Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, co-founders of quick commerce unicorn Zepto, have been named the youngest entrepreneurs on the inaugural Avendus Wealth–Hurun India U30 List 2025. At just 22, the duo represents India’s emerging wave of young, self-made startup founders reshaping the business landscape.
Launched under the Uth Series 2025, the list features 79 of India’s most promising entrepreneurs under 30, spotlighting both first-generation founders of startups valued at over $25 million and second-generation leaders managing family businesses worth more than $50 million.
Vohra and Palicha, known for building one of India’s fastest-growing quick commerce platforms, are among the 66 self-made entrepreneurs on the list—underscoring the rise of independent innovation across the country.
Mumbai led the list with 15 entrepreneurs, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi. Notably, founders from smaller cities like Salem, Phagwara, Hubballi, and Ranchi were also featured, reflecting the growing decentralisation of India’s startup ecosystem.
The average age of entrepreneurs on the list is 28. On the women-led front, Devika Gholap (28), founder of OptraSCAN, was recognized as the youngest female entrepreneur for her work in digital pathology.
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Software products and services emerged as the most represented sector, accounting for 21 entrepreneurs, followed by consumer goods (12) and financial services (9). Over 60% of the startups are service-led, highlighting the dominance of scalable service models in India’s evolving economy.
Collectively, these under-30-led ventures have raised $5.2 billion in equity and $270 million in debt, employing over 64,000 people. Svatantra Microfin, founded by Ananyashree Birla, stood out as the largest employer on the list with a workforce of 23,289. At age 30, Birla also holds the longest entrepreneurial journey on the list, spanning 13 years.
