New Delhi: India, a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent, is witnessing a surge in inspiring leaders who are reshaping various industries and redefining the rules of the game. These visionary individuals are spearheading innovation, disrupting traditional models, driving positive change and contributing to the growth of the nation. In this list, we shine a spotlight on five remarkable entrepreneurs who have left an indelible mark on their respective industries. From revolutionizing hospitality and social gaming to successfully competing with international giants and empowering legal services, these trailblazers are not only making a mark on their industries but also inspiring others to dream big with their exceptional leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. They serve as inspiring role models for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential of young talent to drive positive change and shape the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Join us as we delve into the stories of Ritesh Agarwal, Saurabh Pandey, Kabir Jeet Singh, Pranav Goel, and Niranjan Vemuklar, and explore their inspiring journeys of innovation and disruption.
Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, OYO – Disrupting Hospitality
Ritesh Agarwal is easily the most recognizable name on this list. In 2012, Ritesh Agarwal launched Oravel Stays to enable the listing and booking of budget accommodations. Billed to be the Airbnb of India, the company pivoted to OYO Hotels and Homes in 2013 and is currently a global platform that empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels & homes by providing full-stack technology & brings easy-to-book, affordable & trusted accommodation to customers around the world.
Recognizing the need for affordable and standardized lodging options, Ritesh Agarwal developed OYO’s innovative business model that revolutionized the hospitality industry in India and beyond. His relentless dedication and strategic vision have positioned OYO as a leading player in the global hospitality market. OYO has more than 4,50,000 listings in more than 500 urban areas in India, the United States, China, Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
Saurabh Pandey, CEO & Co-founder, Eloelo – Revolutionizing Social Gaming
Saurabh Pandey, a tech enthusiast and avid gamer, co-founded Eloelo, a Live Social Gaming & Entertainment App with 20Mn+ Users. Launched in 2018, Eloelo has gained significant popularity in the Indian gaming ecosystem. With his passion for gaming and expertise in technology, Saurabh Pandey has transformed the way Indians experience and interact with digital entertainment. Under his leadership, Eloelo has gained significant popularity, creating a vibrant gaming and live-streaming community in India.
In February 2023, Eloelo set a record for a 144-hour continuous live stream on a mobile app in India with Lovehouse, India’s first-ever online reality show. Over 4 million viewers tuned in live on the Eloelo app from the 9th to the 14th of February for the show.
Saurabh was named ‘Top 35 under 35’ for the Class of 2022 by Entrepreneur India. He envisions making Eloelo the most trusted safe space for content creators on the internet and facilitating economic opportunities for them via live engagement & social gaming with fans.
Kabir Jeet Singh, CEO & Founder, Burger Singh – Successfully competing with International QSR Brands.
Kabir Jeet Singh puts the Singh in Burger Singh, India’s largest homegrown burger chain that has carved itself a niche with its quirky, unique and Indianised offerings in a market that is dominated by several multinational chains.
Launched in 2014, Burger Singh’s aim was to introduce Indian consumers to high-quality and flavorful burgers inspired by Indian spices and flavours. Burger Singh, known for its creative and delectable burger offerings, has gained popularity across India.
Kabir Jeet Singh’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for delivering exceptional food experiences have set Burger Singh apart in the competitive market. Burger Singh differentiates itself by customizing its menu offerings to suit local tastes and preferences across different regions in India. The Burger chain has 90+ stores in 14 states and 56 cities, making it the leading homegrown QSR chain of Indian restaurants.
Pranav Goel, CEO & Co-founder, Porter – Disrupting Logistics:
Pranav Goel, an innovative entrepreneur, co-founded Porter, a technology-driven logistics platform, in 2014. Porter connects businesses with efficient and reliable trucking services.
Recognizing the challenges faced by businesses in the logistics sector, Pranav Goel developed Porter’s platform to connect businesses with efficient and reliable trucking services. His vision and dedication have transformed the logistics landscape in India, making Porter a leading player in the industry.
At present, Porter works with e-commerce, FMCG, SMEs, traders, 3PLs, couriers, and cargo companies. It has disrupted various domains of logistics by launching an on-demand marketplace for LCVs and bikes — Porter for Enterprise and Packers and Movers.
Niranjan Vemulkar, CEO & Co-founder, Yellow – Empowering Legal Services:
Niranjan Vemulkar, a visionary entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Yellow, a digital platform that simplifies the process of creating legal wills. Yellow was founded in 2020 with the mission to make legal services more accessible and user-friendly. Yellow enables users to generate personalized wills conveniently and securely, empowering individuals to protect their assets and plan for the future.
Niranjan Vemulkar’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to accessing legal services have made Yellow a trusted name in the industry. It is estimated that nearly 1.5 lakh crores lie in unclaimed accounts in India due to incomplete financial planning, including lack of a Will. To address these challenges, Yellow has developed a first-of-its-kind digital Will-making solution not just for those with access to expensive lawyers and wealth management firms but for every Indian across the nation.