Next-Gen Leaders: Top 10 Indian Startup Founders Changing the Game

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, a new generation of leaders is emerging, poised to redefine the rules of entrepreneurship. “Next-Gen Leaders: Top 24 Indian Startup Founders Changing the Game” celebrates the visionaries who are at the forefront of this transformation.

These trailblazers are not only driving innovation and creating groundbreaking solutions but are also inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurs across the nation. Their remarkable journeys, filled with resilience and creativity, highlight the dynamic spirit of India’s startup ecosystem and the limitless potential it holds for the future.

Shantanu Deshpande: Founder of Bombay Shaving Company

The 36 years old Shantanu Deshpande is the founder of Bombay Shaving Company, a grooming brand that has taken the Indian market by storm. As a graduate of IIM-Lucknow and former advisor at McKinsey and Co, Deshpande has brought his expertise to the table, creating a line of 60 hair and skin products that cater to all grooming needs. Whether you’re looking to rock a hipster beard like Virat Kohli or keep it clean-shaven, Bombay Shaving Company has got you covered.

The company was launched in 2016, with the aim of offering a premium shaving experience to those who were tired of using run-of-the-mill products. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include a range of grooming products, from trimmers to women’s shaving products. The company’s success can be attributed to its ability to diversify its consumer base and leverage strategic investments from competitors Reckitt Benckiser and Colgate Palmolive.

With an annual recurring revenue of Rs.180-190 crore and plans to expand to 200,000 stores by year-end, Deshpande is poised to take Bombay Shaving Company to new heights. His goal is to build a Rs.25-crore-a-month business by the end of the year, with a 70-30 split between men and women’s products. As the company continues to grow and innovate, Deshpande’s vision of offering a premium grooming experience to all remains at the forefront.

Pragati Bhatia, Founder – Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear

Pragati Bhatia is the creative mind behind Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear and a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to crafting the epitome of comfort in sleepwear and loungewear. From morning coffees to slipping into slumber, her creations envelop you in unparalleled comfort, blending couture with cozy elegance that beckons you to surrender.

Pragati’s passion for fashion and apparel ignited the spark to start her own business, driven by a desire to create something remarkable and influential. As a young entrepreneur, she faced numerous challenges, including navigating the vast landscape of industry knowledge and taking responsibility for every aspect of her business. Through exhaustive research and resource allocation, she struck a balance between commerce and creativity, overcoming obstacles with determination and resilience.

She envisions Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear as a transformative force in shaping the future of India. Her goal is to redefine the perception of sleepwear and loungewear, empowering individuals to prioritize self-care and personal expression. Through collaborations with artisans, she promotes Indian craftsmanship and contributes to a more conscious fashion industry, inspiring a society that values well-being and style.

Richa Sharma, Founder – House of RM, Social Activist & Psychologist

Richa Sharma is a dynamic individual who has always strived to stand out, whether in school, college, or any other endeavor. Her journey has been marked by a deep desire to carve her own path, which led her to explore various fields and even start working at the age of 17 to gain experience. Despite her early success as an editor in a media house, she longed for something more—a desire to become an entrepreneur.

In 2019, Richa had a life-altering experience that brought her close to death, granting her a second chance at life in 2020. This profound experience humbled her and grounded her, reshaping her perspective on life. The pandemic further reinforced the importance of mental health, inspiring her to pursue a diploma in psychology. Recognizing that many people suffer in silence, Richa was driven to make a meaningful impact by offering a listening ear and supporting those in need.

Richa draws her strength from within, finding inspiration in her own journey rather than in the achievements of others. She admires those who work hard, regardless of the scale of their efforts, but remains steadfast in her belief that her purpose is to shine light on others. Her life philosophy revolves around being content with who she is, free from the pressures of competition or societal expectations. Although she has faced struggles and received more criticism than encouragement, Richa thrives on proving others wrong and achieving her goals.

