India 1.95 Lakh Startups 2025: Startup India Fuels Inclusive Growth

India has solidified its global standing as the world’s third-largest startup hub, crossing 1.95 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups, a landmark moment that reflects the country’s decade-long commitment to innovation, inclusion, and economic transformation.

According to the Startup India portal, India is now home to 1,95,065 recognized startups, with 48% led by women entrepreneurs and 40% emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. This shift toward decentralized growth signals a new phase of entrepreneurship where innovation thrives beyond major metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.

“Proud to see how far India’s startup ecosystem has come — now home to 1.8 lakh+ DPIIT-recognised startups, making us the 3rd largest in the world. Every day, founders are building solutions that create impact, generate employment, and drive innovation for Viksit Bharat,” said Mamatha Venkatesh, Vice President & Head of Startup India, DPIIT, in a LinkedIn post.

From 350 to 1.95 Lakh: A Decade of Startup Transformation

India’s startup count has skyrocketed from just 350 in 2014 to 1.95 lakh in October 2025. Collectively, these ventures have generated over 17.6 lakh direct jobs, fueling growth across fintech, agritech, healthtech, deeptech, edtech, and mobility sectors.

Every hour, a new startup emerges — signaling the depth and momentum of India’s entrepreneurial drive.

Policy Reforms Powering the Ecosystem

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) continues to implement enabling policies that simplify compliance and enhance investor confidence. Startups enjoy benefits such as:

• Self-certification under six labour and three environmental laws for the first five years.
• Tax incentives, including a three-year tax holiday under Section 80-IAC and Angel Tax exemptions under Section 56 of the Income Tax Act.
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) with a ₹945 crore corpus, supporting proof of concept, prototype development, and commercialization through over 300 incubators.

These enablers form a seamless support system — from ideation to scale-up.

Digital Collaboration Through BHASKAR

India’s digital transformation has received a boost through BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry)— a national innovation platform hosting over 6.18 lakh registered users.
BHASKAR gives startups a unique digital identity, personalized dashboards, and access to sectoral alliances, facilitating collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange across India’s innovation ecosystem.

Financial Access Strengthened

Through the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), the government has enabled startups to secure funding without collateral. The scheme covers venture debt, working capital, and term loans, de-risking early-stage investment and encouraging banks and NBFCs to lend more confidently.

India’s Global Edge

As per Tracxn data, India now hosts over 509,115 startups, ranking second globally in total startup count. Among them, 31,700 are funded, having raised $583 billion across 47,043 funding rounds, supported by 121,867 investors.
The country has also produced 94 unicorns, recorded 4,863 acquisitions, and witnessed 5,784 IPOs, reflecting a mature and globally competitive ecosystem.

Building the Foundation for Viksit Bharat 2047

With sustained policy support, digital enablement, and deep-rooted innovation culture, India’s startup movement is shaping the foundation of Viksit Bharat 2047 — an inclusive, innovation-led economy that thrives across geographies and genders.

From Tier-3 towns to top-tier tech corridors, India’s next growth chapter is defined by women-led ventures, regional innovation, and digital-first enterprises driving equitable prosperity.