Startups and Unicorns in India
Bootstrapped Winners
Some startups grow without outside funding, such as Zerodha, showing an alternative path built on profits.
Not all startups take venture money.
What bootstrapping is
Growing using revenue and founders’ savings instead of investors’ capital.
Zerodha
The stockbroking platform Zerodha grew into India’s largest broker without venture funding, by charging low, flat fees.
Trade-offs
Growth may be slower, but founders keep control and avoid pressure to grow at any cost.
Fit
It works best for businesses that can earn early and do not need heavy upfront spending.
A software firm uses its own profits to hire more developers, rather than seeking outside investors.
Some of the strongest firms never raised.
- Bootstrapping uses internal cash.
- Zerodha is an example.
- It keeps control with founders.
- Fit depends on the business.
No recording for this one yet - EconReader can read it aloud for you.