22 March 2025, Hyderabad: India’s startup ecosystem is on the brink of unprecedented expansion, with the number of startups projected to double from 120,000 in 2023 to 240,000 by 2030.
This rapid growth is expected to fuel a surge in high-value enterprises, with the number of unicorns—startups valued at over $1 billion—rising from 114 to 280 within the decade. The expansion is also poised to have a significant impact on employment, contributing both direct and indirect job creation across key sectors.
Employment Boom in the Startup Sector
The startup ecosystem is projected to generate 50 million jobs by 2030. Of these, direct white-collar employment is expected to grow from 1.5 million to 4-5 million jobs. The gig economy is also set to expand significantly, creating 9-10 million jobs, while indirect employment is estimated to contribute an additional 35-40 million jobs.
“A significant portion of these jobs will come from emerging startups rather than just expansion in existing companies. As India moves toward 280 unicorns, most of the employment growth will stem from companies scaling up in AI, SaaS, clean tech, and fintech,” said Rohit Srivastava, senior partner at Longhouse.
Shift in Founder Demographics
The report highlighted a notable shift in the profile of startup founders. Between 2020 and 2024, 40% of unicorn founders had 10-15 years of prior industry experience, a significant rise from 26% in the 2008-2013 period. Additionally, 55% of unicorn founders held leadership positions before launching their ventures, emphasizing the increasing role of domain expertise and professional networks in building successful businesses.
Another key trend is the rise of seasoned entrepreneurs. The share of unicorn founders with over 20 years of experience reached 30%, signaling a shift away from the era of young, early-stage entrepreneurs. “The days of fresh-out-of-college unicorn builders are giving way to a more seasoned cohort,” Srivastava noted.
Emerging Industry Trends
The study pointed to key industry trends shaping the future of India’s startup landscape. While fintech and enterprise tech remain dominant, AI-led innovation, deep tech, and sustainability-focused startups are gaining investor attention.
AI is expected to be a major driver of growth across sectors, not only fueling new startups but also transforming existing businesses. SaaS is emerging as a strong contender, with more Indian startups scaling to global markets.
“AI is both a job creator and a disruptor. While automation may replace routine jobs, it is also opening new opportunities in AI development, enterprise transformation, and specialized services. Companies focusing on AI-driven workflow automation and IT transformation are witnessing strong hiring trends,” Srivastava added.
With India’s startup ecosystem expanding at an unprecedented pace, the next decade is set to redefine the entrepreneurial landscape, generating employment and fostering innovation across industries.
Source: The Times of India
