The latest list released by Hurun India in collaboration with IDFC First Private clearly highlights the growing dominance of young entrepreneurs in India’s startup ecosystem. The third edition of the list, which features India’s 200 most valuable companies founded after the year 2000, has brought quick-commerce startup Zepto into sharp focus.
Zepto founders Kaivalya Vohra (22) and Aadit Palicha (23) have emerged as the youngest top self-made entrepreneurs in the country. With a valuation of nearly Rs 52,400 crore, Zepto has established itself as one of India’s fastest-growing startups. According to the Hurun report, Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha have secured the first and second positions respectively on the prestigious list.
From Stanford dropouts to startup stars
The journey of Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha reads like a modern startup success story. Vohra, just 22, is a former Stanford University computer science dropout and has a net worth of approximately Rs 4,480 crore, as per the Hurun India Rich List 2025. Remarkably, he first entered the Hurun Rich List at the age of 19.
Aadit Palicha, the co-founder and CEO of Zepto, was also born in Mumbai and dropped out of Stanford University. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the duo identified a major gap in India’s grocery delivery market, leading to the birth of Zepto.
How Zepto took shape
Zepto initially started under the name ‘Kiranakart’, with a promised delivery time of 45 minutes. However, the company soon pivoted to a 10-minute delivery model, a move that set it apart in the competitive e-commerce space. Today, Zepto operates in several major Indian cities and has become extremely popular among young consumers.
Other young entrepreneurs on the list
The Hurun list also features other young business leaders. Shashwat Nakrani (27) of BharatPe ranks third, while founders from solar and green energy startups have also secured spots in the top 10. The combined valuation of the 200 companies on the list stands at around Rs 42 lakh crore, with entrepreneurs from 51 cities represented.
Notably, Eternal founder Deepinder Goyal claimed the top position this year, overtaking DMart’s R.K. Damani, underscoring how India’s young entrepreneurs are rapidly challenging established business giants.
