Innovation unleashed: Top 5 youngest entrepreneurs in India

In a world where entrepreneurship is thriving, India has emerged as a hotbed of young, dynamic, and visionary entrepreneurs. These youngest entrepreneurs in India have defied age barriers and embarked on successful business ventures, significantly impacting various industries

Their determination, innovation, and business growth stories inspire and reflect India's entrepreneurial spirit.

Join us as we explore their extraordinary journeys and learn what sets them apart in the ever-evolving business landscape.

India’s Top 5 youngest entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2023
 

Kaivalya Vohra - Zepto - Revolutionising grocery delivery
 

Kaivalya Vohra, at the age of 21, has made remarkable strides as the co-founder and CTO of Zepto, a leading grocery delivery app. His entrepreneurial prowess has made him one of the youngest Indian billionaires.

In 2021, amidst the battle against COVID-19, Kaivalya Vohra, alongside his co-founder Aadit Palicha, launched Zepto. Despite the challenging circumstances, Zepto swiftly emerged as a prominent player in the e-grocery segment, transforming how people shop for essentials.

Kaivalya Vohra's journey took him to Stanford University, where he initially pursued a computer science engineering program. However, when the pandemic forced classes online, Kaivalya and Aadit boldly decided to leave the university and embark on their entrepreneurial venture in the e-grocery space.

With his outstanding achievements, Kaivalya Vohra boasts an estimated net worth of Rs 1,000 crore, a testament to the successful business and growth of Zepto under his leadership.

Key points -
 

• Kaivalya Vohra is the Co-founder and CTO of Zepto, a prominent grocery delivery app
• Launched Zepto in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a major player in the e-grocery segment
• Estimate net worth of Rs 1,000 crore, showcasing the success and business growth of Zepto

Shashvat Nakrani - BharatPe - Empowering small businesses
 

Shashvat Nakrani, an entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of the payment app BharatPe, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at an early age. Born in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Shashvat Nakrani co-founded BharatPe in 2018 as a 19-year-old college dropout from IIT-Delhi, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Textile Technology.

At the age of 25, Shashvat Nakrani continues to play an integral role in the growth and success of BharatPe. His entrepreneurial achievements have earned him substantial recognition, making him the youngest person featured on the prestigious IDFC FIRST Private Hurun India's Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2023 report. Among the thirteen self-made billionaires born in the 90s, Nakrani's accomplishments certainly stand out.

During his third year of college, Shashvat Nakrani recognised the need for a simplified payment gateway that could accept multiple payment apps with a single QR code. This realisation led to the inception of BharatPe. Leveraging the interoperability feature of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), Nakrani developed BharatPe, empowering merchants to accept payments from popular apps like Paytm, Google Pay, BHIM, Phone Pe, and more.

Key points -
 

• Co-founder and CEO of BharatPe, a payment app and entrepreneur
• Started BharatPe at the age of 19 while studying at IIT-Delhi
• Recognised as the second youngest entrepreneur in India
• Developed BharatPe to provide a simplified payment gateway for merchants
• Net worth surpasses Rs 1000 crore, highlighting his entrepreneurial achievements and the growth

Dilsher Malhi - Zupee - Gaming with a purpose
 

Dilsher Malhi, a resident of Gurugram, Haryana, embarked on a mission to revolutionise the gaming and gamification industry by establishing Zupee in 2018. With a vision to engage, empower, and entertain, Dilsher founded Zupee, which has emerged as a frontrunner in the competitive online gaming space.

Before his entrepreneurial venture, Dilsher Malhi pursued his B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, graduating in 2017. During his time at IIT Kanpur, he took on the role of heading the Simutech Club. This platform allowed students to explore theoretical, practical, and simulation projects in chemical engineering and other related disciplines.

Following his academic pursuits, Dilsher Malhi ventured into research as a Research Associate at EPFL, Switzerland. His work at EPFL focused on designing Microfluidic Platforms for Larval Stage Sorting and Multiplexed Single Embryo Culturing of C. elegans, encouraging his dedication to scientific innovation.

Now in its fifth year of operation, Zupee continues flourishing under Dilsher Malhi's leadership, steadily establishing itself as a prominent player in the online gaming and gamification industry.

