segment. Over the years, Nykaa expanded to offline stores and broadened its product range to include fashion and wellness items. Its focus on customer education through beauty blogs, video tutorials, and expert chats has helped build a strong and loyal customer base. Nykaa's success is a testament to its unique business model, combining e-commerce with content and community in the beauty and lifestyle industry.

FirstCry

Sector:   E-Commerce - Baby Care Products

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Pune

Key Investors: Chiratae Ventures, Elevation Capital, Vertex, SoftBank

FirstCry, co-founded in 2010 by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha, is India's largest online store for baby care and kids' products. The company began with a focus on providing a comprehensive range of quality products for babies, kids, and mothers. FirstCry has expanded its presence with offline stores to offer a hybrid shopping experience. The platform's diverse inventory, ease of online shopping, and the reliability of products have made it a trusted name among parents. FirstCry's growth trajectory highlights its understanding of the needs of young families and its commitment to providing a convenient shopping solution for this demographic.

Indiamart

Sector:   E-Commerce

Founding Year: 1996

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors:  Amadeus Capital, Intel,and Accion

IndiaMART, founded in 1996 by Dinesh Agarwal and Brijesh Agrawal, is India's largest online B2B marketplace, connecting buyers with suppliers. Originally started as a directory of websites, it pivoted to a B2B marketplace, addressing the need for a platform that facilitates business transactions. IndiaMART's success can be attributed to its vast listing of products and services, catering to a wide array of business sectors. The company's ability to leverage technology to create a seamless trading platform has made it an indispensable tool for small and medium enterprises in India.

Zerodha

Sector:   FinTech

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Bootstrap

Founded in 2010 by brothers Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha revolutionized stock trading in India with its discount brokerage model. Zerodha offers a range of financial services, including retail and institutional broking, currencies and commodities trading, mutual funds, and bonds. Known for its low-cost model and user-friendly trading platforms, Zerodha has attracted a substantial customer base, especially among the younger, tech-savvy generation. The company's growth is a result of its innovative approach to stock trading and investment, making it one of India's largest stock brokers.

Postman

Sector:   SaaS - API Development & Testing

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Nexus Ventures, Charles River Ventures, Insight Venture Partners

Postman, co-founded in 2014 by Abhinav Asthana, Ankit Sobti, and Abhijit Kane, started as a side project to simplify API (Application Programming Interface) development. It has grown into a comprehensive platform used by developers worldwide to develop APIs more efficiently. Postman's success lies in its intuitive user interface and features that support the entire API lifecycle, from design and testing to documentation and monitoring. The platform's ability to cater to both individual developers and large enterprises has made it a critical tool in modern software development, reflecting its significant impact on the technology sector.

Unacademy

Sector:   Edtech

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Blume Ventures, Nexus Venture Partners, Sequoia Capital India, Elevation Capital, General Atlantic, SoftBank, Steadview Capital

Unacademy, co-founded in 2015 by Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini, and Hemesh Singh, began as a YouTube channel before evolving into one of India's largest learning platforms. The platform offers online classes and educational content for students preparing for various competitive exams. Unacademy has distinguished itself with a diverse range of courses, live interactive classes, and a roster of renowned educators. The company's growth has been bolstered by significant investments and strategic acquisitions, expanding its offerings beyond test preparation to include coding, music, and chess. Unacademy's emphasis on accessible and quality education has made it a prominent player in India's burgeoning ed-tech sector.

RazorPay

Sector:   Fintech - Payment Gateway

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Matrix Partners India, Tiger Global,Sequoia Capital India, DST Global

Founded in 2014 by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar, Razorpay started as a payment gateway solution for businesses and has since expanded into a full-stack financial services company. Razorpay offers a suite of products including payment processing, banking, and lending services, designed to simplify financial processes for businesses. Its user-friendly interface, robust technology, and wide range of services have made it popular among startups and established businesses alike. Razorpay's rapid growth and continuous innovation have positioned it as one of the leading fintech players in India.

Cars24

Sector:   Marketplace - Used Cars

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Asia Venture Group, Apoletto,Unbound, DST Global, Sequoia Capital India, Alpha Wave Global

Cars24, co-founded in 2015 by Vikram Chopra, Mehul Agrawal, Ruchit Agarwal, and Gajendra Jangid, revolutionized the used car market in India. The company offers a tech-driven platform that enables car owners to sell their vehicles quickly and efficiently. Cars24'sunique value proposition lies in its hassle-free approach, providing instant pricing, free car inspection, and quick payment. The company has expanded its operations to include buying and financing used cars, addressing the entire lifecycle of used car transactions. Cars24's innovative business model and customer-centric approach have made it a significant player in India's pre-owned car market.

Zenoti

Sector:   SaaS - Salon & Spa Management

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Hyderabad

Key Investors: Accel India, Norwest, Tiger Global, Steadview Capital, Advent International

Founded in 2010 by Sudheer Koneru and Dheeraj Koneru, Zenoti provides cloud-based software solutions for the beauty and wellness industry. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing appointments, billing, customer relationships, and employee performance, tailored for spas, salons, and wellness centers. Zenoti's focus on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency through technology has made it a preferred choice for businesses in the beauty and wellness sector. The company's global footprint and continuous product innovation demonstrate its commitment to transforming the way the wellness industry operates.

Dailyhunt

Sector:   Content - News

Founding Year: 2007

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Matrix Partners India,Omidyar Network, Sequoia Capital India, Alpha Wave Global, CPPIB

Dailyhunt, founded by Virendra Gupta in2009, originally started as Newshunt, a news aggregation app focusing on regional language content. The platform has since evolved into a content platform offering news, videos, and e-books in multiple Indian languages. Dailyhunt leverages advanced algorithms to offer personalized content, catering to the diverse linguistic preferences of the Indian audience. The company's growth has been driven by its deep understanding of local content consumption patterns and its ability to cater to a wide range of interests and languages. Dailyhunt's success highlights the importance of regional content in India's digital ecosystem.

