Top Entrepreneurs Who Changed India’s Startup Story Featuring Abhay Bhutada

India’s entrepreneurial spirit has created many iconic leaders who have built impactful businesses from the ground up. These individuals didn't just build companies—they redefined industries, introduced innovative models, and prioritised community upliftment. One such name that continues to draw attention is Abhay Bhutada. Known for combining business with purpose, he joins a select list of visionaries who are changing the face of modern India. Let’s take a look at five Indian entrepreneurs whose work has shaped new standards of success and inspired future leaders.

Also Read: The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Vision for Inclusive Education in India 

The Bansal Duo Who Pioneered Online Shopping

TL;DR: In 2007, Sachin and Binny Bansal began their journey with Flipkart by selling books online. At the time, e-commerce in India was still in its infancy. But the Bansals believed in the digital future and relentlessly worked toward customer satisfaction, smart logistics, and a user-friendly interface. Flipkart’s tremendous growth, culminating in Walmart acquiring a majority stake in 2018, changed the way Indians shop today.

Their story is not just about building a business but about making e-commerce accessible to millions across the country, especially in non-metro areas.

Ritesh Agarwal’s Disruption of Budget Stays

Ritesh Agarwal’s journey started from humble beginnings. At just 19, he launched OYO Rooms with the aim of standardising affordable hotel stays. Before that, he had tried other ventures and even sold SIM cards to understand market needs.

With OYO, he not only helped unorganised hotels improve services but also ensured that travellers could access clean and cost-effective accommodation. His approach to problem-solving and his drive to scale globally made him one of the youngest self-made entrepreneurs from India.

CA Abhay Bhutada’s Vision for Business and Society

A Chartered Accountant by training, Abhay Bhutada is best known today for his dual focus on sustainable financial success and meaningful social impact. He launched the Abhay Bhutada Foundation in 2023 with a clear goal: to uplift marginalised communities, especially in the field of education.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s flagship initiative of distributing STEM kits to underprivileged schoolchildren has already reached numerous classrooms. His efforts are structured, scalable, and focused on long-term change rather than short-term charity.

What also sets him apart is the scale of his personal success. Abhay Bhutada's net worth is reported to exceed ₹1,000 crore, a figure that reflects not just financial growth but the trust and impact he has built over time. He represents a new kind of entrepreneur—one who sees giving back not as an option but as a responsibility.

Deepinder Goyal and the Food Tech Transformation

In 2008, Deepinder Goyal founded Zomato with the simple idea of making restaurant menus accessible online. What followed was a decade of innovation, growth, and transformation. Zomato evolved from a menu aggregator to a global food delivery and discovery platform.

Goyal continuously adapted to consumer needs, whether through real-time delivery tracking, hygiene ratings, or partnerships with local food businesses. His work not only created convenience for consumers but also gave visibility to countless small eateries, boosting local economies in the process.

Kunal Shah’s Mission to Make Finance Rewarding

Kunal Shah has always focused on making financial habits easier and more engaging. He started FreeCharge in 2010, a platform that allowed mobile recharges with cashback. But it was in 2018, with the launch of CRED, that he truly hit a nerve with urban Indians.

CRED turned credit card payments into a lifestyle experience, offering rewards, games, and even rent payment features. It gamified financial discipline and encouraged users to maintain good credit habits, all while creating a sleek, user-friendly digital experience.

A Fresh Definition of Entrepreneurial Success

These entrepreneurs might operate in different domains—retail, travel, finance, food, or social development—but what they have in common is their commitment to solving real-world problems. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions or massive capital. Instead, they acted on ideas with persistence, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what people actually need.

In Abhay Bhutada’s case, what’s refreshing is the genuine intent behind his social work. His financial growth hasn’t distanced him from the ground realities of the country. If anything, it has deepened his resolve to use his resources and experience to bridge gaps in education and opportunity. He is part of a generation of entrepreneurs that sees value not just in wealth but in impact.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Rises from Small-Town Beginnings to National Success

Conclusion

From Sachin and Binny Bansal revolutionising online retail to Ritesh Agarwal solving accommodation problems, and Deepinder Goyal enhancing food access—India has witnessed remarkable startup journeys. Kunal Shah turned everyday financial tasks into rewards, and Abhay Bhutada brought purpose to success by investing in education and empowerment.

They represent the best of modern India’s startup movement: not just smart businesspeople but thoughtful citizens. If you're exploring the journeys of those shaping the future, Abhay Bhutada and his peers offer examples that are both practical and inspiring. You can click here to learn more about Abhay Bhutada.

FAQs

1. Where did Abhay Bhutada begin his career, and what did he focus on?

Abhay Bhutada started his professional journey in 2010 with Bank of India, where he specialised in SME finance and developed a keen interest in using technology to support small enterprises.

2. How is Abhay Bhutada’s entrepreneurial journey unique?

What sets Abhay Bhutada apart is his focus on combining business success with meaningful social contributions. His foundation plays an active role in promoting hands-on learning and education in underprivileged areas.

3. What was Kunal Shah’s first major startup before he launched CRED?

Before introducing CRED in 2018, Kunal Shah founded FreeCharge in 2010, a platform that made digital payments more appealing by offering rewards and cashbacks for everyday transactions.