How Did India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs Achieve a Valuation of Rs 42 Lakh Crore in 2025?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Total valuation of top 200 entrepreneurs at Rs 42 lakh crore in 2025.
- 15% growth from last year indicates a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Bengaluru remains the leading startup hub in India.
- Financial services dominate with 47 companies.
- Women entrepreneurs are increasingly influential, with 20 women on the list.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The total valuation of all enterprises owned by India's leading 200 self-made entrepreneurs has reached Rs 42 lakh crore ($469 billion) in 2025, a rise from Rs 36 lakh crore ($431 billion) the previous year. This marks a remarkable 15 percent increase, highlighting the swift wealth generation among India's self-starters, as reported on Wednesday.
The count of billion-dollar firms established by the 'Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025' is now 128, up from 121 last year, reflecting the addition of 22 new firms to this prestigious group, according to the findings by IDFC FIRST Private and Hurun India.
The latest edition for 2025 introduced 102 new founders and 53 new companies. Five firms on the list are valued at Rs 1 lakh crore or more, an increase from three last year, showcasing the robust rise in ultra-high-value enterprises.
Bengaluru has maintained its status as India's premier startup hub with 52 companies, although this number has decreased by 14 since last year. Following Bengaluru, Mumbai has 41 companies (+5) and Gurugram has 36 companies (+5), indicating a vibrant shift in entrepreneurial activities across key cities, as mentioned in the report.
Bengaluru also leads as the top location for founder residences, housing 88 entrepreneurs, with Mumbai at 83 and New Delhi at 52, collectively representing a large segment of India's foremost self-made entrepreneurs in 2025.
“India is emerging as one of the globe's top contenders in terms of the quality of its entrepreneurial ecosystem. This report celebrates the remarkable narratives of visionary leaders who are transforming the country's economic landscape,” stated Vikas Sharma, Head of Wealth Management and Private Banking at IDFC FIRST Bank.
The financial services sector leads with 47 companies, followed by Software and Services (28), Healthcare (27), and Retail (20). It’s noteworthy that 189 companies—nearly 95 percent of the list—have external investors, with the remainder being bootstrapped.
“Five companies founded after 2020 now have a combined valuation of Rs 78,000 crore. These entrepreneurs are not only fostering growth but also contributing to the nation-building efforts, with employee benefits rising from Rs 54,000 crore to Rs 57,200 crore this year, showcasing their commitment to their workforce,” remarked Anas Rahman Junaid, Founder and Chief Researcher at Hurun India.
Deepinder Goyal has secured the top position, as his venture Eternal is valued at Rs 3.2 lakh crore, reflecting a 27 percent increase from last year.
Women entrepreneurs are making remarkable advancements in establishing some of the most valuable enterprises of this millennium, with twenty women featured in the list.