Glance

Sector:   Content - Lockscreen

Founding Year: 2019

Unicorn Entry: 2020

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Mithril Capital, Google

Glance, founded in 2019 by Naveen Tewari, is a subsidiary of InMobi Group and operates as a unique content discovery platform. It's integrated into the lock screens of mobile devices, offering a personalized feed of news, entertainment, and lifestyle content. Glance stands out for its innovative use of technology, providing an intuitive and engaging user experience without the need for users to unlock their phones. The platform's rapid growth is attributed to its novel approach to content delivery and partnerships with various smartphone manufacturers, making it a significant player in the mobile content space.

Acko

Sector:   Fintech - General Insurance

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Accel India, Elevation Capital, Amazon, General Atlantic, Multiples PE

Founded in 2016 by Varun Dua, Acko is a digital-first insurance company offering vehicle and health insurance. It differentiates itself with a direct-to-consumer approach, bypassing traditional channels to provide a seamless and hassle-free insurance experience. Acko's innovative use of data and technology enables customized policies and rapid claim settlements. The company's model represents a shift in the Indian insurance market towards more customer-centric and tech-driven solutions, reflecting a growing trend in the fintech sector.

Apna

Sector:   Marketplace - Jobs

Founding Year: 2019

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, Lightspeed Ventures, Tiger Global, Insight Venture Partners

Apna, founded in 2019 by Nirmit Parikh, isa professional networking and job platform designed for India's blue-collar and grey-collar workforce. The platform helps users to find jobs, upskill through training, and connect with peers and mentors. Apna's focus is on empowering the workforce with better employment opportunities and professional growth, addressing a critical gap in India's job market. The platform's rapid adoption, especially among small businesses and job seekers in urban and semi-urban areas, highlights its impact in bridging the employment gap in a significant segment of the Indian economy.

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BharatPe

Sector:   Fintech - Payments

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Beenext, Sequoia CapitalIndia, Tiger Global, Steadview Capital

Launched in 2018 by Ashneer Grover and Shashvat Nakrani, BharatPe is a fintech startup that provides a unified QR code-based payment solution for merchants. The company has significantly contributed to the digitization of small and medium businesses in India by allowing them to accept payments from various digital wallets and UPI appsthrough a single interface. BharatPe has also diversified into providing credit and other financial services to merchants, playing a vital role in financial inclusion for small businesses. The company's innovative approach and rapid growth underscore the transformative potential of fintech in the Indian market.

BlackBuck

Sector:   Logistics Services

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Accel India, Sequoia CapitalIndia, Sands Capital, IFC, Tiger Global

BlackBuck, founded in 2015 by Rajesh Yabaji, Chanakya Hridaya, and Ramasubramaniam B., is revolutionizing the logistics industry in India, particularly the trucking sector. The company operates a tech-enabled platform that connects truckers and businesses for freight hauling, optimizing logistics and supply chain processes. BlackBuck's technology-driven approach includes features like real-time tracking and digital payments, enhancing efficiency and transparency in a traditionally unorganized sector. The platform's success is a testament to its innovative solution to logistics challenges, making it a key player in India's logistic sand transportation industry

Blinkit

Sector:   E-Commerce - Groceries

Founding Year: 2013

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Sequoia CapitalIndia, SoftBank, Apoletto, Zomato

Blinkit, formerly known as Grofers, was founded in 2013 by Albinder Dhindsa and Saurabh Kumar. It began as an online grocery delivery service and later rebranded to Blinkit to focus on instant delivery, delivering groceries and essentials in minutes. This pivot to a quick-commerce model represents a significant shift in the company's strategy, aiming to meet the growing consumer demand for faster and more convenient delivery services. Blinkit's success in the hyper-competitive quick-commerce space demonstrates its adaptability and innovation in India's evolving e-commerce landscape.

BrowserStack

Sector:   SaaS - Software Testing

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Accel, Bond Capital, Insight Venture Partners

Founded in 2011 by Ritesh Arora and Nakul Aggarwal, BrowserStack is a cloud web and mobile testing platform that allows developers to test their websites and applications across different browsers and operating systems. Its service eliminates the need for developers to maintain an in-house testing infrastructure, providing access to a wide range of browser and device combinations. BrowserStack's success is attributed to its user-friendly interface, robust technology, and comprehensive coverage, making it a critical tool for developers around the world to ensure cross-platform compatibility.

Cardekho

Sector:   Marketplace - Used Cars

Founding Year: 2007

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Jaipur

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, Hillhouse Capital, CapitalG, LeapFrog

CarDekho, established in 2008 by Amit Jain and Anurag Jain, is a leading auto portal in India, providing information on cars and helping customers with car buying and ownership. The platform offers detailed car reviews, price comparisons, and information on dealerships and financing options. CarDekho has also expanded into used car sales, insurance, and financing services, making it a comprehensive automotive ecosystem. The company's growth reflects its deep understanding of India's automotive market and its commitment to enhancing the car buying and ownership experience.

ChargeBee

Sector:   SaaS - Subscription Billing Solution

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Chennai

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Steadview Capital, Sapphire Ventures, Accel India, Insight Venture Partners

Founded in 2011 by Krish Subramanian, Rajaraman Santhanam, Saravanan KP, and Thiyagarajan T., ChargeBee is a subscription billing and revenue management platform. It provides businesses with an end-to-end solution to set up, manage, and scale their subscription-based services. ChargeBee's platform is known for its ease of use, scalability, and integration capabilities, catering to the diverse needs of businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises. The company's growth in the global market highlights its effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges of subscription management and recurring billing.

CoinDCX

Sector:   Cryptocurrency Exchange

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: B Capital, Coinbase Ventures, Polychain Capital

CoinDCX, co-founded in 2018 by Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal, is one of India's largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms. It offers users a platform for trading a variety of cryptocurrencies and provides features like margin trading, lending, and staking. CoinDCX's emphasis on security, user-friendly interface, and regulatory compliance has made it a preferred choice for crypto traders in India. Despite the regulatory uncertainties surrounding cryptocurrencies in India, CoinDCX's growth reflects the increasing interest and adoption of digital assets in the country.

CoinSwitch

Sector:   Cryptocurrency Exchange

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Sequoia CapitalIndia, Ribbit Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase Ventures

CoinSwitch, co-founded in 2017 by Ashish Singhal, Govind Soni, and Vimal Sagar Tiwari, emerged as one of India's leading cryptocurrency exchange platforms. It offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of buying, selling, and trading a variety of cryptocurrencies. CoinSwitch Kuber, its India-centric crypto trading app, has gained popularity for its ease of use, making it accessible even to those newto cryptocurrency. The platform's growth is indicative of the burgeoning interest in cryptocurrency in India, and CoinSwitch has been pivotal in driving this trend, despite the often uncertain regulatory environment surrounding digital assets.

