India’s entrepreneurial landscape has seen a remarkable transformation, with young innovators breaking barriers and redefining industries. The 2024 Hurun List celebrates India’s youngest entrepreneurs, acknowledging their contributions to business and society. From fintech to quick-commerce, these visionaries have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and determination. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 youngest entrepreneurs in India in 2024, their journeys, educational backgrounds, and key achievements:
Table of Contents
1. Kaivalya Vohra (21), Co-founder, Zepto – First in Youngest Entrepreneurs in India
Kaivalya Vohra, India’s youngest entrepreneur, born in 2003 in Bangalore, is the co-founder and CTO of Zepto, a startup that has redefined grocery delivery in India. Alongside Aadit Palicha, Vohra dropped out of Stanford University to launch Kiranakart, which evolved into Zepto during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their vision was to provide groceries within minutes, a concept that resonated with millions under lockdown. This venture not only turned Vohra into India’s youngest billionaire by 19, but his net worth soared to INR 3,600 crore by 2024. His journey from a student to a tech mogul underscores the dynamic startup culture in India
Educational Background: Kaivalya studied computer science at Stanford University before dropping out to focus on Zepto.
Breakthrough: Launched in 2021, Zepto disrupted the quick-commerce industry by offering 10-minute grocery deliveries.
2. Aadit Palicha (22) Zepto – Second in Youngest Entrepreneurs in India
Aadit Palicha, born in Mumbai in 2001, has become a name synonymous with youthful ambition in India’s entrepreneurial scene. His story isn’t just another tale of a tech genius; it’s about a kid who saw possibilities where others saw problems. Together with his childhood buddy, Kaivalya Vohra, he birthed Zepto in 2021, a venture that promised to deliver groceries in the blink of an eye.
Even as a teenager, Palicha was tinkering with technology, launching GoPool in Dubai to ease the headache of school commutes. His academic journey took him to Stanford, where he studied Computer Engineering. But the call for entrepreneurship was too strong; he left academia behind to chase his entrepreneurial dreams full throttle.
Leading Zepto, Palicha showed not just business savvy but an innovative spirit. Under his guidance, Zepto navigated through the shark-infested waters of quick commerce, going head-to-head with behemoths like Amazon and Flipkart. Despite his young age, his net worth has ballooned to around INR 4,300 crore, cementing his status as one of India’s youngest billionaires.
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3. Ritesh Agarwal (30), Founder, OYO Rooms
Ritesh Agrawal, a name synonymous with innovation in the hospitality sector, was born in 1993 amidst the quiet lanes of Bissam Cuttack, Odisha. He’s the mind behind OYO Rooms, a concept that shook up the budget hotel industry not just in India, but around the globe. Agrawal, at the tender age of 17, decided college wasn’t his path; instead, he ventured into entrepreneurship with Oravel Stays. This venture, a seedling of an idea, eventually blossomed into OYO in 2013.
He became the youngest Indian to grace the Hurun Rich List in 2024, amassing a net worth of INR 1,900 crore. But it’s not just about wealth. Agrawal’s story took a remarkable turn when he was awarded the Thiel Fellowship, marking him as the first Asian to receive this prestigious accolade.
Educational Background: Ritesh Agarwal hails from Odisha and dropped out of college to pursue entrepreneurship.
4. Shashvat Nakrani (26), Co-founder, BharatPe
Shashvat Nakrani, born in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, became an emblem of youthful success in India’s fintech scene. At just 19, he co-founded BharatPe, a payment platform revolutionizing transactions for small merchants. Nakrani, an IIT-Delhi dropout, aimed to simplify digital payments with an interoperable QR code system, marking BharatPe’s entry into the fintech arena. His leadership saw BharatPe valued at USD 2.9 billion by 2021. Known as the youngest self-made billionaire on the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List that year, Nakrani’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship underscores a burgeoning trend of young innovators shaping India’s tech landscape.
