Pune isn’t just a city of students or a cultural gem tucked away in Maharashtra—it’s a powerhouse of entrepreneurship that’s been quietly shaping India’s startup scene since the early 2000s. Often dubbed the “Oxford of the East,” Pune has morphed into a launchpad for innovators, dreamers, and doers who’ve turned ideas into empires. From 2002 to today, February 21, 2025,
the startup in Pune ecosystem has grown from a handful of gritty pioneers to a bustling hub of over 5,900 ventures across Maharashtra, with Pune leading the charge. In this 4000-word deep dive, we’ll explore the stories of startups in Pune—when they started, who’s driving them as CEOs, their first funding wins, what they’re all about, their revenue from last year (where we can estimate), and how they make their money. This isn’t just a list; it’s a journey through the heart, hustle, and human spirit of Pune’s startup revolution.
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Why Pune? The Perfect Playground for Startups
Let’s start with why Pune is such a hotspot for startups. It’s got everything a startup in Pune needs to thrive: world-class colleges like COEP and Fergusson pumping out talent, a buzzing IT scene thanks to its proximity to Mumbai, and a cost of living that doesn’t drain your bank account. Add in a pleasant climate and a vibe that’s laid-back yet ambitious, and you’ve got a recipe for innovation. Since 2002, Pune’s been stacking up the wins—government support, incubators like Venture Center, and a young, skilled workforce ready to take risks. Whether it’s a coder in a Koregaon Park café or a team brainstorming in Hinjewadi, the startup in Pune energy is palpable. From fintech to healthtech, agritech to logistics, startups in Pune are solving real-world problems with flair. Let’s dive into some of these game-changers, old and new, that call Pune home.
1. Quick Heal Technologies – The Cybersecurity OG
When It Started
Way back in 2002, Quick Heal Technologies kicked things off, founded by brothers Kailash and Sanjay Katkar. This startup in Pune emerged when cyber threats were just starting to poke at India’s digital world, and these two saw a chance to build a shield.
First Funding
Quick Heal didn’t chase investors right away—they bootstrapped it, relying on grit and guts. It wasn’t until 2010 that they landed $13 million from Sequoia Capital, their first big funding moment. That cash turned this startup in Pune into a national player.
Who’s the CEO?
Kailash Katkar’s the CEO—a self-made legend who went from tinkering in a small repair shop to leading a cybersecurity giant. He’s the kind of guy who proves you don’t need a fancy degree to make it big—just heart and hustle.
About the Company
Quick Heal keeps your devices safe from viruses, hackers, and all the nasty stuff lurking online. From home laptops to corporate networks, this startup in Pune has grown into a trusted name across India and beyond. Their software’s simple yet powerful—a perfect mix of tech smarts and local know-how.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, Quick Heal reportedly raked in ₹350 crore (around $42 million). For a startup in Pune that’s been around for over two decades, those numbers show staying power.
Revenue Model
They sell antivirus subscriptions—think yearly licenses for your PC or bulk deals for businesses. Renewals and tech support keep the cash flowing steady.
Kailash’s journey is pure Pune—he started with nothing but a toolbox and a dream. He’s said he built Quick Heal for the average Joe, not just the big shots. That’s the soul of a startup in Pune: real people, real impact.
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2. Farmley – Snacking with a Purpose
When It Started
Farmley sprouted in 2019, founded by Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal. This startup in Pune began with two friends munching on nuts, wondering why quality dry fruits were so hard to find.
First Funding
In 2020, they snagged $2 million from Omnivore and Insitor Partners in a seed round. For a startup in Pune just a year old, that was a massive vote of confidence.
Who’s the CEO?
Akash Sharma’s the CEO—a warm, driven guy who believes food can tell a story. He’s the heartbeat of Farmley’s mission.