Outside of her professional life, Richa is a social and outgoing person who loves to write, read, explore new places, and meet new people. She prioritizes spending quality time with her family, dedicating one day each week to disconnecting from technology and focusing entirely on her loved ones.

Richa’s message to others is simple yet powerful: pursue what you love, take inspiration and advice when needed, but never let others dictate your destiny. For her, a successful life is not defined by external measures but by living humbly, surrounded by those she loves, and having the freedom to do what brings her joy.

Shilpa Seth Bhambri, Culinary Maestro

Shilpa Seth Bhambri is a highly regarded culinary expert and brand advisor, boasting over 25 years of extensive experience in the culinary world, with a particular specialization in desserts, cakes, and ice cream. As the founder and owner of the successful bakery and cake boutique, The Cakeline, Shilpa has built a reputation for excellence in her craft. Her journey has since evolved, transitioning into the realm of quick-service restaurant (QSR) and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brand culinary consultancy. Currently, she serves as the Head of Culinary for Baskin-Robbins India, where she plays a pivotal role in curating and developing innovative culinary concepts and products that resonate with consumers.

In her latest endeavours, Shilpa has curated a new product profile for Purple Room by Cadbury India, showcasing her ability to blend creativity with market trends. Her expertise is not limited to product development; she is also an experienced bakery and culinary trainer, having designed customized solution models aimed at empowering home bakers, entrepreneurs, and new start-ups. This training not only enhances skills but also fosters a sense of community among aspiring culinary professionals.

Recently, Shilpa curated an exciting Mother’s Day chocolate-centric workshop for Cadbury India, in collaboration with Fresh Pik. This event highlighted her passion for sharing knowledge and her commitment to engaging with the culinary community. Shilpa’s workshops are known for their interactive nature, providing participants with hands-on experience while learning from her wealth of knowledge.

As an influential figure in the culinary space, Shilpa is also a dynamic chef, lifestyle influencer, and food blogger. Through her platform, @chefshilpasethbhambri, she delights her audience with a wide array of culinary creations, restaurant and expo reviews ranging from decadent desserts to food products & trends. Her engaging content not only showcases her skills but also inspires her followers to embrace their own culinary journeys.

Balancing her professional commitments with family life, Shilpa is a proud mother to twin boys. She skilfully manages her time, ensuring that she can craft delicious meals for her family while also maintaining her energy through gym & fitness sessions. This balance reflects her belief in the importance of health and well-being, both for herself and her family.

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Shilpa’s journey has not been without challenges. Transitioning from a homemaker to a corporate professional presented its own set of hurdles, including mastering new technologies and navigating gender biases within the corporate landscape. However, her resilience and determination have enabled her to overcome these obstacles and thrive in her career.

Shilpa’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is both empowering and practical. She encourages them to embrace their unique qualities, carry themselves with confidence, and remain persistent in their efforts. By doing so, she believes that women can carve out their own distinct paths to success, inspiring others along the way. Her story serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams in the culinary world and beyond.

Hetal Kothari, Founder – Che & Cha Couture

Hetal Kothari is a fashion designer whose deep passion for fashion has been a part of her since childhood. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become a fashion creator, driven by a love for style, design, and the art of clothing. Today, she has turned that childhood dream into reality as the owner of Che & Cha Couture, where she specializes in shirt designing, bringing her creative visions to life with unique and stylish pieces that reflect her distinctive approach to fashion.

Beyond her professional achievements, Hetal is also a dedicated housewife and the proud mother of two daughters. Balancing her roles as a mother and an entrepreneur, she has found immense joy and fulfillment in both areas of her life. Her journey has been strongly supported by her husband and family, who have been her pillars of strength, encouraging her every step of the way.

In addition to running her own fashion label, Hetal is also the co-founder of Raaha Events, where she combines her love for fashion with event management, creating memorable experiences that are as stylish as they are seamless. With the unwavering support of her loved ones and her deep-seated passion for fashion, Hetal continues to inspire others with her dedication, creativity, and the graceful way she balances all the facets of her life.