CRED

Sector:   Fintech - Payments & Credit Card Rewards

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, RibbitCapital, DST Global, Alpha Wave Global

Founded in 2018 by Kunal Shah, CRED is a fintech startup that rewards users for paying their credit card bills through the app. CRED's unique model is centered on incentivizing good financial behavior, offering rewards and benefits from various high-end brands. The app also provides features like credit score analysis and management, making it a comprehensive tool for credit card users. CRED's success can be attributed to its innovative approach to credit card payments, combining financial responsibility with premium consumer experiences.

CureFit

Sector:   Healthtech - Wellness

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Accel India, Kalaari Capital, Chiratae Ventures, Zomato, Temasek, Endiya Partners

CureFit, founded in 2016 by Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori, is a health and fitness startup offering a range of services including fitness classes (Cult.Fit), healthy meals (Eat.Fit), mental wellness(Mind.Fit), and diagnostic services (Care.Fit). CureFit's holistic approach to health and wellness, combined with its tech-driven, scalable model, has made it popular among health-conscious consumers. The platform's adaptability was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it successfully transitioned to online classes and at-home workouts, reflecting its commitment to making health and fitness accessible to everyone.

Digit

Sector:   Fintech - General Insurance

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Fairfax Holdings, A91Partners, Faering Capital, TVS Capital

Digit Insurance, founded in 2016 by Kamesh Goyal, is a general insurance company that offers a simplified approach to insurance with straight forward policies and quick claim settlements. Digit's use of technology to streamline the insurance process, from purchasing policies to filing claims, has resonated well with customers, especially in a sector known for its complexity. The company's growth in the Indian insurance market is a testament to its customer-centric approach and innovative solutions in addressing traditional insurance challenges.

Droom

Sector:   Marketplace - Used Cars

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Beenos Partners, Lightbox, Axis Capital Partners, Beenext

Founded in 2014 by Sandeep Aggarwal, Droom is an online marketplace for buying and selling new and used automobiles. It distinguishes itself with a comprehensive approach to vehicle transactions, providing tools like Orange Book Value (a pricing engine), Droom History(vehicle history reports), and Droom Credit (loan marketplace). Droom's platform caters to a wide range of automotive segments, including cars, motorcycles, and even airplanes. The company's success lies in its ability to provide a trustworthy, transparent, and efficient platform for automobile transactions, addressing key consumer concerns in the vehicle market.

EaseMyTrip

Sector:   Travel & Leisure

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Bootstrap

Founded in 2008 by Nishant Pitti and Rikant Pittie, EaseMyTrip is one of India's leading online travel agencies. The platform offers a range of travel-related services, including flight bookings, hotels, bus tickets, and holiday packages. Unlike many of its competitors, EaseMyTrip differentiates itself by not charging convenience fees on air fares, which has been a key factor in its customer appeal. The company's focus on providing a seamless, cost-effective, and transparent booking experience has helped it carve out a significant market share in the highly competitive online travel sector.

Eruditus

Sector:   Edtech - Executive Education

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: SoftBank, Accel, Sequoia Capital India, Bertelsmann India Investments

Eruditus, co-founded in 2010 by Chaitanya Kalipatnapu and Ashwin Damera, collaborates with top universities globally to offer executive education programs. The company's focus is on making high-quality education accessible and affordable to professionals worldwide. Eruditus offers a variety of courses in areas like leadership, management, and technology, often blending online and offline learning experiences. The company's growth is a reflection of the increasing demand for lifelong learning and upskilling among professionals in an ever-evolving job market.

GlobalBees

Sector:   Aggregator - Consumer Brands

Founding Year: 2021

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Premji Invest, SoftBank Corp, TPG Capital, Steadview Capital

GlobalBees, founded in 2021 by Nitin Agarwal and Supam Maheshwari, is a unique venture that acquires and partners with digital-first consumer brands across various categories. The company focuses on scaling these brands by leveraging its expertise in areas such as marketing, logistics, and product development. GlobalBees' model is akin to a brand aggregator, aiming to foster growth for promising brands in the crowded e-commerce space. Its innovative approach reflects the changing dynamics of the retail and e-commerce industries, particularly the rise of niche and direct-to-consumer brands.

Groww

Sector:   Fintech - Brokerage & Mutual Funds

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, Y-Combinator, Tiger Global, Ribbit Capital

Groww, started in 2016 by Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Neeraj Singh, and Ishan Bansal, is a fintech platform that simplifies investing for the average individual. Initially a platform for mutual fund investments, Groww expanded its offerings to include stocks, ETFs, and more recently, digital gold and US stocks. Its user-friendly interface, educational content, and transparent pricing have made investing accessible toa broader demographic, demystifying the process for first-time investors. Groww's rapid growth underscores the increasing appetite for financial products among Indian consumers and the potential of fintech in democratizing financial services.

Gupshup

Sector:   Conversational Messaging

Founding Year: 2004

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Charles River Ventures, Helion Ventures

Founded in 2004 by Beerud Sheth, Gupshup is a leading conversational messaging platform that enables businesses to engage with customers through a variety of messaging channels. Originally started as a consumer messaging service, Gupshup pivoted to a B2B model, focusing on business messaging solutions. The platform offers AI-powered chatbots, messaging APIs, and marketing automation tools, facilitating seamless communication between businesses and customers. Gupshup's success in the enterprise messaging space highlights the growing importance of conversational engagement in customer service and marketing strategies.

Infra.Market

Sector:   B2B E-Commerce - Construction Materials

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Thane

Key Investors: Accel India, Nexus Venture Partners, Tiger Global, Evolvence India

Founded in 2016 by Souvik Sengupta and Aaditya Sharda, Infra.Market is a technology-driven B2B marketplace catering to the construction and real estate sector. The platform specializes in procuring and supplying building materials, products, and solutions for construction projects. Infra.Market differentiates itself by leveraging technology to streamline the supply chain, ensuring quality, transparency, and cost-effectiveness. This approach addresses a significant gap in the traditionally unorganized construction materials market, making Infra. The market a key player in this industry.

