Groww Wins Startup of the Year at ET Startup Awards 2026
At the 12th Economic Times Startup Awards held in Bengaluru, wealthtech platform Groww was named Startup of the Year for demonstrating rapid growth and profitability. Other notable winners included Manu Chandra and Habuild. The event highlighted the evolution of India’s startup ecosystem towards international ambitions and deeper technological solutions.
On the evening of the 12th Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA) held in Bengaluru, wealthtech platform Groww was awarded the prestigious title of Startup of the Year for 2026. This recognition underscores Groww's remarkable ability to sustain rapid growth while achieving profitability at scale. The event showcased a vibrant array of nominees, including AI startup Sarvam, ecommerce platform Meesho, satellite launch vehicle maker Skyroot, urban mobility service Rapido, and logistics company Porter. The awards ceremony gathered over 300 influential figures from India's startup and technology sectors, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the entrepreneurial landscape.
The ET Startup Awards have evolved significantly since their inception, reflecting the maturation of India's startup ecosystem. More than a decade into its growth, the focus has shifted from merely scaling businesses to developing durable companies with technological depth and international market aspirations. This shift was evident in the diverse range of nominees, which featured startups tackling complex challenges across various sectors, including deeptech and hardtech. Chaired by Wipro executive chairman Rishad Premji, the 11-member jury recognized Groww for its strategic approach to balancing growth with profitability.
Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, who attended as the guest of honour, highlighted the gap between the current scale of India's startup ecosystem and its untapped potential, particularly in the deeptech sector. With approximately 250,000 registered startups, he emphasized that the journey is just beginning, especially for those aiming to compete on a global scale. The awards also celebrated individual contributions to the ecosystem, with Manu Chandra of Sauce VC receiving the Midas Touch award for his early-stage consumer investing efforts. Other winners included online yoga platform Habuild, named Bootstrap Champ, and climatetech startup Varaha, recognized for its social enterprise initiatives.
The event also acknowledged joint winners in the Woman Ahead category, reflecting a commitment to promoting diversity within the startup community. As discussions at the awards highlighted, the future of India's startup ecosystem will be defined by a global ambition. Leaders in the industry urged participants to look beyond domestic markets and consider international opportunities. With a lower cost structure and a growing pool of innovative talent, India is poised to make significant strides on the global stage. The recognition of companies like Groww serves as an inspiration for future entrepreneurs, encouraging them to pursue ambitious goals that can elevate India's position in the global startup landscape.
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Daniel writes about people solving big problems in small, human ways.
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