Image Source: ET Now
India’s entrepreneurial landscape is undergoing a generational shift, and it’s being led by visionaries under 40 who are rewriting the rules of business, technology, and social transformation. From AI-driven cybersecurity to sustainable waste management and metaphysical wellness, these young leaders are proving that age is no barrier to innovation, scale, or purpose.
The 2025 editions of ET Now’s 40 Under 40 and Fortune India’s Young Business Leaders lists spotlight a new breed of founders and executives who are not just building companies—they’re architecting change across sectors and geographies.
Key Highlights
Young entrepreneurs under 40 are driving innovation in AI, fintech, sustainability, and wellness
Many are first-generation founders with unconventional journeys and global ambitions
Collectively, they’ve created tens of thousands of jobs and attracted billions in investment
Their ventures span quick commerce, digital payments, gaming, biotech, and ESG-driven platforms
Lists curated by ET Now, Fortune India, and TechTalksToday showcase their impact and vision
Tech and Startup Disruption
Akhil Sharma – Armur AI
Founder of a cybersecurity startup using large language models for automated pentesting and code audits
Armur AI is redefining digital defense for modern applications, with clients across fintech and SaaS sectors
Aadit Palicha & Kaivalya Vohra – Zepto
India’s youngest founders behind the 10-minute grocery delivery revolution
Zepto now operates over 250 stores and serves 4 million subscribers, expanding into Zepto Café and electronics
Shashvat Nakrani – BharatPe
Co-founder of a fintech platform empowering 10 million merchants with UPI payments and working capital loans
BharatPe leads in offline digital transactions and financial inclusion for small businesses
Social Impact and Sustainability
Abhishek Deshpande – Recykal
Built a billion-rupee waste-tech platform after failing his board exams and bartending to survive
Recykal digitizes waste collection and recycling, partnering with municipalities and corporates for ESG compliance
Aaradhya Dev Khanna – Khanna Gems & The Spiritual Clinic
Merges gemology with aura technology to pioneer metaphysical wellness
His work bridges ancient Indian wisdom with modern diagnostics, redefining holistic healing
Dilsher Malhi – Zupee
Founder of a skill-based gaming platform offering real rewards through classic board games
Zupee promotes cognitive engagement and monetization in India’s booming casual gaming market
Business Transparency and Data Intelligence
Anchal Agarwal – Tofler
CEO of India’s leading SME diligence platform
Tofler democratizes access to company financials, empowering investors, founders, and analysts with real-time data
Abhinav Rastogi – RMX Industries & BluBird Inc.
Leads a global manufacturing and distribution business in industrial hoses and accessories
His dual leadership across India and the US reflects the growing global footprint of Indian entrepreneurs
Why This Matters
These young leaders are not just building scalable businesses—they’re solving real problems with empathy and precision
Their ventures reflect a shift toward purpose-driven capitalism, where profit and impact go hand in hand
Many have overcome personal setbacks, systemic barriers, and resource constraints to reach national and global prominence
Their success stories inspire a new generation of founders to pursue bold ideas with conviction and resilience
Conclusion
India’s youth-led entrepreneurial wave is no longer a fringe movement—it’s the new mainstream. As these under-40 leaders continue to challenge norms, build inclusive ecosystems, and scale innovation, they’re shaping a future where business is not just about bottom lines, but about better lives. The message is clear: this is no kids’ business—it’s the business of tomorrow.
Sources: ET Now 40 Under 40, Fortune India 40 Under 40, TechTalksToday
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