Quick Summary
- Entrepreneurs are leaders that take risks to turn their ideas into reality, like creating new products or services.
- Top 5 famous entrepreneurs are Sachin Bansal, Binny Bansal (Flipkart), Bhavish Aggarwal (Ola), Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Paytm) and Deepinder Goyal (Zomato).
Table of Contents
Are you looking for inspiration from the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs? Look no further!
This decade is of startups. India is not behind in this wave. It has a rich history of Indian business success stories. Many self-made men and women are making their mark in various industries. They have proven that with hard work, determination, and innovation, anything is possible. We bring you some of the most inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a working professional, these stories are sure to motivate you. So, let’s dive in!
Top 13 Successful Entrepreneurs Stories of India
Let’s dive into the journey of some of the top most entrepreneurs in India. We will find out what they did to get to where they are.
1. Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal: Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd.
In the vibrant landscape of Indian e-commerce, success stories of Indian entrepreneurs like Flipkart stand as beacons of innovation and entrepreneurial brilliance. Founded in 2007 by the dynamic duo Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, Flipkart has redefined the e-retail industry in India from its headquarters in Bengaluru.
Sachin Bansal
Sachin Bansal, a visionary co-founder, embarked on his journey after obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from IIT Delhi. Beginning as a Senior Software Engineer at Amazon, he soon realized his calling to chart his own path. With relentless determination, he co-founded Flipkart, unleashing a revolution that would transform the face of Indian e-commerce.
Binny Bansal
Binny Bansal, an IIT Delhi alumnus akin to Sachin, wrote his own narrative in the realms of computer science and engineering. Serving as the COO and later the CEO of Flipkart, Binny added a layer of strategic brilliance to the journey of turning a startup into an e-commerce giant.
Flipkart – Pioneering the Future of E-Retail
Success stories of Indian entrepreneurs like Flipkart have reshaped the e-commerce landscape in India. Flipkart initially started as a platform for selling books but quickly expanded its range of products to include electronics, fashion, home essentials, groceries, and lifestyle products. With an unmatched selection of items and more than one billion satisfied customers, Flipkart has become India’s top e-retailer, revolutionizing the way people shop in the country.
From Ideation to Billion-Dollar Valuation
In the early days, online shopping in India was a distant dream, but the unwavering commitment and tenacity of Sachin and Binny turned that dream into a reality.
From the humble beginnings of an online bookstore operating from a two-bedroom apartment in Bengaluru, Flipkart was born with an initial investment of Rs 4,00,000 from the founders’ own pockets. By 2014, Flipkart achieved unicorn status, reaching a valuation of $1 billion.
2. Bhavish Aggarwal: Ola
The success stories of Indian entrepreneurs often showcase resilience and grit, and the inception of Ola was no easy ride. Founders Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati faced numerous challenges, often coding for 48-hour stretches and even stepping into the driver’s seat when needed. These challenges, however, became stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Their determination and commitment fueled their efforts, and slowly but surely, people began to embrace the convenience of Ola’s services.
Bhavish Aggarwal
At the heart of Ola’s success is Bhavish Aggarwal, the founder and a luminary whose journey is one of the most inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Graduating from IIT Bombay with a B.Tech in computer science in 2008, Bhavish’s journey commenced at Microsoft Research in Bangalore, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in reshaping the urban transportation landscape.
Ola’s Genesis
Ola’s wheels set in motion on December 3, 2010, propelled by the ambitions of Bhavish Aggarwal, born in Ludhiana. Before Ola, Bhavish ventured into Olatrip.com, an online platform offering holiday packages and weekend getaways, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
Challenges
The inception of Ola, one of the remarkable success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, was no easy ride. Founders Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati faced numerous challenges, often coding for 48-hour stretches and even stepping into the driver’s seat when needed. These challenges, however, became stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Their determination and commitment fueled their efforts, and slowly but surely, people began to embrace the convenience of Ola’s services.
Angel Investors and the Turning Point
The entrepreneurial journey took a pivotal turn when angel investors Rohit Bansal and Kunal Bahl infused Rs 2 crores into Ola. This infusion of support provided the initial push, propelling Ola into a trajectory of unprecedented growth.
From coding marathons to chauffeuring passengers themselves, Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati crafted a narrative that inspires a nation, becoming shining examples in the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Their journey proves that with unwavering determination, every step—no matter how challenging—is a step toward success.
