India’s Top Entrepreneurs in 2024 – Self-Made

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India has witnessed the rise of numerous self-made entrepreneurs who have transformed industries and created immense wealth. These individuals have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking, making them role models for aspiring business leaders. Below is a look at the top self-made entrepreneurs in India and their contributions. Our article is based on Hurun India’s list of the Top 10 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024.

India's top entrepreneur self-made

#1. Radhakishan Damani (Avenue Supermarts) – India’s Top Entrepreneur

Radhakrishna Dammani

Radhakishan Damani, the founder of Avenue Supermarts, is a veteran investor and businessman. His company operates the retail chain DMart, known for its cost-efficient model and value pricing. Damani founded DMart in 2002, and since its IPO in March 2017, it has grown into one of India’s largest retail businesses. As of 2024, Avenue Supermarts has a valuation of INR 3,42,600 crore, with a 44% increase in value. Based in Mumbai, Damani is also a key figure in the stock market, often regarded as the mentor of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. His strategy of cost efficiency and deep consumer insight has made DMart a household name in India.

#2. Deepinder Goyal (Zomato)

Deepinder Goyal Zomato

Deepinder Goyal, the co-founder and CEO of Zomato, has revolutionized the food delivery and restaurant discovery industry in India. He started the company in 2008 as Foodiebay, rebranding it as Zomato in 2010. The company went public in July 2021, marking one of India’s biggest tech IPOs. As of 2024, Zomato is valued at INR 2,51,900 crore, with a 190% surge in value. Headquartered in Gurugram, Zomato has expanded beyond India, serving multiple international markets. Goyal’s leadership has been instrumental in the company’s journey, from being a restaurant aggregator to a full-fledged food delivery and quick commerce giant.

#3. Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy (Swiggy)

Sriharsha Majety Swiggy

Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy co-founded Swiggy in 2014, making it one of India’s leading food delivery platforms. The company has grown exponentially, expanding into groceries and hyperlocal deliveries. Swiggy’s focus on efficient logistics and customer-centric services has helped it achieve a valuation of INR 1,01,300 crore in 2024, with a 52% increase in value. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Swiggy has introduced innovations such as Swiggy Instamart for grocery delivery and Swiggy One, a membership program. Under Majety’s leadership, Swiggy has become a household name, competing head-to-head with Zomato in India’s booming food-tech sector.

#4. Deep Kalra, Rajesh Magow (MakeMyTrip)

Deep Kalra, Rajesh Magow (MakeMyTrip)

Deep Kalra and Rajesh Magow founded MakeMyTrip in 2000, pioneering India’s online travel industry. Initially focusing on flight bookings for Indian travellers abroad, the company later expanded into domestic travel, hotels, and holiday packages. MakeMyTrip went public on NASDAQ in 2010, making it one of the first Indian internet-based companies to do so. By 2024, the company is valued at INR 99,300 crore, with a 168% increase. Based in Gurugram, MakeMyTrip continues to be India’s leading travel platform. Kalra’s vision and Magow’s execution have been crucial in the company’s success, adapting to evolving consumer trends and travel needs.

Read Also: Top 10 Youngest Entrepreneurs in India in 2024

#5. Abhay Soi (Max Healthcare Institute)

Abhay Soi

Abhay Soi is the chairman and managing director of Max Healthcare Institute, one of India’s largest private healthcare providers. His leadership has played a key role in expanding the hospital chain, focusing on cutting-edge medical technologies and patient care. Max Healthcare has grown significantly, achieving a valuation of INR 96,100 crore in 2024, with a 75% increase. Headquartered in New Delhi, the company operates a network of hospitals across the country. Soi’s expertise in healthcare management has positioned Max Healthcare as a premier provider in India’s growing medical sector.

#6. Yashish Dahiya, Alok Bansal (PolicyBazaar)

Yashish Dahiya, Alok bansal PBFintech

Yashish Dahiya and Alok Bansal co-founded PolicyBazaar in 2008, transforming India’s insurance and financial services industry. The company simplifies insurance comparison and purchases, making financial security more accessible. PolicyBazaar went public in 2021, strengthening its market presence. As of 2024, it is valued at INR 78,600 crore, with a 128% increase. Based in Gurugram, the company has expanded into lending and investment products. Dahiya’s leadership and deep industry knowledge have played a pivotal role in PolicyBazaar’s success.

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#7. Bhavit Sheth, Harsh Jain (Dream11)

Harsh Jain Bhavit Sheth

Bhavit Sheth and Harsh Jain co-founded Dream11 in 2008, introducing fantasy sports to India. The platform gained immense popularity, especially with the rise of the Indian Premier League (IPL). By 2024, Dream11 is valued at INR 66,500 crore. Headquartered in Mumbai, it dominates the fantasy sports industry, with millions of active users. Sheth and Jain have successfully navigated regulatory challenges and expanded Dream11’s offerings beyond cricket to include football, basketball, and more.

#8. Nithin Kamath, Nikhil Kamath (Zerodha)

Nithin Kamath, Nikhil Kamath (Zerodha)

Nithin and Nikhil Kamath launched Zerodha in 2010, disrupting India’s brokerage industry with zero-commission trading. The platform has democratized investing, making stock market participation easier for retail investors. As of 2024, Zerodha is valued at INR 64,800 crore, with a 28% growth. Based in Bengaluru, Zerodha has introduced multiple innovations like Varsity, an educational platform for investors, and Coin, a direct mutual fund investment service. The Kamath brothers continue to lead India’s fintech revolution.

#9. Harshil Mathur, Shashank Kumar (Razorpay)

Harshil Mathur, Shashank Kumar (Razorpay)

Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar co-founded Razorpay in 2014, providing seamless payment solutions for businesses. The company has grown into a fintech leader, offering services such as payment gateways, banking solutions, and credit lines for businesses. By 2024, Razorpay is valued at INR 62,400 crore. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Razorpay has played a crucial role in enabling digital transactions across India, fostering growth in the digital economy.

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#10. Falguni Nayar (Nykaa)

Falguni Nayar Nykaa

Falguni Nayar, a former investment banker, founded Nykaa in 2012, transforming India’s beauty and lifestyle industry. The platform offers a wide range of beauty, wellness, and fashion products. Nykaa went public in 2021, making Nayar one of India’s wealthiest self-made women. As of 2024, Nykaa is valued at INR 56,600 crore, with a 30% increase. Based in Mumbai, Nykaa continues to expand, introducing new brands and services tailored for Indian consumers.

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Conclusion

India’s top entrepreneurs have shaped the country’s economic landscape, demonstrating resilience and innovation. Their journeys highlight the power of vision, perseverance, and strategic execution. As India’s startup ecosystem continues to flourish, these self-made entrepreneurs serve as inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Their contributions have not only transformed industries but also generated employment and driven technological advancements. The evolving business environment in India continues to provide new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps and make an impact on a global scale.

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