Best Cities in India to Launch Your Startup

India is the land of everything, from cultural diversity to some of the spiciest foods. And now, India’s home to a booming startup ecosystem as well! However, launching a startup is no cakewalk. While many factors come into play, choosing your location is key when it comes to being at the forefront of innovation, retaining the best talent, or making technological advancements. The list goes on and on! Furthermore, with the culture being so diverse, almost every city has its own perks, and there’s no shortage of cities for launching a startup. However, some cities just fit the bill, and here’s our pick on the top cities to launch your business in!

The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore, will surely make the top of our list considering this is the birthplace of many startups in India! This isn't surprising when you think about the talent pool of Bangalore since some of the finest institutes in the world, like the International Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B), has helped evolve many startup ideas. The thriving startup ecosystem of Bangalore has also brought many tech giants into play, like Infosys, Wipro, Flipkart, and much more. Not to mention, the networking opportunities offered by Bangalore are a major pro for getting your idea off the ground. The startup scene has allowed many top-tier startups to get off on the right foot here, too! Zerodha, Byju's, and CRED are just a few of the names here. When compared to other Indian cities, the cost of living is relatively low, making it much easier to run your startup! Additionally, the state government has put all hands on deck by allotting funds for startups, including the Karnataka Startup Cell Fund, the Idea2POC Fund, and the Elevate 100 Fund. Not to mention, the quality of life is attractive thanks to its well-developed infrastructure, making launching a startup in Bangalore a win-win situation!

The capital city sure has its perks! Because Delhi is well connected, its biggest pro is its great startup environment and seamless logistics. The international airports and several railway stations would help your startup interact with the market easily. Delhi is also home to co-working spaces, accelerators, incubators, and angel investors because of its age-long relationship with entrepreneurship. The city is used to such a working environment where the interests of trade are kept in mind when it comes to the legal framework as well. The talent pool is quite varied as well, thanks to Delhi being the diverse market it is, what with being the city with the third highest per capita income!

The commercial hub of India has surely made the list as well! Mumbai, the financial capital as well as the home of hustle culture fanatics, has evolved startup ecosystems by bringing together venture capitalists, startup incubators, accelerators, and startup owners. The large majority of banks present in Mumbai give startups access to financial services. Mumbai's diverse market also allows startups to test with a diverse audience, thanks to the populous city. Mumbai's infrastructure is well-developed with efficient transportation and great connectivity, allowing it to compete in both national and international markets. From fin-tech to ed-tech, Mumbai just has it all!

From dum biryani to startups, what’s not to like about Hyderabad? Hyderabad, or Cyberabad, deserves its nickname thanks to the industry heavyweights like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and much more that have established themselves in the city. Home to all things tech, Hyderabad has great talent and research opportunities, thanks to some of the highest-ranked universities in the country. Have a startup in the IT or healthcare sector? Look no further than Hyderabad! The city is also at the forefront regarding transportation thanks to various projects like the metro rail and international airports. The location of Hyderabad is also a key player here since it acts like a bridge between the north and south of India. HITEC City, T-Hub, and Genome Valley are the city's startup hubs, and for good reason too. Be it technology or talent, Hyderabad is the place to go!

Yet another city with a lower cost of living is Kolkata! For a startup to grow and focus on innovation and maintain it as a top priority, Kolkata may just be the place to be! Kolkata's location has also given it a major pro when it comes to connectivity with the seven major cities in India. As Kolkata is best known for its pool of artists and writers, you might get a helping hand from Kolkata's people if your startup is leaning on creativity! The government is also known to be helping out when it comes to infrastructure by encouraging necessities like free WiFi everywhere.

The hotspot for talent, Chennai, is definitely one of our picks! Though highly stereotyped, Chennai is the place where talent always seems to be sought. Chennai is also known for its low-maintenance accommodation facilities, which allow startups to launch their businesses without giving them a run for their money. The environment is considered suitable for startups thanks to the multiple incubators and accelerators present in Chennai as well. With a bustling automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare industry, this city could be a big hit for startups!

Pack your bags and set sail to the IT hub of innovation that is Kochi! The startup scene is fresh on the horizon and is slowly coming up, with several incubators and tech parks making their home in Kochi. The government is pretty supportive, be it by providing financial assistance or mentorship via initiatives like the Kerala Startup Mission. The maritime industry and logistics industries of Kochi have been well-established, giving startups in the same field a good start. This vibrant city has “something for everyone” and might just be one of the best places in India to launch your startup!