These founders are following their dream and creating change

India is the world's third largest startup ecosystem, with more than 1.59 lakh startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of January 15, 2025.

This vibrant ecosystem, driven by over 100 unicorns, is redefining innovation and entrepreneurship on the global stage. Metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR are leading the transformation, but smaller cities and enthusiastic founders are also helping accelerate the entrepreneurial momentum.

Here are the founders who are making an impact with their Made-in-India solutions:

1.Priyanka Goenka, Founder, Hungry Bums

Priyanka Goenka is a certified nutrition consultant specializing in children’s and women’s health and wellness. Her personal experiences were the driving force behind her brand Hungry Bums. As a certified nutritionist and a dedicated mother, she brings expertise and firsthand experience to Hungry Bums. Her deep understanding of child nutrition ensures that every product is thoughtfully crafted, meeting the highest standards of health and safety. She has built a brand that parents can trust, offering preservative-free and nutrient-rich food that supports a strong foundation for growing children. The range includes millet-based cereals, noodles, vermicelli, pasta and wholesome snacks.

2.Saurabh Pacheriwal, Co-Founder, Gemius

A powerhouse of innovation and storytelling, Saurabh Pacheriwal is reshaping the creative industry with his dynamic ventures. As the co-founder of Gemius, an independent creative agency with a presence across India, the Middle East, and the US, he has helped 600+ brands craft compelling identities. With a 500+ strong global creative network, Gemius excels in brand strategy, intellectual property, creative communication, and digital discovery, integrating cutting-edge technology to revolutionize brand building. Saurabh’s entrepreneurial prowess extends beyond Gemius. He also spearheaded Nicoya, a premier influencer marketing platform, and Tiramisu, an artisanal jewelry brand. A curator of TEDxSurat, he also pioneered Samajhdar Sintu, India’s first environmental education comic, earning a Limca Book of Records recognition. With a passion for content, marketing, and innovation, he actively invests in startups and drives impactful collaborations, shaping the creative ecosystem.

3.Aarushi Singhal, Founder, Blend It Raw

Aarushi Singhal, a certified skincare formulator, is transforming the way people look at skincare and wellness in India. Recognized as one of the top women entrepreneurs in India by Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, she started Blend It Raw Apothecary with India’s first farm-to-skin DIY box, which was a big hit within the first three months of launch. The brand has slowly evolved into providing Indian farm-based ingredients to people along with do-it-yourself recipes. She is now working to expand the presence of her brand abroad. 

4.Ankita Jaiswal, Founder, Brio Art House

Ankita Jaiswal is a multifaceted entrepreneur, artist and philanthropist, dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, arts, and environmental conservation. As a third-generation hotelier, she leads sustainability initiatives and promotes local artisans. Ankita is also the chairperson of the Arts, Crafts Promotion, Water & Environment Protection Committee of UPHRA and HRANI. The Brio Art Cafe, located in Ramada Plaza, Lucknow, is a trailblazer in promoting sustainable eating and preserving heritage foods. Its farm-to-table approach showcases traditional millet-based recipes, supporting local farmers and rural communities. Ankita has been recognized by union ministers and diplomatic missions and has received numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year and Sustainability Champion.

5.Simran Rathore, Founder, Kairav The White Lotus Jewels

Simran Rathore is the founder of Kairav the White Lotus Jewels, a two-year-old startup launched in April 2023. Inspired by her husband and supported by her family, Simran started her own venture after seven years of marriage and while raising a six-year-old daughter. Her deep passion for jewelry design began in college, and she has quickly gained recognition for her exquisite creations. Kairav the White Lotus Jewels beautifully blends traditional heritage with modern elegance, using 92.5% pure hallmarked silver, 22-carat gold plating, and Moissanite Polki. The brand is known for unique, timeless designs that appeal to modern sensibilities, offering statement pieces and bespoke bridal jewelry.

6.Navya & Nitya Khanna, Co-founders, Sadyaska

Navya and Nitya Khanna are the creative minds behind Sadyaska, a premium bedding and interior brand that blends design with comfort. The sisters have for six years been transforming everyday spaces into beautiful, meaningful experiences. Navya, a textile designer from Pearl Academy and Nottingham Trent University (UK), is the creative soul of Sadyaska. Her passion and artistic vision laid the foundation of the brand. Nitya, a B.Tech graduate from IGDTUW and MBA from NMIMS Mumbai, brings the business edge to Sadyaska. Her strong marketing background and corporate experience make her the engine behind the brand's strategic growth. Together, they are shaping the future of premium home spaces one elegant design at a time.

