India’s entrepreneurial spirit is in full bloom, and Hurun India’s Under 35 list for 2024 is a testament to this dynamic landscape. The list features a diverse range of young entrepreneurs, including first-generation founders, startup pioneers, and the next generation of business leaders from established corporate families.
Among the prominent names on the list are Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of the natural skincare brand Mamaearth, Alakh Pandey, the visionary behind the ed-tech startup Physics Wallah, and Tarun Mehta, leading the electric vehicle revolution with Ather Energy. These individuals, all under the age of 35, have already made significant contributions to their respective industries, demonstrating the potential of young entrepreneurs to drive innovation and growth.
The list also includes several other notable entrepreneurs who are changing the face of various sectors. Nishanth KS of Pocket FM is revolutionizing the audio entertainment space, while Vidit Aatrey of Meesho is empowering small businesses through e-commerce. Ankush Sachdeva, the youngest entrepreneur on the list at 31, has created a platform that caters to regional language users with ShareChat. Neetish Sarda, founder of Smartworks, is transforming the real estate and co-working sector with his rapidly growing company.
The Under 35 list goes beyond individual names to reveal a broader trend. As India continues its rapid economic growth, a new wave of entrepreneurs is emerging, characterized by innovation, job creation, and a forward-looking vision. These young leaders are shaping the future of India’s economy, and their contributions are vital to the nation’s continued success.
According to Anas Rahman Junaid, managing director and chief researcher at Hurun India, “We estimate that each of our Under-30 entrepreneurs has built businesses valued at around $10 million, while our more experienced Under-35 cohort showcases enterprises worth approximately $50 million, with some achieving valuations up to a hundred times that.” This data underscores the impressive scale and impact of these young entrepreneurs.
The diversity of the list is also noteworthy. Entrepreneurs featured represent 41 different cities across India, and a significant 82% are first-generation founders. This demonstrates the widespread entrepreneurial spirit across the country and the emergence of new talent from diverse backgrounds. The list is particularly strong in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, with 29 and 26 entrepreneurs respectively, reflecting these cities’ status as major hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship.
