Meet India’s Youngest Entrepreneurs: The Co-Founders of Zepto
The Avendus Wealth–Hurun India U30 List 2025 has spotlighted 79 of India’s most promising entrepreneurs under the age of 30, marking a significant milestone in recognizing the next wave of business leaders. This inaugural Under-30 edition, unveiled as part of the Uth Series 2025, features both first-generation startup founders with ventures valued over $25 million and second-generation entrepreneurs managing family businesses worth more than $50 million. The report highlights a notable trend: 66 of the 79 entrepreneurs are self-made, showcasing a vibrant culture of innovation and enterprise in India.
Entrepreneurial Landscape and Key Highlights
The average age of the entrepreneurs on the list is 28, with Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, co-founders of Zepto, being the youngest at just 22. Among female entrepreneurs, Devika Gholap, 28, stands out as the youngest, recognized for her contributions to digital pathology through her company, OptraSCAN. The report reveals a diverse sector distribution, with software products and services leading the way, featuring 21 entrepreneurs. Consumer goods and financial services follow, with 12 and 9 entrepreneurs, respectively. Notably, over 60% of the businesses represented are service-oriented, reflecting a shift towards service-led economic growth.
Collectively, these young leaders have raised an impressive $5.2 billion in equity and $270 million in debt funding, demonstrating their substantial economic impact. Their companies employ more than 64,000 individuals, underscoring the significant role these entrepreneurs play in job creation and economic development. The largest employer among the featured entrepreneurs is Svatantra Microfin, founded by Ananyashree Birla, which boasts a workforce of 23,289 employees. At 30 years old, Birla also has the longest entrepreneurial experience among her peers, with 13 years in the industry.
Geographical Distribution of Young Entrepreneurs
Mumbai leads the list with 15 young entrepreneurs, followed closely by Bengaluru and Delhi. The report also highlights emerging entrepreneurs from smaller cities, including Salem, Phagwara, Hubballi, and Ranchi. This trend signifies the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem beyond traditional metropolitan areas, showcasing the potential of young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and locations. The inclusion of founders from smaller cities emphasizes the democratization of entrepreneurship in India, where innovative ideas can flourish regardless of geographical constraints.
The recognition of these entrepreneurs not only celebrates their individual achievements but also reflects the broader growth of the Indian startup landscape. As these young leaders continue to innovate and disrupt traditional industries, they contribute to a more dynamic and competitive economy. The U30 List serves as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit thriving across the nation, inspiring future generations to pursue their business aspirations.
Top Young Entrepreneurs in the U30 List 2025
The U30 List 2025 features a diverse array of young entrepreneurs, each making significant strides in their respective fields. The top ten youngest entrepreneurs include Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha from Zepto, both aged 22 and hailing from Mumbai. Other notable names include AVR Shree Smaran, also 22, from Salem, and Arjun Deshpande, who is making waves with his company, Generic Aadhaar, at the same age in Thane.
Shiva A Sankeshwar, 23, from Hubballi, and Ujjwal Sukheja, 24, from Bengaluru, are also recognized for their contributions to their industries. The list continues with Saran S, 24, from Tiruchirappalli, and Aniket Shah, 25, from Ahmedabad. Rahul Rawat, 25, from Phagwara, and Mihir Menda, 25, from Boston, round out the top ten, showcasing a remarkable blend of talent and innovation among India’s youth. This diverse group of entrepreneurs not only represents the future of business in India but also highlights the potential for growth and innovation across various sectors.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
