7 Indian Startups That Made It Big in 2025 – Is Your Favorite on the List?
2025 has been a remarkable year for India's startup ecosystem, with several companies achieving unicorn status. From quick commerce to edtech, these startups are reshaping industries and attracting significant investments.
StartupsUnicornsIndian EconomyInnovationInvestmentReal EstateMay 24, 2025
1. Zepto
Zepto continues to dominate India’s quick commerce race with its 10-minute delivery model that set a trend for all its competitors to struggle against and an urban youth appeal. Launched in 2021, it is now valued at $5 billion due to its aggressive scaling with hyper-local fulfillment centers and a tech-first approach to logistics. With its newly launched Zepto cafe shaking up the industry and bringing in the big bucks, there seems to be no growth falter in its near future.
2. Physics Wallah
A startup unicorn that is making immense waves and that began originally as a YouTube channel in 2016, Physics Wallah has rapidly transformed into a full-fledged edtech powerhouse after its app was launched in 2020. In 2025 it is currently valued at $3.7 billion, after raising $210 million and increasing its valuation from $2.8 billion to the present value in just 6 months. Its unique blend of affordable online content and offline expansion is redefining education accessibility in India.
3. Licious
Licious, the beloved online meat and seafood delivery brand of many households, made its way into unicorn territory after a fresh funding round. Now worth $1.5 billion, the brand is eyeing an IPO with a target of achieving $2 billion in valuation, while standardizing India’s fragmented meat retail space and offering a quick and affordable solution to millions.
4. Rebel Foods
Rebel Foods, the world’s largest cloud kitchen operator with numerous known sub-brands such as Faasos, Sweet Truth, Oven Story, etc., under its umbrella, raised $120 million in 2024 and a further $25 million in 2025, to scale its multi-brand virtual restaurant model. With a current valuation of $1.4 billion, it’s redefining how Indians experience food delivery.
5. Netradyne
A startup driven by improving fleet-focused solutions by specializing in AI-powered telematics for fleet safety, Netradyne became 2025’s first startup unicorn. Its driver monitoring and analytics tools are already being used by logistics firms globally, propelling it to a $1.34 billion valuation. It raised $90 million in Series D funding in January 2025, positioning it as one of the highest-valued startup unicorns in India.
6. Porter
When one thinks of inter-city and intra-city delivery transfers, Porter is at the fore as the logistics startup known for on-demand mini-truck rentals and last-mile delivery. It hit unicorn status after a $200 million raise, and with a focus on SMEs and urban logistics, it is now the industry leader, valued at $1.2 billion and expanding across Tier-2 cities.
7. Rapido
India’s bike-taxi pioneer, Rapido, crossed the unicorn mark with a $1.1 billion valuation. With its constant expansion to mobility offerings beyond bikes such as autos and cabs and even logistics, Rapido is now a serious player to be reckoned with in the shared transport game.
These startups span diverse sectors, including edtech, quick commerce, AI, logistics, and mobility, reflecting the dynamic nature of India’s startup ecosystem in 2025. Their achievements underscore the country’s robust entrepreneurial spirit and the increasing investor confidence in innovative business models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a unicorn startup?
A unicorn startup is a privately held company valued at over $1 billion. These companies are considered highly successful and are often leaders in their respective industries.
Which sectors are the most prominent in India's startup ecosystem?
The most prominent sectors in India's startup ecosystem include edtech, quick commerce, AI, logistics, and mobility. These sectors are driving innovation and attracting significant investments.
How did Zepto achieve such rapid growth?
Zepto achieved rapid growth through its 10-minute delivery model, aggressive scaling with hyper-local fulfillment centers, and a tech-first approach to logistics. Its urban youth appeal and innovative business model have been key factors in its success.
What is the significance of Physics Wallah's transformation from a YouTube channel to a full-fledged edtech company?
Physics Wallah's transformation from a YouTube channel to a full-fledged edtech company highlights the power of digital platforms in education. Its unique blend of affordable online content and offline expansion has redefined education accessibility in India.
What is the current valuation of Rebel Foods, and how has it grown?
Rebel Foods is currently valued at $1.4 billion. It has grown significantly by raising $120 million in 2024 and a further $25 million in 2025, scaling its multi-brand virtual restaurant model and redefining how Indians experience food delivery.
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