Success Stories of Indian Startups Born on College Campuses
India’s startup ecosystem has flourished over the years, and many of the country’s most successful ventures trace their origins back to college campuses. These institutions not only provide academic knowledge but also foster an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. Let’s explore some remarkable success stories of Indian startups that were born on college campuses:
1. Flipkart – IIT Delhi
Founded by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, Flipkart began as an online bookstore in 2007. The idea was born during their time at IIT Delhi, where they studied Computer Science. Today, Flipkart is one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms and a pioneer in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
Acquired by Walmart in 2018 for $16 billion.
Introduced innovations like cash-on-delivery and Big Billion Days.
2. RedBus – BITS Pilani
Phanindra Sama, a BITS Pilani graduate, co-founded RedBus after facing difficulties booking a bus ticket during a holiday. The startup revolutionized bus travel booking in India, offering a seamless platform for users.
Key Achievements:
Acquired by the Ibibo Group for $100 million.
Operates in multiple countries, including Singapore and Malaysia.
3. Zomato – IIT Delhi
Originally known as Foodiebay, Zomato was founded by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah while they were working at Bain & Company and leveraging their IIT Delhi education. The platform started as a menu aggregator and grew into one of the world’s leading food delivery services.
Key Highlights:
Expanded to over 20 countries.
Went public in 2021 with a highly successful IPO.
4. Swiggy – BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani alumnus Sriharsha Majety co-founded Swiggy, India’s leading food delivery platform. The idea stemmed from the challenges of ordering food efficiently in urban areas.
Key Achievements:
Operates in over 500 cities in India.
Raised billions in funding from global investors like Naspers and SoftBank.
5. Ola – IIT Bombay
Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, graduates of IIT Bombay, co-founded Ola to transform India’s transportation landscape. What began as a cab aggregation service now offers a range of mobility solutions, including auto-rickshaws, bikes, and electric vehicles.
Key Highlights:
Expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
Launched Ola Electric for sustainable transportation.
6. InMobi – IIT Kanpur
Founded by Naveen Tewari, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, InMobi started as mKhoj and later evolved into a global mobile advertising platform.
Key Achievements:
First Indian startup to achieve unicorn status.
Operates in over 60 countries, serving top brands worldwide.
7. BYJU’S – IIM Bangalore
BYJU’S, founded by Byju Raveendran, gained momentum during his time at IIM Bangalore. What began as a test preparation platform is now one of the world’s largest edtech companies.
Key Highlights:
Acquired several global edtech companies, including Osmo and WhiteHat Jr.
Valued at over $22 billion, impacting millions of students worldwide.
8. Housing.com – IIT Bombay
Housing.com was founded by a group of IIT Bombay students, including Rahul Yadav, as a solution to the lack of organized housing search platforms in India.
Key Achievements:
Raised significant funding from global investors.
Became a leading real estate search portal in India.
9. CureFit – IIM Bangalore
Mukesh Bansal, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, co-founded CureFit to revolutionize the health and fitness industry in India. The platform offers holistic wellness solutions, including fitness, nutrition, and mental health.
Key Highlights:
Operates fitness centers across India and provides digital wellness services.
Raised over $400 million in funding.
10. Innov8 – Delhi University
Dr. Ritesh Malik, a graduate of Delhi University, founded Innov8, a coworking space that caters to startups and freelancers. The idea emerged from the lack of affordable and creative workspaces for budding entrepreneurs.
Key Achievements:
Acquired by OYO for $30 million.
Operates multiple coworking centers across India.
Conclusion
College campuses in India have become breeding grounds for innovative ideas and entrepreneurial ventures. Institutions like IITs, IIMs, and BITS Pilani not only provide the resources but also cultivate a culture of innovation and risk-taking. These success stories inspire countless students to turn their ideas into impactful startups, reinforcing the importance of a supportive academic ecosystem.