National Startup Day 2025: Top Entrepreneurs Reflects Key Learnings

India’s entrepreneurial landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, and National Startup Day stands as a powerful testament to this progress. Startups in India are no longer just disruptors; they’ve emerged as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and global recognition. From leveraging cutting-edge technologies to addressing grassroots challenges, Indian startups are bridging critical gaps across industries and geographies.

The thriving startup ecosystem in India is underpinned by a strong support framework that includes government initiatives like Startup India, state-level policies, a burgeoning pool of talent, and robust digital connectivity. With a young and dynamic population, coupled with an increasing demand for tech-driven solutions, Indian startups are not only tackling domestic issues but are also making significant strides in solving global problems.

On this occasion, TICE takes a closer look at key learnings of the top entreprenuers — sharing their reflections on what makes India a hub of innovation and their vision for its future. 

Read More: National Startup Day: An Exclusive Conversation With DPIIT Jt. Sec.

Learnings & Reflections from Top Entrepreneurs

Sanandan Sudhir, Founder & CEO On2Cook

My heart swells with pride every time I see a new spark of innovation in our country. National Startup Day isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of the tremendous potential that lies in our 1.4 billion-strong population. From my own journey, I’ve learned that turning a promising idea into a thriving business requires more than just determination. It takes a fail fast and never-give-up attitude, mentors, investors, supportive policies, and a nurturing environment—one where people aren’t afraid to dream big and where failure is seen as a stepping stone rather than a dead end.

I believe it’s about time for all of us—policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and everyday citizens—to stand together and bolster our startup ecosystem. That means offering real support in terms of funding, guidance, and infrastructure so that our brightest minds have the freedom to build, experiment and grow right here at home. 

San Banerjee, Co-Founder & CEO, ADDA.io

2025 is a perfect year for disruption. With a newly corrected funding scene, focus on profitability, balancing the costs of AI with the potential cost savings it brings, and new problems that have become solvable with greater compute power.

National Startup Day celebrates the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines India's startup ecosystem. At ADDA.io, we are proud to contribute to building smarter, safer, and more connected communities across the country. This day is a reminder that every idea, when nurtured, has the potential to create a lasting impact. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and grow together to shape the future of living in India. Rise High!

 Ankur Bansal, Managing Director, BlackSoil

On National Startup Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience, innovation, and impact that startups bring to India's economy. At BlackSoil, we remain committed to supporting startups across sectors, providing them with the alternative credit solutions they need to scale and thrive. As we witness a growing startup ecosystem in India, public and private sectors must collaborate and create an enabling environment through policy reforms, access to capital, and fostering innovation. We look forward to seeing more groundbreaking solutions emerge from the startup community, driving economic growth and job creation nationwide.

Prashant A Bhonsle, Founder and CEO, Kuhoo Edufintech

India’s startup journey is nothing short of phenomenal. In 2016, fewer than 1,000 startups paved the way for a revolution; today, in 2025, we stand proudly with over 100,000 homegrown ventures driving innovation and inclusive growth. This surge has not only brought back talented Indians from abroad to build globally competitive products, but also created over a million jobs in key sectors and attracted billions of dollars in investments – catapulting India’s economy toward a brighter future. Startups, with their relentless pursuit of excellence, are the beacon of hope, fueling progress and redefining what’s possible. Let us continue to nurture this spirit of entrepreneurship, for it is the spark that ignites India’s limitless potential.

Read More: The Unicorn Hunt Continues: India Fintech Ranks Third Globally

Avinash Rao, Founder of Alt DRX

Indian startup ecosystem since the launch of startup india initiative has added 1.6 lakh government recognised startups. This makes us the third largest startup ecosystem in the world! The startup ecosystem has permeated deep into the country and people from all over the country from metros to small villages are aspiring to be entrepreneurs. National Startup day is a tribute to the transformation country has seen with startups solving problems for the masses from health tech to fintech, also leading the charge for making india a manufacturing powerhouse in previously not touched space and defence technology.This day celebrates the ingenuity and resilience of Indian entrepreneurs who are shaping a dynamic future, positioning India as a global leader in innovation and economic transformation.

Shailendra Singh Rao, Founder and MD of Creduce

Startups Opening Up New Paths for Bharat Indian startups are a ray of optimism that propels innovation in many industries. These businesses are addressing important issues, from agritech enabling farmers to fintech revolutionising banking. They create jobs, draw talent, and encourage a culture of taking risks. To sustain this ecosystem, the government must provide funds and favourable policies. India can reach its full potential and create a prosperous future for everybody if it embraces innovation and supports businesses.

Simran Lalwani, Creative Director, Ostilos

Startups are at the heart of India’s journey toward becoming self-reliant and a global leader. With initiatives like Startup India and Make in India, we are not just building businesses; we are building a stronger nation. As entrepreneurs, we have the unique opportunity to create jobs, drive innovation, and empower talented individuals to shape a brighter future. The Make in India initiative focuses on boosting local manufacturing and innovation, encouraging startups to produce goods domestically and export them worldwide. This is especially relevant for industries like textiles, fashion, electronics, and agriculture, as it reduces reliance on imports and showcases India’s heritage on a global scale.

