New Delhi: A decade ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Startup India with a vision to transform India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Today, as the initiative marks its 10th anniversary, the success stories of companies like Paytm, Groww, and Zerodha stand as testaments to its impact. These homegrown giants have not only created millions of jobs but have fundamentally altered how ordinary Indians manage money, invest, and conduct daily transactions.
Paytm, once a simple mobile recharge app, evolved into India’s leading digital payments platform. From QR code scans at local kirana stores to seamless UPI transfers, Paytm democratized financial services. During the 2016 demonetization, it processed billions in transactions, proving its resilience. Today, with over 300 million users, Paytm’s journey mirrors India’s digital leap.
Enter Groww, the fintech disruptor that made stock investing accessible to the masses. Launched in 2016, Groww simplified mutual funds and demat accounts with a user-friendly app. No longer confined to brokers’ offices, retail investors from tier-2 and tier-3 cities now trade stocks effortlessly. Groww’s valuation soared to $3 billion, fueled by India’s booming equity cult.
Zerodha, India’s largest discount broker, pioneered zero-brokerage trading. Founded by brothers Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, it slashed costs that once deterred small investors. With 10 million clients and handling 15% of India’s retail trading volume, Zerodha has instilled financial literacy nationwide. Its Varsity platform educates users on markets, fostering a generation of informed investors.
These startups have shifted mindsets. The common man, once wary of banks and brokers, now embraces digital wallets, SIPs, and algo-trading. Startup India’s tax breaks, funding schemes, and incubation support fueled this revolution. Yet challenges remain: regulatory hurdles, funding winters, and competition. As India eyes a $5 trillion economy, these pioneers signal a brighter future for innovation-driven growth.