Innovaccer

Sector:   SaaS - Healthcare Data Analytics

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors: WestBridge, Lightspeed Ventures, M12 (Microsoft), Tiger Global, Steadview Capital

Innovaccer, founded in 2014 by Abhinav Shashank, Kanav Hasija, and Sandeep Gupta, is a healthcare technology company that aims to connect and curate healthcare data to make it more accessible and useful. The company's flagship product, Innovaccer Health Cloud, combines data integration, analytics, and applications to help healthcare organizations achieve better outcomes and care. Innovaccer's success lies in its ability to leverage big data and analytics to improve healthcare delivery and patient out comes, making it a significant contributor to the digital transformation in healthcare.

Licious

Sector:   D2C - Meat

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Mayfield, 3ONE4 Capital, Sistema Asia Fund, Bertelsmann India, Vertex, Multiples PE

Licious, co-founded in 2015 by Abhay Hanjura and Vivek Gupta, is an online gourmet meat and seafood brand. The company operates on a farm-to-fork model, ensuring high-quality, fresh, and hygienically processed meat products. Licious stands out in the market for its stringent quality control, variety of offerings, and commitment to ethical sourcing and processing. This approach has helped Licious gain consumer trust in a market that traditionally relied on local butchers and meat shops.

Mamaearth

Sector:   D2C - Personal Care

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, Sofina, Sharrp Ventures, Fireside Ventures

Launched in 2016 by Varun and Ghazal Alagh, Mamaearth is a consumer goods company that offers natural, toxin-free products for babies, skincare, and hair care. The brand has gained popularity for its focus on safe, natural ingredients and environmentally friendly practices. Mamaearth's success is a result of its understanding of consumer preferences for health-conscious and eco-friendly products, as well as its effective use of digital marketing strategies to reach and engage customers.

MapmyIndia

Sector:   Geospatial Technology

Founding Year: 1995

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Flipkart, Nexus Venture Partners and Qualcomm Ventures

MapmyIndia, founded in 1995 by Rakesh Verma and Rashmi Verma, is a pioneering company in digital mapping and geospatial technologies in India. The company offers comprehensive, digitally mapped data of the country, including detailed road networks, points of interest, and geographical information. MapmyIndia's solutions are used across various sectors, including automotive, logistics, urban planning, and consumer tech. The company's emphasis on accurate, detailed, and regularly updated maps has made it a leader in India's geospatial sector.

Meesho

Sector:   E-Commerce - Social Commerce

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India,Elevation Capital, SoftBank, Naspers

Founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Meesho is a social e-commerce platform that enables small businesses and individuals, particularly home-based entrepreneurs, to start their online stores via social channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Meesho's business model is centered on providing a platform for resellers to showcase and sell products to their social networks, thereby democratizing e-commerce for a wide user base. The company has seen rapid growth, particularly among women entrepreneurs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, reflecting its impact in empowering grassroots entrepreneurship through technology.

Mensa Brands

Sector:   Aggregator - Consumer Brands

Founding Year: 2021

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Alpha WaveGlobal, Accel India, Norwest, Prosus Ventures

Mensa Brands, founded in 2021 by Ananth Narayanan, operates with a unique model of partnering with and investing in digital-first consumer brands across categories like apparel, beauty, home, and fitness. The company aims to scale these brands globally by leveraging its expertise in technology, branding, and e-commerce. Mensa Brands' approach of working closely with entrepreneurs and providing them with operational and technological support has made it a new-age house of brands, a model that is increasingly gaining traction in the e-commerce space.

MindTickle

Sector:   SaaS - HR - Training

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: SoftBank, Accel India, Qualcomm Ventures, Norwest

MindTickle, co-founded in 2011 by Krishna Depura, Deepak Diwakar, and Nishant Mungali, provides a sales enablement and readiness platform for businesses. The platform offers solutions for onboarding, micro-learning, skills development, and coaching, intending to make sales teams more effective and efficient. MindTickle's data-driven approach helps companies in tracking and improving the performance of their sales personnel, making it a valuable tool in the competitive world of sales and marketing.

MobiKwik

Sector:   FinTech

Founding Year: 2009

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: nan

MobiKwik, founded in 2009 by Bipin Preet Singh and Upasana Taku, started as a digital wallet and has evolved into a full-stack fintech platform offering a range of financial services including payments, credit, insurance, and investment products. The company's mission is to enable a billion Indians with easy access to digital financial services. MobiKwik's growth reflects the increasing demand for digital financial solutions in India, driven by its user-friendly platform and diverse service offerings.

MPL

Sector:   Gaming

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, Beenext, Moore Strategic Ventures, RTP Global, VH Capital

Mobile Premier League (MPL), founded in2018 by Sai Srinivas Kiran G and Shubh Malhotra, is a mobile e-sports platform where users can participate in a range of games and win cash prizes. As one of India's leading gaming platforms, MPL offers a variety of games in genres such as fantasy sports, puzzles, and arcade games. The platform's success can be attributed to the burgeoning interest in mobile gaming in India, MPL's diverse game offerings, and the appeal of skill-based competitive formats.

Moglix

Sector:   B2B E-Commerce - Industrial Equipment

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors: Accel India, Jungle Ventures,Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital India, IFC

Founded in 2015 by Rahul Garg, Moglix is a B2B e-commerce platform specializing in industrial tools and equipment. The company caters to the procurement needs of industries in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and utilities, offering a wide range of products from safety equipment to electrical and lighting supplies. Moglix combines technology and supply chain innovation to streamline procurement processes, making it more efficient and cost-effective. The company's rapid growth is a testament to the rising demand for digital solutions in industrial procurement and supply chain management.

