India has become one of the world’s fastest-growing startup hubs. Many startups reached a valuation of over $1 billion, also called “unicorns,” in record time. Here is a detailed and easy-to-understand guide about the top 10 Indian startups that achieved this success very fast.
1. Mensa Brands – Reached Unicorn in 6 Months
Mensa Brands started in May 2021. The company buys small online brands in fashion, home decor, beauty, and personal care. After buying these brands, it helps them grow using better marketing, technology, and supply chains.
Mensa became a unicorn in only six months. Investors trusted it because the founder, Ananth Narayanan, had good experience with Myntra. Today, Mensa manages more than 20 brands. It focuses on profit and strong growth even during the recent funding slowdown.
2. GlobalBees – Reached Unicorn in 7 Months
GlobalBees started in May 2021. It followed the same model as Mensa. It bought and helped online brands in categories like beauty, home products, and fashion jewelry.
It took just seven months to become a unicorn. Strong investors and support from FirstCry helped the company grow very fast. Today, it owns and manages multiple brands and focuses on upgrading supply chains and better business planning.
3. Krutrim (Ola Krutrim) – India’s First AI Unicorn
Krutrim began in 2023 under Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal. It works on artificial intelligence, AI tools, and data infrastructure made especially for India.
In January 2024, Krutrim became a unicorn after raising fresh funds. The company builds AI models, data centers, and AI-powered applications. It continues to work on stronger AI systems and aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign AI technology.
4. 5ire – Blockchain Unicorn in 11 Months
5ire started in August 2021. It promotes a sustainable and eco-friendly blockchain system. The founders call it a “5th Industrial Revolution” that combines technology and sustainability.
It became a unicorn in just 11 months after investors funded its vision. Today, the company builds partnerships with governments and companies to use blockchain in real projects like voting, supply chains, and digital identity.
5. Glance – Lock-Screen Content Unicorn in Under 2 Years
Glance started in 2019. It shows live news, games, videos, and shopping content directly on smartphone lock screens.
Because it partnered with major phone brands, Glance instantly reached millions of users. In less than two years, it became a unicorn. Today, it also offers live shopping shows and entertainment without needing to open any apps.
6. Apna – Job Platform for Working Class Indians
Apna started in 2019. It helps blue-collar and grey-collar workers like delivery boys, electricians, salespeople, and housemaids find jobs easily.
It became a unicorn in around 21 months. Apna grew fast because it solved a big problem for millions of job seekers. The app allows people to create profiles, join career groups, learn skills, and apply directly to employers. Today, it serves workers from many cities across India.
7. Ola Electric – Fastest EV Unicorn in India
Ola Electric launched in 2017 as part of Ola. It began making electric scooters to reduce fuel use and pollution in India.
In just two years, Ola Electric became a unicorn. It built one of the world’s largest electric scooter factories. In 2024, it entered the stock market (IPO). The company now focuses only on improving scooters and bikes before making electric cars.
8. Zepto – Quick Grocery Delivery in Under 10 Minutes
Zepto started in 2021 by two young college dropouts. It delivers groceries and daily goods in 10–15 minutes using dark stores (mini warehouses near customers).
In 2023, Zepto became the first Indian unicorn of that year. In 2025, its value went up to around $7 billion as it expanded to new cities. It now plans to open more stores and also move its company headquarters back to India.
9. Udaan – B2B Marketplace for Shopkeepers
Udaan started in 2016 by three former Flipkart employees. It helps small shops buy goods directly from manufacturers at lower prices.
It became a unicorn in just 26 months, making it one of the fastest unicorns in India at that time. Udaan supplies kirana stores, wholesalers, chemists, and restaurants. Today, the company focuses on profit, better logistics, and safer credit systems.
10. CRED – Rewards App for Credit Card Users
CRED started in 2018 by Kunal Shah. It rewards users for paying credit card bills on time. Later, it also added loans, investments, insurance, and shopping.
CRED took around 2.5 to 3 years to become a unicorn. It focuses on high-income users and gives exclusive rewards and offers. In 2024, it bought the investment platform Kuvera and plans to become a full financial app.
What Makes These Startups Special?
1. Fast Growth Through Smart Distribution
- Glance reached millions of users through phone lock screens.
- Zepto used dark stores in every neighborhood.
- Udaan connected thousands of shopkeepers directly with suppliers.
2. Strong Investor Support
- Most startups received large funding early.
- Investors trusted founders with strong experience or new ideas.
3. Clear Vision and Bold Ideas
- Krutrim promised an Indian-made AI system.
- 5ire aimed to make blockchain greener and sustainable.
- Mensa and GlobalBees built strong brand houses by acquiring small businesses.
4. Focus on Profit and Operations
- Startups did not just launch apps—they built strong supply chains, delivery systems, credit systems, and technology platforms.
Latest Trends in 2024–2025
- AI Startups Growing Fast: After Krutrim, more Indian startups focus on AI tools, language models, and data centers.
- Electric Vehicles Expanding: Ola Electric focuses on improving scooters and building better batteries after its IPO.
- Quick Commerce Rising: Zepto continues to lead fast delivery and plans an IPO soon.
- More Unicorns to Come: Startups like Porter (logistics) became unicorns in 2025, showing strong investor confidence.
Final Thoughts
These startups did not just grow fast—they solved real problems, used strong technology, and made bold decisions. They proved that Indian companies can reach global standards in speed, innovation, and execution.
Also Read – How to Handle Startup Debt Without Losing Control