India’s entrepreneurial revolution marks its 10th anniversary with staggering milestones. Launched on January 16, 2016, Startup India catapulted the country from a handful of unicorns to more than 120, valued at over $350 billion collectively. This decade-long odyssey has reshaped business culture, turning ‘startup’ into a household buzzword.
At its core, the program dismantled barriers. Seed funding via the Fund of Funds poured Rs 8,000 crore into ventures. Tax holidays for three years lured investors, while single-window clearances slashed red tape. The result? A 30x surge in startups, from 500 in 2016 to 1.2 lakh today.
Sectoral booms tell the tale: Quick commerce like Blinkit, healthtech innovators, and space startups like Skyroot. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities emerged as hotspots, democratizing opportunities. Government recognitions granted angel tax exemptions, boosting investor confidence.
Critics point to overvaluation bubbles and job creation gaps, but data counters: Startups now employ 12 lakh people. Post-COVID, resilience shone through pivots to digital-first models.
As Startup India evolves, focus shifts to deep tech and sustainability. International roadshows beckon global VCs. This milestone isn’t just numbers—it’s India’s bold leap onto the world innovation stage.