Ultimately, startups are more than just businesses; they are the driving force behind India’s future of innovation, self-reliance, and growth.

Anish Varshnei, COO & Co-Founder, Latambarcem Brewers

National Startup Day is a reminder of the transformative power of ideas when combined with persistence, innovation, and collaboration. As the COO and Co-Founder of Latambarcem Brewers, I’ve learned that building a startup from zero to one is as much about grit and resilience as it is about creativity and vision. For budding entrepreneurs, my advice is to focus on solving real problems. A great idea is just the beginning—execution, adaptability, and a deep understanding of your audience, which defines the overall journey.

For those steering established ventures, the challenge is sustaining momentum while fostering a culture of innovation. Never stop questioning, experimenting, or pushing boundaries. The key to staying relevant is to balance your core strengths with an openness to evolve. India’s startup ecosystem is one of the most dynamic in the world, offering immense opportunities for those willing to embrace challenges with courage and conviction. 

Suyash Singh, co-founder and CEO, GalaxEye Space

On this National Startup Day, we celebrate the boundless possibilities of innovation and the government's steadfast support for emerging sectors like Space Technology. 2024 was a year of recalibration for Space tech—a moment to step back and prepare for a giant leap forward. As 2025 dawns with the promise of ₹1,000 crore Space tech VC funds and transformative PPP programs, we are thrilled to embark on new horizons. With our upcoming satellite, Mission Drishti, set to launch later this year, GalaxEye stands ready to contribute to India’s journey toward a stellar future. Here's to innovation, collaboration and the limitless endeavours ahead!

 Ajay Lakhotia, Founder and CEO, StockGro

As a venture capitalist turned founder, I’ve personally witnessed how startups have accelerated India’s transformation into a self-reliant economy. On this 10th National Startup Day—coinciding with StockGro’s 5th anniversary—I’d like to congratulate the government for implementing forward thinking policies, including the Make in India movement, which have significantly boosted funding and skill development. These initiatives have also empowered India’s youth to unleash boundless creativity and ambition.

 Now that we’ve achieved remarkable growth, the priority is to nurture fresh entrepreneurial talent across tier II and III cities, further cementing India’s position as a world-class startup hub. It’s a privilege to be part of this collective progress, and I couldn’t be prouder to contribute to the journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Read More: How Has Startup India Transformed the Nation’s Economy So Far?

Saket Chirania. Co-Founder, Agrizy 

National Startup Day is a tribute to the relentless passion and ingenuity of entrepreneurs across diverse sectors. It inspires startups to push boundaries, foster innovation, and bring transformative ideas to life. In India, the agritech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with startups harnessing advanced technologies like AI, ML, and IoT to revolutionize the entire agrifood value chain. These innovations not only empower farmers and other stakeholders but also contribute to the broader digital transformation, further strengthening India's dynamic startup ecosystem.

Niraj Kumar, CTO, Onix

On this National Startup Day, we celebrate the transformative power of innovation and the pivotal role startups play in shaping the future. Artificial intelligence, in particular, has emerged as a game-changing force, revolutionizing industries and creating new possibilities. At Onix, we are proud to contribute to this journey by harnessing AI to drive growth and impact. As we advance into 2025, fostering trust and credibility in AI remains critical. Policies promoting transparency, such as seamless source tracking, will empower startups to build solutions that are not only innovative but also reliable. Together, let us continue to push boundaries and build a future where technology and entrepreneurship drive progress for all.

Dhruvil Sanghvi, Founder & CEO of LogiNext

National Startup Day is a powerful acknowledgment of the immense potential of entrepreneurship in India. It plays a vital role in driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and propelling economic growth. As an entrepreneur, I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Government of India in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. The success of initiatives like ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) is particularly inspiring, showcasing how innovative startups can revolutionize industries such as logistics and commerce. This is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, technology, and visionary entrepreneurship.

Zaiba Sarang, Co-founder, iThink Logistics

India is the proud hub of some of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing startups, fueled by a rapidly evolving end-user base and an ever-adaptive business environment. These startups have become vital pillars of India’s economic progress, showcasing innovation, resilience, and creativity on a global scale. National Startup Day has amplified this momentum, igniting entrepreneurial passion across the country as thousands of startups emerge each year, turning bold ideas into transformative ventures. With enhanced government support, forward-thinking initiatives, and streamlined regulations, the Indian startup ecosystem is now poised for even greater heights. The declaration of January 16th as National Startup Day is more than just a date—it’s a resounding acknowledgment of the innovation and determination driving India’s entrepreneurial spirit. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging future founders to dream big and contribute to the nation’s vibrant economic landscape.

Join Our Thriving Entrepreneurial Community

Twitter: @TiceNews | LinkedIn: TICE News | Instagram: @tice.news | Google: Leave a Review