NoBroker

Sector:   Proptech - Classifieds

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Tiger Global, General Atlantic, Elevation Capital, Beenext, Moore Strategic Ventures

NoBroker, co-founded in 2014 by Akhil Gupta, Amit Kumar Agarwal, and Saurabh Garg, is a real estate platform that eliminates brokerage by directly connecting property owners and tenants/buyers. Its unique value proposition lies in its technology-driven approach, which includes a proprietary algorithm that verifies listings and matches them with user requirements. NoBroker has expanded its services to include property management, financial services, and legal documentation assistance. The platform's success in disrupting the traditional real estate brokerage model reflects a significant shift towards more transparent and cost-effective real estate transactions

OfBusiness

Sector:   NBFC - SME Loans

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: SoftBank, Tiger Global,Matrix Partners India, Zodius Capital, Alpha Wave Global

OfBusiness, founded in 2015 by Asish Mohapatra, Bhuvan Gupta, Nitin Jain, Ruchi Kalra, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, and Vasant Sridhar, operates as a B2B commerce platform with an integrated financing model. The platform provides procurement solutions for raw material sin sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and real estate. OfBusiness differentiates itself by offering credit solutions alongside its commerce platform, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to procure materials efficiently while managing their working capital needs. The company's innovative blend of commerce and financing has addressed key challenges faced by SMEs, making it a notable player in the B2B commerce space.

PharmEasy

Sector:   E-Commerce - Online Pharmacy

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Orios VP, Eight Roads Ventures, Temasek, Naspers, Steadview Capital

Launched in 2015 by Dhaval Shah and Dharmil Sheth, PharmEasy is a leading health tech platform in India, offering a range of services including online medicine delivery, diagnostics, and teleconsultation. The platform connects patients with local pharmacies and diagnostic centers, facilitating easy access to healthcare services. PharmEasy's success can be attributed to its convenient and customer-centric approach, especially significant in a country where healthcare services are often fragmented and not easily accessible. The company has played a pivotal role in digitizing India's healthcare ecosystem, especially during the COVID-19pandemic.

Pristyn Care

Sector:   Healthtech - Elective Surgery Services

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Sequoia CapitalIndia, Hummingbird Ventures, Epiq Capital

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Vaibhav Kapoor, Dr.Garima Sawhney, and Harsimarbir Singh, Pristyn Care is a healthcare startup that focuses on providing advanced surgical care through minimally invasive techniques. The company operates a chain of clinics and partners with hospitals to offer surgeries across specialties like proctology, urology, gynecology, and ENT. Pristyn Care differentiates itself with its end-to-end support services, including diagnostics, hospital admission, insurance paperwork, and post-surgical care. Its model of integrating technology with healthcare services aims to streamline the surgical experience, making it more patient-friendly and efficient.

Rebel Foods

Sector:   Foodtech - Cloud Kitchen

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Sequoia Capital India, Lightbox, Coatue Management, RTP Global, QIA, Evolvence India

Founded in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, Rebel Foods started as a chain of restaurants under the brandname 'Faasos' and evolved into a cloud kitchen model. It operates a network of virtual kitchens that host multiple food brands like Ovenstory Pizza, Behrouz Biryani, and Faasos. Rebel Foods has pioneered the concept of cloud kitchens in India, leveraging technology to optimize food delivery and focusing on a delivery-only business model. This innovative approach allows for a diverse range of cuisines to be prepared in a single kitchen, reducing overheads and enabling scalability. The company's success is indicative of the changing dynamics in the food and beverage industry, driven by the rise of online food delivery platforms.

ShareChat

Sector:   Social Media

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: India Quotient, ElevationCapital, Lightspeed Ventures, Tiger Global, Twitter

Launched in 2015 by Ankush Sachdeva, Bhanu Singh, and Farid Ahsan, ShareChat is a social media platform that caters to thevIndian market with a focus on regional languages. The platform enables users to share videos, songs, images, and other content in multiple Indian languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users beyond those who are proficient in English. ShareChat's growth is a reflection of the increasing internet penetration in India and the demand for digital content in local languages. The platform has become a significant player in the Indian social media landscape, connecting people across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Slice

Sector:   Fintech - Credit Cards

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Blume Ventures, Das Capital, Simile Venture Partners, Gunosy Capital

Founded in 2016 by Rajan Bajaj, Slice is a fintech startup offering a credit card alternative aimed primarily at young consumers and millennials. The company provides a no-fee card that comes with a simplified application process, making it accessible to a demographic often overlooked by traditional banks. Slice's app-based interface and features like bill splitting, rewards, and cashbacks cater to the lifestyle and preferences of the younger generation. The company's innovative approach to credit and payments reflects the evolving needs of India's growing young adult population and their inclination toward digital financial solutions.

Spinny

Sector:   Marketplace - Used Cars

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Blume Ventures, General Catalyst Partners, Elevation Capital, Accel India

Spinny, co-founded in 2015 by Niraj Singh, Mohit Gupta, and Ramanshu Mahaur, is an online platform for buying and selling used cars. The company aims to make the process transparent, reliable, and hassle-free. Spinny offers a full-stack service model, handling the entire process from vehicle inspection to pricing, documentation, and delivery. Its emphasis on providing a high-quality customer experience, including features like a 5-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty, has set it apart in the pre-owned car market. Spinny's approach has resonated well with customers looking for a trustworthy and convenient way to buy and sell used cars.

MyGlamm (Good Glamm Group)

Sector:   E-Commerce - Personal Care & Cosmetics

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: L'Occitane, Trifecta Capital,and Amazon India

Founded in 2015 by Darpan Sanghvi, MyGlamm (rebranded as Good Glamm Group) is a beauty and personal care company that operates on a direct-to-consumer model. The brand is known for its high-quality, cruelty-free, and on-trend beauty products. MyGlamm distinguishes itself through its content-to-commerce strategy, where beauty content is leveraged to drive product sales. The company has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions and collaborations, aiming to build a digital-first ,content-led beauty and personal care conglomerate. MyGlamm's success is a testament to the potential of combining innovative digital marketing strategies with quality product offerings in the beauty industry.

upGrad

Sector:   Edtech - Higher Studies

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Temasek, IFC, Lupa Systems

Founded in 2015 by Ronnie Screwvala, Mayank Kumar, Phalgun Kompalli, and Ravijot Chugh, upGrad is one of India's leading online higher education companies. upGrad provides a range of programs in data science, technology, management, and law, in collaboration with top universities and industry partners. The platform caters to working professionals looking to upskill and boost their careers. upGrad's success lies in its comprehensive learning experience, combining rigorous online course work with mentorship and placement support, reflecting the growing demand for flexible yet high-quality education and skill development.

