India minted 20 new unicorns in 2025. The pace is accelerating. Here are 10 startups that investors, analysts, and insiders are watching closely in 2026.
- Sarvam AI
Building large language models trained specifically on Indian languages. Backed by top-tier VCs and advised by some of India’s best AI researchers. If India produces a homegrown AI company that competes globally, Sarvam is the most likely candidate.
- Navi Technologies
Sachin Bansal’s fintech bet is growing quietly but steadily. Health insurance, personal loans, and mutual funds — all in one app. The IPO could come in 2026.
- Rapido
India’s bike taxi market is enormous and underpenetrated. Rapido is the clear leader and is expanding aggressively into auto and cab services. Profitability is in sight.
- Krutrim
Ola’s Bhavish Aggarwal pivoted hard into AI and built Krutrim — India’s first AI unicorn. Whether it can build products that people actually pay for is the big question of 2026.
- Pixis
AI-powered marketing automation for brands. Already profitable and growing internationally. One of India’s best kept startup secrets.
- Ather Energy
The electric scooter war is heating up. Ather makes the best product in the segment and is expanding its retail network rapidly. Watch for the IPO.
- Licious
Fresh meat delivery seemed like a niche idea. Licious proved otherwise. Now profitable and expanding into new cities, it is positioning itself as India’s premium food brand.
- BrowserStack
The developer tools company that most people outside tech have never heard of — but every major technology company in the world uses. Already highly profitable and growing 40% year over year.
- Euler Motors
Commercial electric vehicles are the next big wave. Euler is building electric three-wheelers for last-mile delivery — a massive market with almost no competition.
- Classplus
EdTech struggled post-pandemic but Classplus found the right model — helping coaching institutes go digital. Profitable, growing, and solving a real problem.
The Common Thread
All ten companies are solving real Indian problems at scale, have found a path to profitability, and have strong founding teams. That combination is rare — and valuable.
