In March 2016, India’s first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.9 percent – the fastest economic growth the country has seen in the last five years, retaining its title as the fastest-growing economy in the world. Private equity investment within the country reached US$21 billion in 2015, a 67 percent jump from 2014. India’s positive outlook despite the world’s gloomy economic forecast for 2016 continues to attract major international investors into the country, including 500 Startups.
Founded in 2010 by Christine Tsai and Dave McClure, 500 Startups is one of the largest venture capital seed fund and seed accelerator firm in the world, with investments made in more than 1,300 tech startups worldwide.
500 Kulfi is the region-focused fund that was launched by 500 Startups in 2016 to support promising tech startups in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The US$25 million fund is currently focusing on companies specialising in data analytics, FinTech, EdTech, software as a service (SaaS), health & wellness and SMB. Below is a list of notable tech startups in India that has attracted investments from 500 Startups since its inception.
(Note: List is not exhaustive.)
KartRocket
Online and mobile e-commerce management platform that simplifies the process for individuals and businesses who intend to set up their store online
Website: https://www.kartrocket.com
Zipdial
Mobile marketing, engagement and analytics platform focused on emerging markets. In 2015, Zipdial was acquired by social networking platform, Twitter, for US$30 million
Website: http://zipdial.com/
Mygola
Last-minute mobile booking app that allows travellers to discover and book customisable travel itineraries. It is currently available in more than 15 cities across the globe, including Bangalore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney and Toronto. Mygola was acquired by India’s leading travel site, MakeMyTrip in 2015
Website: http://www.mygola.com
CultureAlley
Language learning platform that allows users to learn a language while surfing on Facebook or the web. Language lessons are interactive and self-paced. It currently has more than 400,000 users in over 200 countries
Website: http://culturealley.com
Wishup
Personal assistant and concierge service app where users can get almost anything, including hotel reservations, delivery services and household services. It aims to be a one-stop platform solution for any daily needs
Website: http://www.wishup.in
Cucumbertown
A blogging platform focused on food. Users can easily post their recipes onto the platform or browse recipes that are posted by other users. Cucumbertown was acquired by Japan’s largest recipe network, Cookpad in 2015
Website: http://www.cucumbertown.com
Instamojo
Payment gateway platform that simplifies the process of collecting online and mobile payment between customers and businesses. Touted as India’s largest multi-channel payment solution
Website: https://www.instamojo.com
Zapr
Data repository and analytics company that is focused on media consumption of individuals in India for businesses to engage in more efficient advertising campaigns
Website: http://zapr.in
Quickli
On-demand business-to-business (B2B) delivery service
Website: http://quickli.com
Online Tyari
Online and mobile learning platform to prepare jobseekers for their job-related examinations. Resources available on the platform include online mock tests and e-books.
Website: https://onlinetyari.com
Pricebaba
Shopping intelligence engine that aggregates the prices and availability of digital products from stores within the user’s location
Website: http://pricebaba.com
tripoto
User-generated online and mobile travel platform that let travellers share their travel experiences, write reviews on travel-related services and create itineraries for other travellers to discover
Website: https://www.tripoto.com
SocialCops
Data analytics company that focuses on pressing societal issues such as access to healthcare and optimisation of city budgets. Data is utilised by governments, public institutions, corporations and non-profit organisations for the betterment of society
Website: https://socialcops.com
Tushky
Online marketplace for leisure activities. Users can list, discover and book a wide range of leisure activities provided by other users in India
Website: http://tushky.com
stalkbuylove
E-commerce fashion website offering trendy and affordable fashion clothes, bags and accessories for fashion-conscious women
Website: http://www.stalkbuylove.com
LafaLafa
Online and mobile platform that offers users with maximum savings on their purchases through cashback, coupons and insider deals
Website: https://www.lafalafa.com
Schooladmissions
Integrated online platform for parents to manage their child’s admission process into the desired school
Website: http://www.schooladmissions.in
TradeBriefs
E-newsletter that provides daily curated content for business professionals. It currently has more than 700,000 corporate readers across 8 industries
Website: http://tradebriefs.com
Sourceeasy
Custom apparel manufacturing platform for designers, brands and e-commerce stores. Sourceeasy provides high quality apparel with quick turnaround and savings for customers
Website: https://sourceeasy.com
TargetingMantra
SaaS-based platform that provides one-stop solution for predictive marketing automation and personalisation needs for e-commerce businesses. In 2016, TargetingMantra was acquired by e-commerce giant, Snapdeal
Website: http://www.targetingmantra.com
Sheroes
Career platform focused on providing job opportunities for women professionals through its network of mentors, its supportive community and its diverse range of job opportunities, including part-time work and work from home options
Website: https://sheroes.in/
Urjakart
Online business-to-business (B2B) marketplace for industrial tools and supplies, allowing businesses to buy directly from Indian manufacturers, suppliers and exporters
Website: http://www.urjakart.com
Headout
On-demand mobile marketplace for travellers to discover and book tours, events, activities and travel experiences that are available for the next 24 hours. Listings are available in more than 10 cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, Dubai and Amsterdam
Website: https://www.headout.com
Switchme
Online switching service that simplifies the process of home loan transfers, allowing users to switch to home loan services that offer lower interest rates
Website: https://www.switchme.in
Silverpush
Cross-device user tracking software to provide analytical insight for businesses on their customers’ daily behaviour, allowing for more targeted advertising campaigns
Website: https://www.silverpush.co/
Edukart
Higher education online enrolment platform that offers more than 2,500 courses from renowned Indian and international education providers. Some of the degree courses offered include MBA, BA, BCom and BSc IT
Website: http://www.edukart.com
RippleHire
SaaS-based platform that simplifies the process for businesses to hire top talent
Website: http://www.ripplehire.com
Origa
Touted as the world’s first FinTech leasing company, Origa is an asset leasing solution for high growth companies across diverse industries, including healthcare, sanitation and alternative energy. These companies are usually not supported by a traditional banking system
Website: http://origaleasing.com
Teliportme
A tech company that launched Panorama 360, a popular mobile app that allows users to explore or share images and 360° panorama of their location worldwide. It currently has more than 7 million users
Website: http://www.teliportme.com
gazeMetrix
Image recognition and visual listening platform that helps businesses to identify risks and capitalise on opportunities available on the increasingly visual social web. In 2015, it was acquired by Toronto-based social intelligence platform, Sysomos
Website: https://www.gazemetrix.com
InnovAccer
Tech company focused on machine learning and big data technologies to simplify access to structured data and analytics
Website: http://www.innovaccer.com
WalletKit
SaaS-based platform that enables businesses to create, manage and deliver digital passes, tickets or coupons to mobile wallets
Website: http://www.walletkit.com
Springboard (formerly SlideRule)
Online educational institution that aims to provide high quality education that is accessible worldwide. It is currently focused on providing online courses for Data Science and UX Design skills
Website: https://www.springboard.com
Admission Table
Mobile-based marketplace for students and universities. A one-stop platform for potential university students to discover international universities based on their interests and peer recommendations. There are currently more than 1000 universities available on the platform
Website: http://www.admissiontable.com