Upstox

Sector:   Fintech - Brokerage

Founding Year: 2010

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Ratan Tata, Kalaari Capital

Upstox (formerly RKSV Securities), founded in 2010 by Ravi Kumar, Raghu Kumar, and Shrini Viswanath, is one of India's fastest-growing discount brokers. The platform offers online investing in stocks, derivatives, commodities, and currency. Upstox stands out for its user-friendly interface, low-cost brokerage model, and investment technology. The company has democratized access to the stock market, appealing particularly to young and tech-savvy investors. Upstox's growth is indicative of a broader shift in India towards digital investment platforms and a growing interest in stock market participation among the general public.

Urban Company

Sector:   Marketplace - Handyman Services

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Steadview Capital, Accel India, Elevation Capital, Vy Capital, Prosus Ventures

Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap), founded in 2014 by Abhiraj Bhal, Varun Khaitan, and Raghav Chandra, is a home services marketplace. The platform connects customers with professionals for services like beauty treatments, home cleaning, plumbing, and electrical work. UrbanCompany's success stems from its focus on quality service, customer convenience, and the use of technology to streamline service booking and delivery. The platform empowers individual service providers by providing them with training, tools, and technology, contributing to the formalization of this largely unorganized sector.

Vedantu

Sector:   Edtech

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Accel India, Tiger Global,Omidyar Network, WestBridge, ABC World Asia

Vedantu, co-founded in 2011 by Vamsi Krishna, Pulkit Jain, Saurabh Saxena, and Anand Prakash, is a live online tutoring platform. It offers interactive classes for students in grades 6-12, competitive exam preparation, and co-curricular courses. Vedantu's innovative use of a virtual learning environment, where teachers provide real-time, interactive instruction online, has set it apart in the rapidly growing ed-tech market in India. The platform's growth has been accelerated by the increased acceptance of online learning, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zeta

Sector:   Fintech - API - Banking Products

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: SoftBank, Mastercard

Founded in 2015 by Bhavin Turakhia and Ramki Gaddipati, Zeta is a fintech company offering a range of solutions in the digital payments and corporate benefits space. The company's products include digitized employee benefits, automated cafeteria solutions, and corporate gifting. Zeta's innovative approach lies in its cloud-based platform and suite of APIs, which simplify the process of managing and disbursing employee benefits and allowances. The company's technology-driven solutions address the need for a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly approach to employee benefits and corporate payments.

Zetwerk

Sector:   Marketplace - Manufacturing Services

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2021

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Kae Capital, Sequoia Capital India, Accel India, Lightspeed Ventures, D1 Capital Partners

Founded in 2018 by Amrit Acharya, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Rahul Sharma, and Vishal Chaudhary, Zetwerk is a B2B marketplace for manufacturing goods, connecting OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and EPC (engineering procurement construction) customers with manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enterprises. Zetwerk's platform digitizes traditional manufacturing processes, facilitating efficient project management, from design to delivery. The company has filled a significant gap in the industrial manufacturing sector, providing a scalable and efficient solution for custom manufacturing. Zetwerk's success is a testament to its innovative approach to bridging the gap between industrial businesses and manufacturers.

DarwinBox

Sector:   SaaS - HR

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Hyderabad

Key Investors: 3ONE4 Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Sequoia Capital India, TCV, Endiya Partners

DarwinBox, founded in 2015 by Jayant Paleti, Rohit Chennamaneni, and Chaitanya Peddi, is a cloud-based HR technology platform. It offers a suite of applications covering the entire employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, leave management, and performance management. DarwinBox's platform is known for its user-friendly interface and scalability, catering to the evolving HR needs of businesses. The company has made significant inroads in the HR tech space, especially among large enterprises and fast-growing companies, reflecting the growing demand for digital and integrated HR solutions.

DealShare

Sector:   E-Commerce - Social Commerce

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Jaipur

Key Investors: Whiteboard Capital, Z3Partners, Alpha Wave Global, Matrix Partners India, Tiger Global

DealShare, founded in 2018 by Vineet Rao, Sourjyendu Medda, Sankar Bora, and Rajat Shikhar, is a social e-commerce startup that targets the middle-income demographic in India. The platform operates on a community buying model, offering cost-effective deals on everyday goods, incentivizing users to buy in groups and share deals with their networks. DealShare's model is particularly appealing in tier 2 and tier 3cities, where it capitalizes on the power of word-of-mouth and social networks. The company's growth underscores the potential of alternative e-commerce models in tapping into the price-sensitive yet burgeoning consumer base in India.

Fractal

Sector:   SaaS - Analytics

Founding Year: 2000

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: TPG Capital, TA Associates, Khazanah, Apax Partners

Fractal Analytics, founded in 2000 bySrikanth Velamakanni and Pranay Agrawal, is a leading analytics and artificial intelligence company. The company provides AI, machine learning, and analytics solutions to help businesses make informed and data-driven decisions. Fractal's expertise lies in transforming vast amounts of data into actionable insights, thereby enhancing business efficiency and effectiveness. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including retail, finance, and healthcare, indicating the broad applicability and demand for data analytics and AI solutions.

Lead

Sector:   Edtech

Founding Year: 2012

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: GSV Ventures, WestBridge, Elevar Equity, TPG Growth

Lead (formerly Lead School), co-founded by Sumeet Mehta and Smita Deorah in 2012, is an ed-tech company that provides integrated learning solutions to affordable private schools in India. Lead's model combines technology, curriculum, and pedagogy to transform the traditional school system. The platform includes teacher training, learning materials, and assessments, aiming to improve the quality of education and learning outcomes. The company's innovative approach to education reform highlights the potential for technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences, especially in under-resourced school settings.

Boat

Sector:   D2C

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: South Lake Investment, Warburg Pincus, Qualcomm Ventures

Boat, founded in 2016 by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta, has rapidly grown into one of India's leading consumer electronics brands, particularly known for its trendy and affordable audio products like earphones, headphones, and speakers. The company has carved a niche in the lifestyle segment, catering to the demands of a young, tech-savvy consumer base. Boat's success is attributed to its focus on high-quality, durable products with an appealing aesthetic and competitive pricing. Their aggressive marketing and branding strategies, combined with a keen understanding of consumer preferences, have made Boat a notable player in the highly competitive consumer electronics market.