3. Ritesh Agarwal: Oyo | Oravel Stays Ltd.
Oyo is one of the best success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Ritesh Agarwal is the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms. It is one of the biggest hospitality companies on the planet. Ritesh was born on November 16, 1993, in Odisha. He started his Oyo journey when he founded Oravel Stays. In the initial days, Ritesh revealed that he served as front desk manager and cleaning staff while also managing his own hospitality company. He also bore the brunt of his customers, one of whom mistook Ritesh as a member of the cleaning crew.
Ritesh started OYO Rooms to provide affordable stay facilities to travelers in India. Today, OYO is the world’s 3rd largest hotel chain. The company has also expanded into co-living spaces and vacation homes. He has received several awards for his contribution to the startup ecosystem in India.
4. Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Paytm
In the dynamic landscape of digital payments, Paytm stands as one of the remarkable success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2010, Paytm has revolutionized the way transactions and bill payments are conducted in India. More than just a digital payment app, it represents a transformative journey, marking a significant shift in India’s financial transactions.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma
At the forefront of this digital revolution stands Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the visionary founder and CEO of Paytm. As one of the most inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, Paytm’s founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma has not only made Paytm a household name but also earned himself accolades, including the title of the youngest billionaire in India by Forbes in 2017 and the 62nd richest person in India in 2020.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s academic journey commenced at the Delhi College of Engineering, where he pursued electronics and communications for his B.E. Vijay’s career journey saw him in diverse roles, from Business Development at RiverRun Software Group to Tech Head at India Today Group Online.
Paytm
In 2000, Vijay Shekhar Sharma founded One97 Communications Limited, the parent company of Paytm, marking one of the inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. This venture laid the foundation for his expansive influence in the digital landscape. Initially designed for online money transfers, Paytm gradually evolved into a platform offering financial services, eCommerce capabilities, and mobile recharging assistance.
The establishment of One97 Communications in 2000 marked the initial steps toward Paytm, which officially launched in 2010 with a $2 million initial investment. Under Vijay’s inspiring leadership, Paytm transitioned from a distributor of mobile entertainment to a trailblazer in digital payments.
5. Deepinder Goyal: Zomato Ltd.
Zomato is a prime example of the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, showcasing the vision of Deepinder Goyal, who founded the platform in 2008. Zomato has revolutionized the way we experience food, making the best culinary delights from local restaurants accessible for delivery or dining out.
Deepinder Goyal
Deepinder Goyal, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and the Co-Founder and CEO of Zomato, showcases the triumph of determination over academic hurdles, making him one of the standout success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. He spent almost four years as a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain and Company before venturing into entrepreneurship with the inception of Zomato. Goyal also serves as one of the sharks on Shark Tank India, further cementing his place as a leading figure in the entrepreneurial world.
Zomato
Zomato’s inception story can be traced back to the creative mind of Deepinder Goyal, an IIT Delhi graduate who worked in New Delhi for Bain & Company.
In 2008, he developed ‘Foodiebay’ as a way to save time and streamline food access. It became the biggest restaurant directory in Delhi NCR in an astounding nine months. The services were extended to cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.
The app’s unique features, allowing users to browse menus, read reviews, and place food orders, added to the remarkable success stories of Indian entrepreneurs by fueling its expansion. In a transformative move, ‘Foodiebay’ rebranded to Zomato on January 18, 2010, marking the beginning of the Zomato we know and cherish today.
6. Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh: Mamaearth
Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh are a husband-wife duo. They are the co-founders of Mamaearth. Mamaearth is one of the best success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. It is a personal care and beauty products brand. The idea for Mamaearth came when Ghazal was pregnant. She was struggling to find safe and natural personal care products in the Indian market. The pair made the decision to close this market gap. They launched their brand of natural and toxin-free products.
Varun and Ghazal launched Mamaearth in 2016. They started selling their products on Amazon and their website. They focused on creating products that were free from harmful chemicals. These products were made from natural ingredients and were also affordable. They catered to the needs of young mothers and babies.
Mamaearth witnessed huge operational challenges. Inventory tracking, wrong shipments, and delays in fulfilling orders are some of the prominent ones. Further, finding the manufacturing partners was one of the biggest challenges. It managed to overcome all these to become one of the biggest startups.