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5. Dilsher Malhi (28), Co-founder, Zupee
Dilsher Malhi, an IIT Kanpur Chemical Engineering graduate, is the mastermind behind Zupee, a skill-based gaming platform launched in 2018. From Bikaner, Rajasthan, his journey from college to entrepreneurship showcases how gamification can transform learning and entertainment. Malhi’s vision led Zupee to secure significant funding, valuing the company at over INR 5,000 crore. His focus on skill over chance in gaming has positioned Zupee as a competitor to giants like Dream11. Recognized by Forbes Asia’s “30 Under 30”, Malhi’s work blends technology with psychology, aiming to enhance cognitive development and personal improvement through engaging gameplay.
6. Siddhant Saurabh (29) – Gaming Innovator in Youngest Entrepreneurs in India
Siddhant Saurabh, hailing from the remote villages of Bihar, transformed his early struggles with technology into a success story. After excelling at IIT Kanpur in Computer Science, he co-founded Zupee in 2018, serving as its CTO. This skill-based gaming platform quickly gained traction, encouraging cognitive development through games. Saurabh’s journey from limited access to computers to leading tech innovation is inspiring. His work at Zupee, alongside Dilsher Malhi, earned him recognition on Forbes Asia’s “30 Under 30” list. His commitment to building technology for empowerment reflects a deep understanding of how games can nurture the mind.
7. Karan Mehta (28), Co-founder, Kissht –
Karan Mehta stands out in India’s bustling startup ecosystem as the Co-founder and CTO of Kissht, a digital lending platform launched in 2015. With a background in Computer Science from IIT Bombay, Mehta has been instrumental in making credit accessible and hassle-free for consumers across India. Kissht leverages technology to offer instant loans at digital points of sale, both online and offline. Under his technical leadership, Kissht has grown significantly, securing partnerships with major banks and merchants. Mehta’s innovative approach to fintech has not only disrupted traditional banking but also aimed at financial inclusion for the underserved.
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8. Ankush Sachdeva (31), Co-founder, ShareChat
Ankush Sachdeva, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, is the co-founder and CEO of ShareChat, a platform that’s reshaping social media in India. His journey is a testament to resilience, having faced 17 startup failures before ShareChat’s success. Launched in 2015, ShareChat connects millions in regional languages, capturing the essence of India’s diversity. Under Sachdeva’s leadership, the company’s valuation soared to $5 billion, making it a tech giant. His vision extends to Moj, India’s answer to TikTok, showcasing his knack for spotting and capitalizing on market gaps. Sachdeva’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and understanding of the Indian user base.
9. Neetish Sarda (31), Founder, Smartworks
Neetish Sarda, born into a business-oriented family, carved his own path by founding Smartworks in 2016. This company has become India’s leading managed workspace provider, focusing on enterprises and MNCs. With a keen eye for design and technology, Sarda transformed traditional office spaces into dynamic, productivity-enhancing environments. His vision has led Smartworks to expand across 14 cities, managing over 8 million sq ft. Sarda’s leadership has made him a notable figure in the real estate sector, recognized by various accolades, including being named among India’s top self-made entrepreneurs by Hurun India.
10. Rajan Bajaj (31), Founder, Slice
Rajan Bajaj, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, is the founder and CEO of Slice, reshaping the fintech landscape in India. Born in Alwar, Rajasthan, his entrepreneurial journey began post-Flipkart, where he worked on the product team. Bajaj founded Slice in 2016, targeting young consumers with innovative credit solutions. His vision led Slice to become a unicorn, offering credit lines through prepaid cards. By 2023, Slice was processing transactions worth $200 million annually, serving nearly 3,00,000 customers. Bajaj’s approach combines tech savvy with an understanding of millennial and Gen Z financial habits, making credit more accessible and user-friendly.
Conclusion
India’s youngest entrepreneurs have demonstrated that age is no barrier to success. With bold ideas, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering vision, they continue to shape industries and inspire the next generation of innovators. The 2024 Hurun List not only celebrates their achievements but also highlights India’s position as a global startup powerhouse.
The top 10 youngest entrepreneurs in India featured in this prestigious list exemplify determination, creativity, and leadership. Their stories inspire aspiring business minds and emphasize the growing impact of India’s youngest entrepreneurs on the global stage.
As the spotlight shines on these youngest entrepreneurs in India, their remarkable journeys remind us that innovation knows no age. Whether launching disruptive startups or redefining traditional industries, the youngest entrepreneurs in India are setting new benchmarks and fueling India’s entrepreneurial spirit.