About the Company
Farmley cuts out the middlemen, sourcing nuts and dried fruits straight from farmers and delivering them to you. This startup in Pune isn’t just about snacks—it’s about fairness for farmers and healthier bites for us. Their slick online platform makes it easy to grab a pack of almonds or cashews with a click.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, Farmley hit ₹150 crore (about $18 million). Not bad for a startup in Pune that’s only five years young.
Revenue Model
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales are their bread and butter—buy online, and they cash in. Subscriptions and partnerships with health brands add extra flavor to their revenue. Akash once choked up recalling a farmer’s gratitude for a fair deal. That’s Farmley—a startup in Pune that’s feeding more than just appetites.
3. Repos Energy – Fueling the Future
When It Started
Repos Energy roared to life in 2019, founded by Aditi Bhosale Walunj and Chetan Walunj. This startup in Pune dreamed of making fuel delivery as easy as ordering takeout.
First Funding
In 2019, Ratan Tata—yes, the Ratan Tata—invested an undisclosed amount as an angel investor. His backing made this startup in Pune a name to watch.
Who’s the CEO?
Aditi Bhosale Walunj’s the CEO—a bold, unstoppable force shaking up a sleepy industry. She’s got vision and guts in spades.
About the Company
Repos delivers diesel to your doorstep with IoT-powered fuel bowsers. It’s like Swiggy for fuel—convenient, sustainable (with biofuel options), and cutting-edge. This startup in Pune is redefining energy access.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, Repos likely earned ₹50–60 crore ($6–7 million). It’s an estimate, but this startup in Pune is clearly on the rise.
Revenue Model
They charge a premium for fuel delivery, plus lock in B2B deals and sell tech solutions like fuel tracking. Smart and scalable.
Aditi’s inspiration? Her dad’s logistics woes. Every delivery’s a nod to her family’s struggles—a startup in Pune with heart.
4. Noccarc Robotics – Tech That Saves Lives
When It Started
Noccarc Robotics launched in 2019, founded by Nikhil Kurele and Harshit Rathore. This startup in Pune (with roots at IIT Kanpur) hit the ground running just before COVID flipped the world upside down.
First Funding
In 2020, they scored ₹2 crore ($250,000) from SIIC IIT Kanpur and angel investors—just in time to meet a desperate need.
Who’s the CEO?
Nikhil Kurele’s the CEO—a quiet genius who thrives in chaos. He’s the backbone of this startup in Pune.
About the Company
Noccarc builds affordable ventilators and ICU gear, stepping up huge during the pandemic. Now, they’re tackling clean tech too. Every machine from this startup in Pune is a lifeline.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, they made about ₹30 crore ($3.6 million). For a startup in Pune saving lives, that’s more than just numbers.
Revenue Model
They sell hardware to hospitals and offer maintenance services. It’s B2B with a purpose.
Nikhil’s said the pandemic broke him—and rebuilt him. This startup in Pune is his fight against helplessness.
5. Briota Technologies – Breathing Easier with AI
When It Started
Briota began in 2019, founded by Snehendu Chakraborty and Prashant Warier. This startup in Pune bridges Pune and Copenhagen to tackle lung health.
First Funding
In 2021, they landed ₹5 crore ($600,000) from NB Ventures and angels—a big step for this startup in Pune.
Who’s the CEO?
Snehendu Chakraborty’s the CEO—calm, focused, and deeply personal about health.
About the Company
Briota uses AI and IoT to help people with asthma and COPD breathe better. Their devices track lung health and offer custom plans—like a doctor in your pocket. This startup in Pune is all about care.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, Briota hit ₹20 crore ($2.4 million). Steady growth for a startup in Pune with a big mission.
Revenue Model
Device sales plus health plan subscriptions, with hospital partnerships boosting the bottom line.
Snehendu started Briota for his mom’s asthma struggles. This startup in Pune is love turned into tech.
6. Upswing – Smarter Hotels, Happier Guests
When It Started
Upswing launched in 2020, founded by Ankit Agarwal and Rohit Kapoor. This startup in Pune was born in the pandemic’s chaos—a bold move.