7. Falguni Nayar: Nykaa
Nykaa is a standout example of the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, captivating the hearts of teens and young adults with its extensive range of beauty, fashion, and wellness products. Bridging the gap between physical and virtual customers, Nykaa leads the beauty industry by leveraging the fast-paced digital landscape to drive its growth. Beyond a marketplace, Nykaa offers a holistic experience with product reviews, beauty tutorials, expert articles, and an e-beauty magazine.
Falguni Nayar
At the helm of Nykaa is Falguni Nayar, a visionary entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on accounting and business/management at Sydenham College before earning her Master of Business Administration at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
Falguni’s professional journey began as a Manager at A F Ferguson & Co., and she later held pivotal roles at Kotak Securities, ultimately serving as the Director and Head of Institutional Equities Business. Her story is one of the inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. The combination of her varied skills and entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Nykaa in 2012. Today, Falguni Nayar holds the esteemed title of the richest self-made woman in India, standing fifth among the Top 10 Biggest Gainers.
Nykaa’s Genesis
Established in 2012 by Falguni Nayar, Nykaa was born out of a visionary response to the disparities observed in the Indian cosmetics market. Falguni drew inspiration from flourishing marketplaces in countries like France and Japan. These disparities became the catalyst for Nykaa.
With a modest team of three and limited experience in retail, beauty, or IT, Falguni Nayar embarked on the Nykaa journey, a true testament to the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Starting as an online platform and later embracing an omnichannel approach, Nykaa, headquartered in Mumbai, has garnered acclaim for its diverse array of fashion, beauty, and cosmetic products. Falguni’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative vision have turned Nykaa into one of India’s leading beauty and lifestyle brands.
8. Girish Mathrubootham and Shan Krishnasamy: Freshworks
Girish Mathrubootham and Shan Krishnasamy are the co-founders of Freshworks, one of the remarkable success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Freshworks is a cloud-based software company that offers customer engagement software for businesses. Girish started his career as a software engineer, working for companies like HCL Technologies and Zoho. In 2010, he quit his job and started Freshdesk, a helpdesk software company. Shan joined Freshdesk in 2011 and became the co-founder of the company, propelling it to become a leader in customer support software globally.
Freshdesk, now known as Freshworks, is a notable example of the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. The company expanded its product portfolio to include customer engagement software like CRM, marketing automation, and chatbots. Today, Freshworks serves over 60,000+ customers. Facing challenges from legacy companies and lacking industry benchmarks, Freshworks continually improved its services to achieve its current scale.
9. Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy & Rahul Jaimini: Swiggy
Swiggy is a prominent example of the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing companies. Founded in Bengaluru by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, Swiggy has redefined hyper-local food delivery, making ordering food a seamless experience whether you’re at home, in the office, or hosting a party.
Sriharsha Majety
Sriharsha Majety is the CEO and co-founder of Swiggy, one of the most notable success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, along with an M.Sc in Physics from BITS Pilani, Sriharsha graduated from IIM Calcutta with an MBA in Finance in 2011. Before Swiggy, he served as the recruitment coordinator for IIM. In 2013, he co-founded Bundl Technologies Pvt Ltd with Nandan Reddy, laying the foundation for what would become Swiggy, transforming the food delivery industry in India.
Nandan Reddy
Lakshmi Nandan Reddy, co-founder of Swiggy and an alumnus of BITS Pilani, added operational finesse to the Swiggy story. His journey is one of the remarkable success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. With an M.Sc from BITS Pilani in 2010, Nandan initially worked in social media operations at SourcePilani. His entrepreneurial path began with Zurna, a restaurant in Hyderabad, before co-founding Bundl, the precursor to Swiggy.
Rahul Jaimini
Rahul Jaimini completed a Dual Degree from IIT Kharagpur in Computer Science & Engineering in 2010. He worked as a Senior Software Engineer at Myntra and joined Majety and Nandan to build the application for Swiggy.
Together, these minds came together to create Swiggy, redefining the food delivery landscape and making it an indispensable part of modern living.
10. Sorav Jain: echoVME
Another success story of Indian entrepreneurs is Sorav Jain. Sorav Jain is a digital marketing expert, author, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of echoVME, a digital marketing agency. The agency provides services such as social media marketing, SEO, and content marketing to clients across the world. Sorav’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of expertise and innovation in the digital era, establishing him as one of the leading figures in India’s thriving digital marketing landscape.
Sorav’s journey is a remarkable example of the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Starting his career as a software engineer, he discovered his passion for digital marketing and founded echoVME in 2010. By focusing on result-oriented services, his business grew rapidly.
