Startups received ₹13 lakh crore funding; next 25 years will be defining period, says Piyush Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal at the Celebration of 9 Years of Startup India today in New Delhi, said that India's startups have to date received a total funding of ₹13 lakh crore. "India has seen 76 Initial Public Offerings (IPO) for the calendar year 2024, the Minister pointed out, stating that India has become the world’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem with 1,59,157 startups as of January 15, 2025, from around 500 in 2016 generating 17.2 lakh direct jobs," the Union minister says.

As India enters the Amrit Kaal with strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the next 25 years will be a defining period for India, says Goyal. “Our startups will play a crucial role in realising the vision of a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally competitive India. The government is fully committed to providing all necessary support—whether it is policy initiatives, infrastructure, or access to capital—to ensure their success."

The event also marked the curtain raiser of the second edition of the Startup Mahakumbh. Goyal says that 2,500 startups will be participating in Startup Mahakumbh starting in April 2025. "It is appropriate that the largest startup event should be in India because that is a confluence of ideas, talent, and opportunities and this event will showcase to the world the unfolding story of Bharat," says Goyal.