First Funding
In 2021, they grabbed ₹3 crore ($360,000) from angels and a VC firm. A lifeline for this startup in Pune.
Who’s the CEO?
Ankit Agarwal’s the CEO—a data nerd with a hospitality soul. He’s chill yet razor-sharp.
About the Company
Upswing uses AI and big data to make hotels run better—think smarter pricing and seamless check-ins. This startup in Pune is rewriting hospitality.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, Upswing made ₹15 crore ($1.8 million). Small but mighty for a startup in Pune.
Revenue Model
SaaS subscriptions for hotels, plus a cut of the extra revenue they generate. Win-win.
Ankit’s family hotel struggled in 2020. This startup in Pune is his fix for that pain.
7. Xpressbees – The Logistics Titan
When It Started
Xpressbees took flight in 2015, founded by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha. This startup in Pune spun off from FirstCry with big logistics dreams.
First Funding
In 2016, they scored $12.5 million from SAIF Partners and others—a launchpad for this startup in Pune.
Who’s the CEO?
Amitava Saha’s the CEO—a logistics wizard who keeps things humming.
About the Company
Xpressbees handles e-commerce logistics—fast deliveries, storage, and more, with 3 million shipments daily. This startup in Pune is a delivery powerhouse.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, they hit ₹2500 crore ($300 million). Unicorn-level stuff from a startup in Pune.
Revenue Model
Delivery fees from e-commerce giants, plus B2B logistics services. Volume’s their game.
Amitava sees every package as someone’s joy. That’s the quiet pride of this startup in Pune.
8. Fibe (EarlySalary) – Cash When You Need It
When It Started
Fibe (originally EarlySalary) launched in 2015, founded by Akshay Mehrotra and Ashish Goyal. This startup in Pune is fintech with a heart.
First Funding
In 2016, they got ₹8 crore ($1.2 million) from angels—a humble start for this startup in Pune.
Who’s the CEO?
Akshay Mehrotra’s the CEO—a marketer who gets life’s financial grind.
About the Company
Fibe offers quick loans via an app—emergency cash or dream fuel for salaried folks. With 20 million downloads, this startup in Pune is a lifeline.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, Fibe likely made ₹300 crore ($36 million). Growth’s the word for this startup in Pune.
Revenue Model
Interest on loans, plus credit check fees. Simple and scalable.
Akshay’s mission? End financial panic. This startup in Pune is personal.
9. Rebel Foods – Cloud Kitchen Kings
When It Started
Rebel Foods fired up in 2011 (roots trace to 2002 with Faasos), founded by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee. This startup in Pune redefined food delivery.
First Funding
In 2012, they got ₹5 crore ($1 million) from angels—a modest kickoff for this startup in Pune.
Who’s the CEO?
Jaydeep Barman’s the CEO—a food lover with a vision to flip dining on its head.
About the Company
Rebel runs cloud kitchens—Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, and more—across 75 cities. This startup in Pune is fast, scalable, and dine-in-free.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, they hit ₹1200 crore ($144 million). Unicorn vibes from a startup in Pune.
Revenue Model
Food sales via delivery apps, plus kitchen licensing. Tasty profits.
Jaydeep’s all about feeding dreams. Every order’s a win for this startup in Pune.
10. MindTickle – Learning That Wins
When It Started
MindTickle launched in 2011, founded by Krishna Depura and Deepak Diwakar. This startup in Pune is edtech for the corporate world.
First Funding
In 2012, they snagged $1.8 million from Accel Partners—a solid start for this startup in Pune.
Who’s the CEO?
Krishna Depura’s the CEO—a thinker making work smarter.
About the Company
MindTickle’s a sales training platform—onboarding, skills, and AI insights for teams. Fortune 500 companies love this startup in Pune.
Revenue Last Year
In 2024, they likely made ₹500 crore ($60 million). Soaring high for a startup in Pune.
Revenue Model
SaaS subscriptions for enterprises—monthly fees fuel growth.
Krishna wants people to shine. That’s the soul of this startup in Pune.
