Zepto, a Mumbai-based technology and internet company, has secured the top spot in LinkedIn’s seventh annual report showcasing the top emerging startups in India. The report, based on data from the professional social-networking site, comes amid a booming environment for entrepreneurs, with India boasting the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. According to an August publication by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, the number of unicorns in India was second only to the U.S. as of 2022, having outpaced China in 2020.The number of startups in India rose dramatically from about 20,000 in 2021 to over 34,000 in 2023, marking a 71.5% increase. LinkedIn’s compilation was based on data collected over a one-year period, tracking employment growth, engagement, job interest, and attraction of top talent. The criteria for inclusion required that companies be headquartered in India, fully independent, privately held, have 50 or more full-time employees, and be a maximum of 5 years old.Following Zepto in the rankings are Sprinto, a Bengaluru-based software development company, and Lucidity, another Bengaluru-based software development firm. Cuvette Tech, a Pune-based social networking platform, and TeamStreamz, a Bengaluru-based financial services company, round out the top five.India’s growing startup ecosystemNirajita Banerjee, head of editorial for LinkedIn India and career expert, said, “This year, most of the startups in the top 10 are in the software and tech space, which demonstrates the dominance of this sector. These companies aren’t just growing fast and garnering attention from investors and job seekers—they’re also building innovative solutions that are shaping the future of their industries.”Four out of the top 10 startups this year are headquartered in Bengaluru, reinforcing the city’s position as a global startup hub. “While Bengaluru continues to be India’s ‘Silicon Valley’…we are seeing a diversification with startups now emerging from Tier 2 cities such as Indore and Pune,” added Banerjee. Other notable startups in the top 10 include Penny Store and SourceBae, both internet marketplace platforms, BiofuelCircle, a software development company focused on the biofuel industry, Supersourcing, a technology and internet company, and Battery Smart, a transportation and logistics startup. The report highlights the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape of India, with 14 out of the 20 startups on the list being newcomers.This showcases the increasing diversity of career opportunities in sectors like biofuel, compliance, and mental health. As startups continue to attract top talent by offering innovative work cultures, flexibility, and growth opportunities, the future looks bright for India’s startup ecosystem. With a focus on employee well-being, professional development, and innovation, these companies are poised to shape the future of their respective industries and contribute to India’s economic growth.