Kaivalya Vohra, at just 21 years old, has been recognized as India’s youngest self-made entrepreneur in the latest Hurun India report, a prestigious recognition for young entrepreneurs across the country. His co-founder, 22-year-old Aadit Palicha, ranks closely behind Vohra, marking the rise of a new generation of entrepreneurial talent in India. Together, Vohra and Palicha co-founded Zepto, a quick-commerce platform, in 2021, revolutionizing the grocery delivery space with their pioneering 10-minute delivery model, which has rapidly gained popularity in urban centers across India.
Zepto’s rapid growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past year, the company’s valuation skyrocketed by 259%, now standing at a staggering Rs 41,800 crore. This growth rate makes Zepto the biggest gainer in valuation growth among all companies featured in the Hurun report, a testament to the business acumen of its young founders. Their success also highlights the growing potential of the quick-commerce sector, which capitalizes on the increasing demand for instant deliveries, particularly in the urban markets of India.
Both Vohra and Palicha made the bold decision to drop out of Stanford University, where they were pursuing computer science degrees, to follow their entrepreneurial vision. This decision to leave formal education for the startup world, while risky, has proven to be a transformative move, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to building Zepto into the powerful business it is today. Their story is emblematic of the risk-taking and ambition driving the growing startup culture in India, where young minds are seeking to disrupt traditional industries with innovative solutions and scalable tech-driven platforms.
The Hurun India report also celebrates other entrepreneurs making significant strides in various sectors, underscoring the vast talent pool that India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is nurturing. Among them is Shashvat Nakrani, 26, the founder of BharatPe, a fintech company that has gained tremendous traction since its inception in 2018. BharatPe has emerged as a key player in India’s digital payment ecosystem, simplifying transactions and providing financial services to a broad swath of the population, including small merchants and entrepreneurs. The company’s influence continues to grow as India’s digital financial infrastructure expands.
Dilsher Malhi (28), the founder of Zupee, and Karan Mehta (28), head of Kissht, are also featured in the report. Malhi has turned Zupee into a prominent online gaming platform, which has experienced significant growth in the past few years, while Mehta’s Kissht is making its mark in the consumer lending sector. Both Malhi and Mehta are contributing to the burgeoning digital economy in India, tapping into the growing demand for both entertainment and financial services in the country. Their success is reflective of how India’s young entrepreneurs are tapping into niche markets and innovative sectors, driving the future of the Indian economy.
Siddhant Saurabh (28) is another notable entrepreneur linked to Zupee, reinforcing the strong presence of Indian entrepreneurs in the gaming sector. This demonstrates the exponential growth of digital gaming in India, which has become one of the fastest-growing entertainment sectors in the country. The rise of mobile gaming and the development of regional content have been key drivers of this expansion, and entrepreneurs like Saurabh are positioning themselves to capitalize on these trends.
The Hurun India report also highlights the achievements of Ritesh Agarwal (30), the founder of OYO, a global hospitality chain that has transformed the way people book accommodation. Since its founding in 2012, OYO has expanded internationally and made waves in the hospitality sector by offering affordable yet quality stays for travelers. OYO’s growth has been fueled by innovative technology and a business model that aims to standardize and optimize the hospitality experience for budget-conscious travelers. Agarwal’s vision for scaling the company has positioned OYO as one of the most recognized hospitality brands globally.
Rajan Bajaj (31), the founder of Slice, a fintech firm based in Guwahati, is another entrepreneur featured in the report. Established in 2016, Slice has made a significant impact in the consumer lending space by offering credit to millennials and younger customers in a way that is accessible and user-friendly. The company has catered to the rising demand for digital financial services in India, a sector that has seen explosive growth, and Bajaj has positioned Slice as a prominent player in the fintech revolution.
The Hurun India report underscores a major shift in India’s entrepreneurial landscape, with a growing number of young entrepreneurs emerging at the forefront of innovation and industry disruption. It features 35 entrepreneurs born in the 1990s, underscoring the growing influence of millennials and Gen Z in shaping India’s economic future. These young innovators are leveraging technology, data, and creativity to create businesses that challenge the status quo and cater to the evolving needs of the Indian consumer.
This new generation of entrepreneurs is not just creating wealth for themselves but is also driving growth in key sectors such as fintech, gaming, hospitality, and quick commerce. By tapping into emerging trends, these entrepreneurs are contributing to the larger narrative of India’s digital transformation, where the role of technology and innovation is increasingly central to the country’s economic growth. The report highlights how this wave of young entrepreneurs is harnessing the power of the internet, smartphones, and mobile platforms to reach new audiences and build scalable businesses that can thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
In conclusion, the Hurun India report illustrates the immense potential of India’s young entrepreneurs who are charting new paths in various sectors. As the country continues to see a rise in the number of tech startups and disruptive businesses, the role of these young founders will be pivotal in shaping India’s economic trajectory in the years to come. Their ambition, drive, and innovative mindset are helping establish India as a global hub for entrepreneurship, where the next generation of industry leaders is already making its mark.