7.Shreeya Parikh, Founder and CEO, Rossia Jewels

Shreeya Parikh, a bespoke jewelry manufacturer, specializes in custom-made engagement rings and wedding jewelry. With over 15 years of experience, she is revolutionizing the experience of buying wedding jewelry in India by leveraging technology. Rossia Jewels offers the perfect blend of innovative design and personalized customer service using technology. In the engagement ring segment alone, clients can choose from over 1,200 unique designs, far surpassing the typical 50-60 designs available in retail. Rossia provides 3D prototypes for preview before production, along with options for natural or lab-grown diamonds and customizable gold colors. Through personalized guidance and the use of technology, Rossia delivers lasting value for money to its clients. This customer-focused, innovative approach has driven Rossia's 100% year-on-year growth, solidifying its position as an emerging industry leader.

8.Harsh Mann, Founder, HMLC

Harsh Mann is the pioneer of luxury consulting in India, and is shaping the future of the Indian luxury market. Sought after by global brands for his game-changing strategies and deep industry insights, he has more than a decade of experience working with the world’s top luxury brands. Harsh’s expert opinions are also cited in international research papers on luxury, and his insights and interviews contribute to shaping the industry’s evolving landscape. At the helm of Harsh Mann Luxury Consultancy (HMLC), he is on a mission to establish India as a luxury powerhouse. HMLC, a boutique brand management agency, has successfully shaped 100+ luxury brands across industries. With a masterful blend of strategy, design, and innovation, HMLC is where luxury brands come to life.

9.Jay Shah, Co-founder, The Sports Gurukul (TSG)

Jay Shah is the Co-founder of The Sports Gurukul (TSG) and a grassroots sports leader with 22 years of experience transforming school sports across India through TSG. As a Power of Ideas winner, he received training at IIM Ahmedabad, blending entrepreneurial vision with his passion for sports to create mass-scale social impact. Awarded the Rex Karamveer Bronze Chakra for his contributions to sports education, Jay is also a certified yoga coach. Now an author, his book, My 22 Yards in the Last 22 Years, is inspiring communities, the sports eco system, and startups with insights from his sports startup journey.

10.Kapil Vaishnani, Founder, Bonasila Planters

Kapil Vaishnani is an accomplished and recognized advertising expert with five entrepreneurial ventures to his credit. With 20 years of experience in advertising, he utilized his designs and business dexterity and established Bonasila Planters, an FRP Planter manufacturing company focused on a value-based philosophy of ‘Plant Happiness’. He is now a recognized leader and a fine businessman, and continually seeks opportunities to grow his knowledge and make Bonasila a household name for plant lovers.

11.Paresh Kothari, Co-founder of The Sports Gurukul (TSG)

Paresh Kothari, Co-founder of The Sports Gurukul (TSG), brings a unique blend of financial expertise and a passion for grassroots sports development. With a MBA with CFA degree along with a strong background in investment banking, he has successfully applied his strategic and analytical skills to scale TSG into one of India’s leading sports education companies. His dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting a culture of physical well-being has impacted thousands of students across the country. Through his leadership, Paresh continues to bridge the gap between education and fitness, empowering schools to integrate sports as a vital component of holistic learning.

12.Ruchi Tandon, Founder, Ruh by Ruchi Tandon

Ruchi Tandon, a design enthusiast, entrepreneur, and the visionary founder behind Ruh, a jewelry brand that celebrates individuality, elegance, and everyday beauty. Blending her expertise as a corporate trainer and face shape analysis specialist, Ruchi brings a unique lens to jewelry curation - helping women discover pieces that truly flatter and empower. Each Ruh collection is a blend of craftsmanship and personal expression, handcrafted by skilled artisans across India. With the launch of Ruh's first exclusive outlet at Grand View Mall, Gurgaon, Ruchi continues to redefine accessible luxury with heart, heritage, and an eye for detail.

13.Benisha Adajania, Wahbiz Mogal, and Nasneem Mogal, Co-founders, Elinor Jewels

Elinor Jewels is a brand founded by Benisha Adajania, Wahbiz Mogal and Nazneen Mogal, three women from different backgrounds who came together with one vision: to create jewelry that’s elegant, durable, and made for every woman. After four years, Elinor stands strong as a brand made for women, by women. The co-founders believe luxury should be a habit, not a rarity. “That’s why our pieces are crafted with stainless steel metal and PVD gold plating using special technology, making them 10x stronger and long-lasting,” the founders say. Elinor is more than just jewelry; it’s a symbol of strength, style, and everyday luxury for every woman.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.