Today, echoVME has worked with over 350 clients across various industries, including healthcare, education, and e-commerce, and has received several awards, including the “Best Digital Marketing Agency” award at the Digital Marketing Conclave in 2019.
Sorav is also a renowned speaker. He has conducted several workshops and training programs on digital marketing. He has also authored several books on the subject. This includes “Social Media for Business” and “Digital Marketing for Dummies.”
Also Read: The Most Desirable Qualities of an Entrepreneur in 2024
11. Kunal Shah: CRED
India’s startup ecosystem is rich with diverse stories, and Kunal Shah’s stands out as one of the most notable success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. As a visionary entrepreneur, Shah has made a remarkable impact with his ventures, navigating the dynamic landscape with innovation and a keen sense of purpose.
The FreeCharge Era
In 2010, Kunal Shah embarked on a journey that would redefine mobile commerce in India. Co-founding FreeCharge, he envisioned a platform that would go beyond mere transactions, offering users a seamless experience for mobile and DTH recharge, bill payments, and utility services.
The Snapdeal Acquisition
In a pivotal move for both Kunal Shah and FreeCharge, 2015 marked a significant point in the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs when Snapdeal acquired FreeCharge. With the FreeCharge chapter gracefully closed, Kunal Shah continued exploring new avenues and ideating on the future of fintech. His vision and passion remained unwavering, and it was during this phase that the seeds of CRED were sown.
The Birth of CRED
In 2018, Kunal Shah unveiled CRED, a fintech platform designed to revolutionize credit card payments. With an emphasis on incentivizing timely credit card payments, CRED became a beacon for those seeking not just financial solutions but also a partner in their journey toward financial well-being. This innovation is one of the many success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, where Kunal’s vision and deep understanding of the fintech landscape helped create a product that resonated with users, making a significant mark in India’s digital financial ecosystem.
From FreeCharge’s inception to CRED’s disruptive entry into the fintech space, Kunal Shah’s story encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to dream boldly, navigate challenges with resilience, and carve their unique path in the ever-evolving startup landscape.
12. Nithin Kamath: Zerodha
Nithin Kamath’s journey, from humble beginnings to Zerodha’s success, is an inspirational tale of resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. His vision has not only transformed the brokerage industry but has empowered countless retail investors, leaving an indelible mark on India’s financial landscape.
Education Journey
After graduating from the Bangalore Institute of Technology with a specialization in Electronics and Telecommunications, Nithin’s academic prowess laid the foundation for his technical expertise, crucial in navigating the ever-evolving financial technology landscape. This journey became part of the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, showcasing the blend of education, innovation, and vision that fueled Zerodha’s rise.
Early Trading Wisdom
Embarking on his journey at the tender age of 17, Nithin managed his father’s trading account, gaining practical experience in the financial markets alongside his studies. Despite the challenges, his passion for trading remained unwavering.
Self-Employment and Resilience
While in college, Nithin became a self-employed proprietary trader, refining his skills and delving deeper into the market from 1997 to 2004. Facing financial constraints, he worked tirelessly at a call center for three years, balancing trading during the day and a role as a Senior Telesales Executive at night from 2001 to 2004. Embarking on his professional career, Nithin started as a sub-broker, providing portfolio advisory services and engaging in proprietary trading from 2004 to 2010. These experiences are part of the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, where perseverance, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of markets helped Nithin pave the way for the creation of Zerodha, a leading force in the Indian stockbroking industry.
Founding Zerodha
In late 2010, Nithin and his younger brother Nikhil founded Zerodha, a stock brokerage firm aimed at revolutionizing the industry. Focused on introducing discount broking and innovative trading technologies, Zerodha marked the initiation of their entrepreneurial journey.
Zerodha’s Triumph
Zerodha reshaped the brokerage landscape, becoming one of India’s largest stockbrokers. The company’s disruptive pricing models and in-house technology propelled it to Unicorn status in June 2020, with a self-assessed valuation of $1 billion. Today, Zerodha boasts over 22 lakh active users, conducting three million trades daily, standing as one of the prominent success stories of Indian entrepreneurs.
13. Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain: Ather Energy
Education
Tarun Mehta’s journey into the realms of engineering and innovation began at IIT Madras. Armed with a dual degree in engineering design, his academic prowess laid the groundwork for the transformative path that lay ahead.
