Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, both 22 years old and co-owners of Zepto, have occupied the number one position on the inaugural Avendus Wealth – Hurun India U30 List 2025.
These two young entrepreneurs, who disrupted India's fast commerce industry with their 10-minute grocery delivery company, represent the new generation of young, risk-taking entrepreneurs growing fast in fast-changing industries.
Released on July 17, this new U30 List features 79 outstanding leaders who are 30 years or younger, each leading firms worth more than $25 million (for first-time entrepreneurs) or $50 million (for succession entrepreneurs). The release also launches the overall "Uth Series", Avendus and Hurun India's new initiative, which will in forthcoming editions cover under-35 and under-40 lists as well.
This year's list captures a colorful blend of pioneers across sectors such as technology, healthcare, space research, fintech, consumer products, and AI. Other notable names include AVR Shree Smaran of AVR Swarna Mahal Jewellers, Arjun Deshpande of Generic Aadhaar, and Mihir Menda of RMZ. Rising stars on the list include Rahul Rawat from Digantara and Ujjwal Sukheja, Saran S, and Aniket Shah—the three Swish founders.
At 28, OptraSCAN's Devika Gholap is the youngest woman to be included, driving digital pathology innovation. She's among six women entrepreneurs included this year, also joining Devanshi Kejriwal of Skillmatics, AI-based marketer Vrushali Prasade of Pixis, and Svatantra Microfin's Ananyashree Birla—whose entrepreneurial journey spans the longest at 13 years.
"Entrepreneurship's face has been changing and is evident—the founders of today are younger, quicker, and more globally connected," opined Apurva Sahijwani, MD & CEO, Avendus Wealth Management. "The list is an ode to those breaking conventions and creating businesses that redefine success."
Mumbai takes the lead geographically with 15 of the 79 honourees, followed by Bengaluru (7), then Delhi and Jaipur (4 each) in close succession. Maharashtra also takes the lead at state level with 21 entrepreneurs, solidifying its position as India's business and innovation hub.
By industry representation, tech and software solutions led the way with 21 submissions, followed by consumer products (12) and finance services (9). What is particularly interesting is that 66 out of the 79 are first-generation self-made founders—proof positive of the nation's shifting startup culture.
Together, these young visionaries collectively have raised more than $5.2 billion of equity and $270 million of debt financing, while contributing directly to over 64,000 jobs. Svatantra Microfin alone has more than 23,000 employees. Organizations such as Zepto (that closed 10 equity rounds of $1.95 billion) and Perplexity (with 40 investors and $915 million of capital) reflect the breadth of investment being made in youth-led businesses.
"Not only are these young leaders pursuing valuations, they're building sustainable, socially impactful businesses," remarked Anas Rahman Junaid, Founder & Chief Researcher at Hurun India. "From space technology to digital finance, this lot is writing the rulebook."
Among academic institutions, BITS Pilani led the charge with eight alumni featured on the list, followed by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi. The average age of the selected entrepreneurs stands at 28, highlighting how early innovation and leadership are emerging in India's startup culture.
With India's entrepreneurial sphere ever-changing, the Avendus Wealth – Hurun India U30 List 2025 gives us a glimpse of the bold and forward-thinking individuals who are rewriting the rules on success and creating the next generation of transformative businesses.
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