Key points -
 

• Founder and CEO of Zupee, a leading online gaming and gamification platform
• Based in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Dilsher Malhi aims to engage, empower, and entertain through Zupee
• He holds a B.Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, where he led the Simutech Club
• Zupee has witnessed steady growth and emerged as a frontrunner in the competitive online gaming industry

Siddhant Saurabh - Zupee - Gaming with a purpose
 

The genius and creator of Zupee, Siddhant Saurabh, played a key role in creating the user-friendly Zupee we know today. With his expertise and passion for music, Siddhant has contributed to Zupee's business success by developing cutting-edge technology that will serve a growing customer base.

Siddhant Saurabh pursued his B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Kanpur, graduating in 2016. Following his graduation, he gained valuable experience as a Software Engineer at Graviton Research Capital LLP, Gurgaon, where he honed his skills in software development.

Alongside his co-founder Dilsher Malhi, Siddhant Saurabh is the brain behind Zupee. This gaming platform has garnered immense popularity. With over 10 million users to date, Zupee as a business has successfully engaged a vast user base thanks to the innovative ideas and technical expertise brought forth by its founders.

Key points -
 

• Siddhant Saurabh was instrumental in creating the app's slick, user-friendly interface
• After earning a degree from IIT Kanpur, he worked as a software engineer at Graviton Research Capital LLP in Gurgaon
• Zupee boasts a user base of over 10 million, reflecting its widespread popularity in the gaming industry
• Siddhant's musical expertise fuels Zupee's tech-driven success

Ritesh Agarwal - OYO - Revolutionising the hospitality industry
 

One of India's most prosperous businesspeople is Ritesh Agarwal, the visionary OYO Founder and CEO. Ritesh has elevated OYO Rooms, India's largest hotel chain, with his creative thinking.

In September 2012, Ritesh embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by launching Oravel Stays, a budget accommodation portal. Recognising the immense potential in the hospitality industry, Ritesh's venture quickly gained recognition. Oravel Stays was accepted into the prestigious accelerator program by Venture Nursery and secured one of the coveted Thiel Fellowships in 2013, receiving a generous grant of $100,000.

Building upon the business success and growth of Oravel Stays, Ritesh Agarwal officially launched OYO Rooms in May 2013. The company experienced exponential growth and raised $1 billion in funding by September 2018. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to OYO's vision, Ritesh tripled his stake with a remarkable $2 billion worth of shares purchased in July 2019.

Key points -
 

• Entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of OYO, has revolutionised the hospitality industry in India
• In 2012, Ritesh Agarwal broke new ground and became the second self-employed billionaire in history
• Considered one of the richest Indian businessmen, with an estimated value of $1.1 billion (Rs 72.53 billion)
• OYO is operating in more than 800 cities and planning to expand abroad

IDFC FIRST Private - Enabling young entrepreneurs with private banking solutions
 

With IDFC FIRST Private, young entrepreneurs in India can access a comprehensive range of private banking solutions to fuel their growth and drive change in their respective industries. Here are some features -

• Bespoke wealth management solutions that support wealth accumulation, preservation, expansion and transmission needs
• Exclusive banking benefits including higher interest rates, monthly interest credits and minimal and transparent fess on savings accounts; preferential rates on all loan requirements, discounted forex transactions, and unlimited doorstep banking
• VISA Infinite metal debit card that unlocks a world of benefits like domestic and international airport lounge access, golf access, higher cash withdrawal and POS purchase limits, exclusive lifestyle privileges and much more!
• Dedicated relationship team including a portfolio manager, private banker, product specialist, relationship manager, and service relationship manager
• Premium credit card that lets you enjoy BOGO offer on movie tickets up to ­500 on Paytm, access to international and domestic airport lounges and spas, complimentary golf rounds or lessons every month, and much more!

To wrap up
 

As we celebrate their achievements, we must recognise that their journeys are just the beginning of a new era in Indian entrepreneurship. With their trailblazing ventures, these youngest entrepreneurs of India inspire and pave the way for future entrepreneurs to dream big and create lasting impact.

Join IDFC FIRST Private  today and experience bespoke private banking which includes a world of unparalleled benefits, rewards, and financial expertise.
 

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