India Surpasses China in Young Entrepreneurs Under the Age of 40
India has overtaken China in the number of high-value companies founded and led by young entrepreneurs, particularly those aged 40 years or below. These entrepreneurs have independently built companies valued at over $100 million.
According to the Avendus Wealth–Hurun India UTH Series 2025 Report, India has 166 entrepreneurs aged 40 or below who have built companies valued at more than $100 million, compared to 140 such founders in China. However, China has a higher number of next-generation entrepreneurs managing companies valued at over $200 million.
India Leads in Overall Young High-Value Entrepreneurs
The report highlights that India has a higher number of entrepreneurs under 40 who have either built $100 million companies or are running businesses valued at over $200 million. India has a total of 201 such young entrepreneurs, compared to 194 in China.
Additionally, 83% of Indian entrepreneurs in this category are first-generation founders, while in China, this figure stands at 72%, indicating a stronger culture of first-generation entrepreneurship in India.
Top Young Entrepreneurs in India
According to the report, Karan Adani (38) of Adani Ports and SEZ ranks first among the 201 Indian young entrepreneurs. He is followed by Nikhil Vishwa of Alchemy in second place, and Harshavardhan Reddy of Apollo Hospitals in third position.
Indian Entrepreneurs Lead Companies Worth $357 Billion
Hurun stated that entrepreneurs featured in the list collectively lead companies valued at $357 billion (approximately ₹31 lakh crore), which accounts for nearly 11% of India’s GDP. These companies together employ 443,000 people.
Apollo Hospitals is the largest employer among them, with 42,497 employees.
Key Industries Driving Young Entrepreneurship
Interestingly, the major industries where young entrepreneurs operate are similar in both India and China. A majority of these companies are in the software products and services sector.
Hurun India Founder and Chief Researcher Anas Rahman Junaid stated that the new generation is redefining career success in India. Many entrepreneurs in their 30s are already leading successful businesses in SaaS, fintech, healthcare, clean energy, logistics, and consumer brands, placing India at the forefront of global entrepreneurship.