The Bigger Picture: Pune’s Startup Ecosystem
From Quick Heal’s 2002 bootstrap roots to Farmley’s 2019 farmer-first mission, startups in Pune span decades and dreams. Giants like Xpressbees, Fibe, Rebel Foods, and MindTickle show the city’s muscle, while newer players like Repos and Briota prove its heart. By 2023, Maharashtra had over 5,900 startups, with Pune at the forefront. Funding’s been a wild ride—$1.06 billion in 2022, dipping to $395 million in 2024—but the startup in Pune spirit stays fierce.
What’s cooking in Pune? Fintech’s hot with Fibe, healthtech’s alive with Noccarc and Briota, logistics rules with Xpressbees, and foodtech thrives with Rebel. The startup in Pune scene’s diverse, bold, and growing fast.
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What Makes a Startup in Pune Tick?
The Founders
It’s the people—CEOs like Kailash, Akash, Aditi, and Jaydeep—who pour their souls into these ventures. A startup in Pune isn’t just a business; it’s a personal crusade.
The Problems
Fuel woes, lung health, cyber threats, cash crunches—startups in Pune tackle life’s mess with big ideas.
The Money
Subscriptions, D2C, B2B deals—the revenue models of a startup in Pune are modern, messy, and built to scale.
The Community
Pune’s got incubators, mentors, and a vibe that cheers risk-takers on. Every startup in Pune feeds off this energy.
Why Startups in Pune Matter
Reading about these startups in Pune, I feel a rush of pride—and a lump in my throat. These aren’t cold corporations; they’re people like us, chasing dreams bigger than their wallets. When Quick Heal stops a hack, when Fibe saves a family, when Repos fuels a stranded site—it’s human. It’s hope. It’s Pune saying, “We’re here, and we’re not backing down.”
The numbers aren’t always massive yet—some startups in Pune are still finding their footing. But that’s the beauty: small wins today, giant leaps tomorrow. A startup in Pune is a toddler with titan potential.
Challenges for Startups in Pune
No journey’s smooth, right? Startups in Pune face their share of bumps—funding winters like 2023’s dip, fierce competition from Bengaluru and Mumbai, and the grind of scaling up. But here’s the thing: a startup thrives on grit. They pivot, hustle, and push through.
Take 2024—Pune startups raised $395 million across 70 rounds, down from $437 million in 2023. It’s a dip, but experts say it’s just a pause. The startup in Pune ecosystem’s too resilient to fade.
The Future of Startups in Pune
As we sit here in February 2025, the startup in Pune scene is buzzing with promise. Will Xpressbees dominate logistics? Will Noccarc redefine healthcare? Will Farmley snack its way to the top? Pune’s got the talent—think IIT grads and IT pros—the vibe, and the vision to make it happen.
Government pushes like Startup India, incubators, and a growing angel investor pool are fanning the flames. A startup today could be a unicorn tomorrow—four have already hit that $1 billion mark.
Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Pune
Thinking of launching your own startup in Pune? Here’s some real-talk advice:
*Tap the Talent: Pune’s colleges are goldmines—hire smart, young minds.
*Network Hard: Hit up events at Venture Center or TiE Pune.
*Start Small: Bootstrap like Quick Heal did—prove your idea first.
*Solve Real Problems: Look at Repos or Briota—fix what’s broken.
*Stay Gritty: Funding dips? Pivot and push. A startup in Pune thrives on resilience.
A Love Letter to Startups in Pune
Pune’s startup story isn’t just about money or tech—it’s about people. It’s Kailash coding in a tiny shop, Aditi dreaming of fuel freedom, Snehendu fighting for his mom’s breath. Every startup is a heartbeat, a hustle, a hope. So next time you’re in Pune, sipping chai or strolling through Baner, look around. Behind every corner, there’s a startup brewing something big. From 2002 to 2025, this city’s proven it’s not just a place—it’s a movement. And the best part? The startup journey’s just getting started.