ElasticRun

Sector:   Logistics Services

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Pune

Key Investors: SoftBank, Goldman Sachs, Prosus Ventures, Kalaari Capital, Avataar Venture Partners

ElasticRun, founded in 2016 by Sandeep Deshmukh, Saurabh Nigam, and Shitiz Bansal, is a B2B logistics startup that provides transportation and logistics solutions to businesses, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The company's platform enables businesses to reach small retailers in the hinterlands, a segment often overlooked by traditional logistics providers. ElasticRun's innovative approach lies in its ability to aggregate the logistics requirements of various companies and efficiently utilize the available capacity, reducing costs and improving service levels. The company's growth underscores the importance of innovative logistics solutions in enhancing supply chain efficiency, especially in challenging markets.

Hasura

Sector:   SaaS - Programming Tools

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Lightspeed Ventures, NexusVenture Partners, Vertex, Strive VC

Founded in 2017 by Tanmai Gopal and Rajoshi Ghosh, Hasura is a tech startup that provides an open-source engine that connects applications to databases using GraphQL. Hasura's platform simplifies the process of building and deploying backend applications, making it easier for developers to manage data access and workflows. The company's success can be attributed to its focus on improving developer productivity, offering real-time GraphQL APIs, and ensuring high performance. Hasura's technology is widely adopted in the developer community for its efficiency and ease of use, reflecting the growing demand for scalable and flexible application development tools.

LivSpace

Sector:   Interior Design - Modular Kitchens & HomeProducts

Founding Year: 2014

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: KKR, Jungle Ventures, TPG Growth, Bessemer, Goldman Sachs

LivSpace, co-founded in 2014 by Anuj Srivastava and Ramakant Sharma, is a home interior and renovation platform. It offers an end-to-end home design experience by connecting homeowners with designers, reliable contractors, and vendors. LivSpace's model is based on a technology-driven platform that streamlines the entire interior design and execution process, making it hassle-free for customers. The company's ability to offer personalized, high-quality home interiors, combined with efficient project management, has made it a leader in India's home design market.

Uniphore

Sector:   SaaS - Conversational Service Automation

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Chennai

Key Investors: Iron Pillar, March Capital, Chiratae Ventures, NEA

Uniphore, co-founded in 2008 by Umesh Sachdev and Ravi Saraogi, is a conversational AI and automation technology company. The company's solutions focus on improving customer service interactions through AI-powered voice and speech recognition technologies. Uniphore's products assist in automating and optimizing call center operations, enhancing customer experience, and providing valuable insights. The company's innovative use of AI and machine learning in understanding and processing natural language has positioned it at the forefront of the conversational AI space, particularly in the customer service industry.

Xpressbees

Sector:   Logistics Services

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Pune

Key Investors: Invest Corp Group, Norwest, Gaja Capital, TPG Growth, Chrys Capital

Founded in 2015 by Amitava Saha and Supam Maheshwari, Xpressbees is a logistics service provider specializing in e-commerce delivery and supply chain solutions. The company offers a range of services including last-mile delivery, reverse logistics, payment collection, drop shipping, vendor management, cross-border services, and fulfillment solutions. Xpressbees is known for its efficient and reliable service, leveraging technology to optimize logistics operations. Its expansive network across India and focus on customer service have made Xpressbees a preferred partner for many e-commerce businesses and other enterprises requiring logistics support.

Tata 1mg

Sector:   HealthTech

Founding Year: 2015

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: nan

Tata 1mg (formerly 1mg), co-founded in 2015by Prashant Tandon, Gaurav Agarwal, and Vikas Chauhan, is an online health careplat form providing a range of services including pharmacy, diagnostics, and teleconsultations. The company aims to make healthcare accessible, understandable, and affordable for millions of Indians. It provides a platform for ordering prescription medicines, booking lab tests, and consulting doctors online. Tata 1mg's success lies in its comprehensive approach to digital healthcare, focusing on quality, transparency, and convenience for the end user.

Amagi

Sector:   SaaS - Local Ads Targeting

Founding Year: 2008

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Avataar Venture Partners, Premji Invest, Accel India, Norwest

Founded in 2008 by Baskar Subramanian, Srinivasan KA, and Srividhya Srinivasan, Amagi is a media technology company offering cloud-based broadcast and targeted advertising solutions. The company provides a platform for TV broadcasters and OTT (over-the-top) platforms to create, distribute, and monetize content. Amagi's cloud-based solutions enable content owners to launch, manage, and distribute channels globally, while also providing advanced advertising capabilities. The company's innovative approach to broadcast and advertising technology has positioned it as a significant player in the evolving world of digital media.

Yubi (Formerly CredAvenue)

Sector:   Marketplace - Lending

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Chennai

Key Investors: B Capital Group, Insight Venture Partners,  Lightrock India, TVS Capital

Yubi, founded by Gaurav Kumar in 2017 and previously known as CredAvenue, is a fintech platform that focuses on facilitating debt financing. The platform connects borrowers with lenders and investors, offering a range of products including corporate bonds, commercial paper, co-lending, and supply chain finance. Yubi's technology-driven approach simplifies the process of debt procurement and management for businesses, making it more efficient and transparent. The company's success is indicative of the growing need for innovative solutions in the financial services sector, particularly in the area of corporate financing.

Games24x7

Sector:   Gaming

Founding Year: 2006

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Tiger Global, Malabar Investments,  The Raine Group

Founded in 2006 by Bhavin Pandya and Trivikraman Thampy, Games24x7 is one of India's leading online gaming companies. The platform hosts a variety of skill-based games such as RummyCircle, My11Circle, and U Games. Games24x7 has carved a niche in the gaming industry with its user-friendly interface, secure gaming environment, and focus on promoting responsible gaming. The company's data-driven approach to game design and user engagement has contributed to its popularity among a wide demographic of players, reflecting the growing market for online gaming in India.

