The 40 Under 40 Super Disruptors

Considering the larger emphasis on the startup sector, future-ready entrepreneurs are in the ‘driver’s seat’ to navigate growth. Startups’ stakeholders are in a pursuit to craft and draft innovative solutions that can address a plethora of problems modern day India faces. Accelerated digitalisation is a significant push to advent of tech-focussed startups and the segment looks promising even for the traditional business models

BW Disrupt, part of BW Businessworld Group, embarked on a quest to find young innovators whose ideas not just stood apart in their own segment but has been trailblazing in overall economic impact. Many of the earlier discoveries of list are unicorns today and it is to be expected that these 40 change-makers are going to make headlines in the times to come.

How We Did It 

Businesses across the spectrum have faced unexpected transformations yet many enterprises have been continuously witnessing high tides in terms of growth. In 2021, the country has seen a total of 42 companies entering the unicorn club inspiring budding startups to keep their spirits high.

Applications received for BW Disrupt 40 Under 40 Awards were put through multi-tier screening process. More than 1000 entries were received which were then brought down to over 500 post the initial screening round. Subsequently, after the second level of assessment, a total number of 143 nominees were shortlisted and invited to present before the power-packed jury panel. The process of finalising the list of 40 winners was rigorously demanding. The nominations were evaluated on critical parameters that include the mark of disruption made by the business idea, scope of social impact, sustainable financial performance, and the long-term growth potential it holds. Their unique monetisation models, funding status, and the clarity of their thoughts were the also some of the major areas they have been marked upon.

Entrepreneurs from an extensive range of ecommerce, fintech, edtech, logistics, D2C brands, apparel businesses, social enterprises and many more nominated for the recognition. The BW Disrupt 40 under 40 quest did not leave Intrapreneurs behind, employees who have been instrumental to their company’s business growth, key shareholder of new entity or program launch were invited to file nominations.

The Jury Decides 

The final winners were decided by a jury including prominent entrepreneurs and investors. The jury panel included Jury Chair - Raman Roy, Chairman and MD, Quattro and Co Jury Chair - Deep Kalra, Founder and Group Executive Chairman, MakeMyTrip. The jurors included Nikhil Vora, Founder and CEO, Sixth Sense Ventures; Tej Kapoor, MD and Head Fosun RZ Capital India; Vipul Roongta, MD, HDFC Capital; Ashish Singla, Managing Partner, N+1 Capital; Pankaj Makkar, Managing Director, Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) and Annurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld and Founder, exchange4media, Noor Fathima Warsia, Group Editorial Director, BW Businessworld and Prasar Sharma, President, Head of Finance and Innovation, BW Businessworld.

With increasingly prominent integration of technology is driving businesses to reset their fundamental algorithms as the tech-intensive future lies ahead. Over 1000 entries majorly seen the share of startups which are essentially tech-driven. E-commerce again a booming space, inviting young innovative minds to tap and create altogether new marketplaces into niche segments like shoes brand, beauty e-comm and more. Sustainability and nature friendly are the traits attracting new generation, noticeable number of brands have come in the sector of Ayurveda, plant based beauty products, etc.

India is yet to witness a high spike in establishment of numerous MSMEs and SMEs, especially in tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 cities contributing largely to the economy. The startup sector have been generating significant number of jobs employing people of different capabilities in right job role, from blue collar workers to c-suite leadership.