Forbes Asia releases ‘100 startups to watch out for’ list:India leads Asia-Pacific with 18 startups, firms featuring in list valued up to ₹8,779 crore

India has emerged as the frontrunner in Asia-Pacific’s startup landscape, with 18 startups making it to Forbes Asia’s ‘100 Startups to Watch 2025’ list. The list features 100 promising companies from 16 countries, highlighting India’s growing influence in innovation and entrepreneurship. According to Forbes, the Indian startups on the list collectively represent valuations of up to ₹8,779 crore. The report credits India’s success to a strong blend of youthful talent, scalability, and solutions that address both local and global challenges. India’s startup ecosystem gains global momentum Forbes notes that India’s performance underscores the strength and maturity of its startup ecosystem, which has evolved rapidly over the past two decades. The country now stands as a strong competitor to the United States and China in sectors such as AI, deep tech, and sustainable innovation. Indian startups are not only solving domestic problems but also creating globally scalable business models, allowing expansion with minimal cost increases as demand grows. Sectoral Reach: From healthcare to space tech Indian firms featured in the list span eight out of ten sectors, including healthcare, finance, e-commerce, retail, space technology, consumer products, and rural commerce. Innovation beyond numbers The Forbes report focuses on that India’s leadership is not merely numerical but rooted in deep technological and social innovation. The rise of AI-driven, climate-conscious, and inclusive startups signals a shift toward sustainable entrepreneurship. Analysts say India’s startup ecosystem, backed by government initiatives, investor confidence, and a tech-savvy population, is poised to play a central role in shaping the next phase of Asia’s innovation economy. ​