Oxyzo

Sector:   Fintech - Marketplace - SME Lending

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Gurugram

Key Investors: Alpha Wave Global, Matrix Partners India, Tiger Global, Norwest

Oxyzo, a spinoff from OfBusiness, was founded by Asish Mohapatra, Ruchi Kalra, Bhuvan Gupta, Nitin Jain, and Vasant Sridhar. It operates as a smart financing company providing working capital and growth financing to businesses. Oxyzo's unique selling proposition lies in its technology-driven approach, offering quick, flexible, and transparent financing solutions. The company caters to the financial needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), helping them overcome liquidity challenges and grow their operations. Oxyzo's success is indicative of the evolving landscape of financial services in India, where technology-enabled solutions are increasingly addressing the funding gaps faced by SMEs.

5ire

Sector:   FinTech

Founding Year: 2021

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: nan

Key Investors: Global Emerging Markets, Magnus Capital, and Alphabet

5ire is a blockchain technology company that was founded in 2021 by Pratik Gauri, Prateek Dwivedi, and Vilma Mattila. The company focuses on building a fifth-generation blockchain ecosystem, which is sustainability-driven, unlike the previous generations that were profitability-focused. 5ire aims to integrate blockchain technology with sustainable development goals, promoting an alignment of economic growth with ecological balance. The company's vision and innovative approach to leveraging blockchain for sustainability highlight the potential of new technologies in fostering amore responsible and equitable economic model.

Open

Sector:   Fintech - Neo Bank

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: 3ONE4 Capital, Tiger Global,Temasek, Speedinvest

Open, founded in 2017 by Anish Achuthan, Ajeesh Achuthan, Mabel Chacko, and Deena Jacob, is a neo-banking platform catering primarily to SMEs, startups, and freelancers. The platform combines banking, payments, and accounting into a single interface, simplifying financial management for businesses. Open offers features such as automated bookkeeping, integrated payments, and expense management, making it a comprehensive solution for business financial needs. The company's success under scores the demand for specialized banking and financial services that cater to the unique challenges faced by smaller businesses and entrepreneurs.

Leadsquared

Sector:   SaaS - CRM

Founding Year: 2011

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Stakeboat Capital, GajaCapital, WestBridge

Founded in 2011 by Nilesh Patel, Prashant Singh, and Sudhakar Gorti, LeadSquared is a sales execution and marketing automation platform. The platform is designed to help businesses streamline their sales processes, improve lead capture, and enhance customer engagement. LeadSquared's capabilities in lead scoring, automation, and analytics enable businesses to optimize their sales and marketing efforts, leading to improved conversion rates and customer retention. The company has gained traction across various industries, particularly in high-velocity sales environments, reflecting the growing importance of data-driven sales and marketing strategies.

PhysicsWallah

Sector:   Edtech

Founding Year: 2016

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Noida

Key Investors: GSV Ventures, WestBridge

PhysicsWallah, founded by Alakh Pandey in2016, started as a YouTube channel offering free physics tutorials and has evolved into a full-fledged online learning platform. The platform provides affordable and quality education, focusing primarily on physics and chemistry preparation for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. PhysicsWallah stands out for its engaging teaching style, comprehensive content, and deep understanding of student needs, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The platform's popularity and growth highlight the increasing acceptance of online education in India and the demand for accessible, high-quality educational resources.

Purplle

Sector:   E-Commerce - Personal Care & Cosmetics

Founding Year: 2012

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: JSW Ventures, IvyCap Ventures, Blume Ventures, Kedaara Capital

Founded in 2011 by Manish Taneja and Rahul Dash, Purplle is an online beauty and personal care products platform. The company has created a niche in the rapidly growing online beauty market in India by offering a wide range of skincare, makeup, haircare, and wellness products. Purplle differentiates itself with its curated product selection, personalized shopping experience, and competitive pricing. The platform also features beauty tips, tutorials, and reviews, enhancing customer engagement. Purplle's growth reflects the increasing consumer demand for beauty products online and the potential for e-commerce platforms specializing in niche markets.

OneCard

Sector:   Fintech - Credit Cards

Founding Year: 2018

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Pune

Key Investors: QED Investors, Matrix Partners India, Sequoia Capital India

OneCard, developed by FPL Technologies, was founded in 2019 by Anurag Sinha, Rupesh Kumar, and Vibhav Hathi. It is a mobile-first credit card aimed at revolutionizing the traditional credit card experience. OneCard offers a sleek, metal card with a companion app that provides users with real-time insights, controls, and seamless management of their credit card transactions. The company's approach focuses on transparency, user experience, and leveraging technology to redefine the credit card space, particularly appealing to tech-savvy, younger consumers.

Shiprocket

Sector:   Aggregator - Logistics Services

Founding Year: 2017

Unicorn Entry: 2022

Headquarter: Delhi

Key Investors: Lightrock India, Info Edge,Tribe Capital, Temasek

Shiprocket, founded in 2017 by Saahil Goel, Gautam Kapoor, and Vishesh Khurana, is an e-commerce logistics and shipping software solution. The platform offers a tech-enabled logistics aggregation model, connecting online retailers with multiple courier services for end-to-end logistics solutions. Shiprocket's services include automated shipping, integration with e-commerce platforms, and analytics for efficient logistics management. The company has become a vital tool for small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses in India, addressing the need for cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions.

Zepto

Sector:   E-Commerce

Founding Year: 2021

Unicorn Entry: 2023

Headquarter: Mumbai

Key Investors: Y Combinator, Goodwater Capital, and Glade Brook Capital

Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto is a quick-commerce startup specializing in 10-minutegrocery delivery. The company operates on a network of dark stores strategically located to ensure rapid delivery times. Zepto's business model is based on catering to the urban demand for instant and convenient grocery shopping. Despite the challenges in logistics and operations, Zepto has gained popularity, especially among younger demographics, reflecting the growing consumer preference for speed and convenience in e-commerce.

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Krutrim AI

Sector: Artificial Intelligence

Founding Year: 2023

Unicorn Entry: 2024

Headquarter: Bangalore

Key Investors: Matrix Partner India, and some undisclosed investors

Founded in 2023 by Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola fame, Krutrim AI is a rising star in India's tech scene, valued at $1 billion just a year after launch. Their focus lies on building India-specific AI solutions, particularly large language models trained on both English and Indian languages. Aiming to go beyond language understanding, they plan to offer AI-powered applications like conversational assistants, search beyond the web, and business enablement tools. With ambitious plans for chip development and data center infrastructure, Krutrim aspires to be a leader in India's AI revolution, making the technology accessible and relevant to the country's unique needs.