Swapnil Jain, the co-founder of Ather, shares a common academic lineage with Tarun Mehta, both graduating from IIT Madras with an integrated Masters of Technology in Engineering Design. This academic synergy laid the foundation for their shared vision in the realm of electric mobility, contributing to one of the most inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs.
Internship
During Tarun Mehta’s college days, internships at Mercedes Benz added a practical edge to his academic foundation, offering a glimpse into the real-world intricacies that would later shape his entrepreneurial vision.
Swapnil’s journey included internships at General Motors, where he honed his skills and garnered insights that would prove invaluable in the nascent stages of Ather Energy.
Genesis at IIT-M Research Park
Ather Energy’s inception in October 2013 at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras Research Park marked the beginning of a revolutionary chapter. Both Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, driven by a shared vision to craft India’s first smart electric scooter, set the wheels of innovation in motion, becoming part of the inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs.
Product Portfolio Pinnacle
January 2020 marked a significant moment in the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs with the expansion of Ather’s product portfolio, including the launch of the Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus. These electric scooters not only represent Ather’s commitment to innovation but also highlight their dedication to redefining the two-wheeler riding experience in India through excellence.
Key Takeaways from Success Stories of Indian Entrepreneurs
There are several key takeaways from the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Let’s see what you can learn from them.
- Perseverance and Grit: This is the top quality one should have. Indian entrepreneurs have shown that achieving success requires a never-give-up attitude. You need to have the willingness to overcome obstacles and challenges to succeed in your journey.
- Innovation and Adaptation: They have been able to disrupt traditional industries. They did this by bringing innovative ideas and solutions to the market. They have also shown the ability to adapt to changing market trends and customer needs.
- Customer-Centric Approach: They have put the needs of their customers at the center of their business strategies. This allowed them to deliver a superior customer experience. This led to a strong customer base and brand loyalty.
- Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success: Failure is a part of this journey. Indian entrepreneurs have showcased that failure is not the end of the road. But rather, it is a stepping stone toward success. They have learned from their failures. They used these experiences to pivot their business strategies. Eventually, they created more successful ventures.
Success Stories of Indian Entrepreneurs
The success stories of Indian entrepreneurs are an inspiration to many. They have become leaders in their industries. They have shown the true qualities one should have. This includes resilience, perseverance, and the ability to innovate in the face of challenges. The above Indian entrepreneur’s success stories are a reminder to all of us. They remind us that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, anyone can achieve success in their journeys.
Innovative, low-investment ideas for the hidden entrepreneur in you! Explore our guide on Business Ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are some examples of Indian startups that have become successful on a global scale?
There are several examples of Indian startups that have become successful on a global scale, and their journeys are among the most inspiring success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Some of the most notable include Flipkart, Ola, Zomato, Paytm, Byju’s, and more. These startups have reached billion-dollar valuations, creating immense wealth for investors and delivering significant value for customers.
How have Indian government policies and initiatives supported the growth of entrepreneurship in the country?
The Indian government has implemented several policies and initiatives that contribute to the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs. These efforts directly support the growth of entrepreneurship in the country, including programs like Startup India, the Make in India initiative, and more. Additionally, various schemes provide essential resources and support to new entrepreneurs, enabling more individuals to benefit from these opportunities as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
What is the future of entrepreneurship in India, and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead?
The future of success stories of Indian entrepreneurs looks promising as the number of startups in India continues to grow. Opportunities in India, such as a growing consumer market, availability of skilled labor, and advancements in technology, create an encouraging environment for entrepreneurship. However, challenges like rising competition, regulatory barriers, and access to funding still lie ahead.
How have successful Indian entrepreneurs impacted the Indian economy and society?
The success stories of Indian entrepreneurs have had a significant impact on the Indian economy and society. By creating jobs and driving economic growth with innovative ideas and solutions, these entrepreneurs have inspired an entire new generation of Indian startups. Their achievements have motivated more people to aspire to launch their own businesses, generating wealth and value for the country. Additionally, these startups are attracting foreign investments, further boosting the Indian economy.
What is the inspiring story of any one of the successful Indian entrepreneurship?
Ritesh Agarwal’s journey in the success stories of Indian entrepreneurs began when he founded Oravel Stays, which later evolved into Oyo. In the initial days, Ritesh revealed that he served as the front desk manager and cleaning staff, all while managing his own hospitality company.
Other Related Reads
To read more related articles, click here.
Got a question on this topic?