India Just Crossed 1.75 Lakh Startups — Here's What That Really Means

In a country where entrepreneurial dreams are becoming a way of life, India has quietly crossed a game-changing threshold—over 1.75 lakh startups have now been registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This isn't just a number. It’s a reflection of India’s journey from being a service-based economy to an innovation-led one.

The surge, captured in data from the Startup India portal, shows that 175,048 startups are now officially recognised—each with its own story, hustle, and vision to change the world. This milestone is not just a nod to the founders but to an entire ecosystem of coders, creators, policy makers, and investors who are powering this revolution.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there.

BHASKAR: A Silent Enabler Behind the Scenes

While startup founders often take the spotlight, platforms like BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry) are silently building the foundation of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and accessibility. The platform now boasts over 5.54 lakh users, creating a virtual ecosystem where entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and policymakers engage meaningfully.

In a digital-first world, BHASKAR is bridging the gap between idea and execution, offering tools, data, and insights that can shape the trajectory of any startup.

Policy Push: How the Government Is Fueling the Fire

The government’s active role in nurturing the startup ecosystem cannot be overstated. In a significant move, 187 startups were recently granted income tax exemptions under Section 80-IAC during the 80th Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) meeting held on April 30, 2025. This policy not only eases the financial pressure but boosts confidence in early-stage startups, many of whom are still navigating cash flow constraints.

And it’s not just paperwork. Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently led a closed-door roundtable with India’s top startup founders. Hosted by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) on April 24, this session wasn’t about speeches—it was about solutions.

Among the key action points discussed:

• Bringing global tech talent back to India

• Enhancing the efficiency of the Fund of Funds

• Promoting home-grown deeptech innovation

• Streamlining business operations for easier scaling

• Facilitating the “reverse flipping” of startups back to India

Such interventions signal that India is not just building startups—it’s designing an ecosystem that can rival Silicon Valley.

Unicorns: The Crown Jewels of India’s Startup Growth

Let’s talk unicorns. As of May 21, 2025, India is home to 119 unicorns—startups valued at $1 billion or more. The most recent to join this elite club is JSW One MSME, which entered the list on May 13, 2025.

So far, two startups have turned unicorns in 2025, compared to three during the same period last year. While this marks a 33% year-on-year dip, India still ranks third globally in unicorn creation—trailing only the United States (1,039 unicorns) and China (246 unicorns).

City-wise, the numbers reveal India’s innovation hotspots:

• Bengaluru leads with 50 unicorns

• Gurugram and Mumbai follow with 18 each

Sector-wise, here’s where India’s unicorns shine:

• Consumer: 59 unicorns

• Enterprise Applications: 40 unicorns

• Retail: 38 unicorns

This sectoral diversity signals the maturity of the ecosystem—innovation is no longer confined to just fintech or edtech. It’s a broad-spectrum revolution.

How India Stacks Up Globally

A quick global comparison puts things into perspective.

• The U.S. leads with over 1 million startups, including 1,040 unicorns.

• The newest U.S. unicorn? A company named Owner, announced on May 13, 2025.

• In 2025 alone, the U.S. has added 23 new unicorns, an 8.7% rise over last year.

Top unicorn cities in the U.S.:

• San Francisco: 261 unicorns

• New York City: 156 unicorns

• Palo Alto: 41 unicorns

In the U.S., Enterprise Applications dominate, followed by High Tech and Consumer startups—closely mirroring the Indian trend.

India might not match the volume yet, but the velocity of growth and potential puts it in a uniquely promising position.

Beyond Numbers: How the Government Is Laying the Groundwork

The Startup India Portal is more than just a registry—it’s a dashboard for every stakeholder. With access to over 200+ government schemes, the portal has become a vital resource for:

• Funding opportunities

• Regulatory guidance

• Infrastructural support

Startups recognised by DPIIT enjoy several privileges:

• Self-certification under six labor laws

• Simplified compliance under three environmental laws

• Minimal inspections for “white category” businesses, as identified by the Central Pollution Control Board

Such regulatory reforms are making ease of doing business more than a slogan—they’re becoming tangible advantages.

Can India Be the World’s Startup Capital?

India’s startup story is not just about quantity—it’s about quality, inclusivity, and global relevance. From rural innovators to urban tech giants, the diversity is striking. And with active government support, growing investor confidence, and a youth population hungry to disrupt the status quo, India is well on its way to becoming the world’s startup capital.

Whether you're a founder, investor, or a curious onlooker, one thing is clear: India's startup story is just getting started.

What this means for stakeholders:

• Founders: The time has never been better to build. Policy tailwinds are in your favour.

• Investors: There’s massive untapped potential beyond metros—time to explore tier-II and tier-III cities.

• Enablers & Policymakers: Continued collaboration and deeptech focus will drive the next wave of unicorns.

The ecosystem is vibrant. The engine is running. And India is ready for takeoff.