Why startup companies in Kolkata are gaining momentum
Kolkata, long known as India’s cultural capital, is now rapidly emerging as a strong player in the startup ecosystem. With initiatives like the Bengal Silicon Valley Tech Hub, spanning 250 acres and expected to create over 100,000 jobs by 2025, the city is providing fertile ground for entrepreneurship. The hub caters to emerging sectors like AI, IT/ITeS, IoT, and R&D, attracting investors and entrepreneurs alike. This transformation is positioning Kolkata among India’s fastest-growing startup destinations.
Methodology: How we selected the top startups in Kolkata
The list of startup companies in Kolkata was created by considering factors such as innovation, market traction, funding, visibility, and industry impact. Sources included startup directories like Inc42, Seedtable, and Startuptalky, as well as recent news on funding rounds and expansion. The focus was not only on well-funded ventures but also on promising Kolkata based startups with strong potential for growth.
Top 10 Kolkata based startups-Quick Snapshot
Some of the best startups in Kolkata are making national and global headlines:
- Sasta Sundar – Healthtech platform acquired by Flipkart Health+.
- iMerit – AI data annotation services serving global clients like Microsoft and Google.
- Excelsoft Technologies – EdTech and IT services provider.
- Mihup – Conversational AI platform.
- Wow! Momo – India’s popular fast-food chain.
- Labkafe – Supplies lab equipment to educational institutions.
- Taxmantra – FinTech and legal-tech service provider.
- Arohan Financial – Microfinance institution.
- Kisah Apparels – D2C fashion brand recently valued at ₹100 crore.
- Fusion CX – Customer experience management firm now preparing for IPO.
These examples highlight how diverse industries from food and fashion to finance and AI are thriving in the city.
Emerging AI startups in Kolkata
Kolkata has carved a niche in the AI landscape with innovative companies like:
- iMerit – A global leader in AI data services.
- Mihup – Conversational AI enabling vernacular voice solutions.
- Labops – AI-driven healthcare companion.
- Vixplor – Document automation using machine learning.
- QueKey – Specializing in AI-powered facial authentication.
These AI startups in Kolkata demonstrate how the city is contributing to India’s larger AI ecosystem, especially in healthcare, automation, and customer interaction.
Leading IT startups in Kolkata
The city’s IT sector is equally promising. Some of the top IT startups in Kolkata include:
- Excelsoft Technologies – Building EdTech and digital learning solutions.
- Taxmantra – Providing IT-enabled legal and tax compliance services.
- Labkafe – Combining IT solutions with laboratory supply chains.
- Mihup – Delivering IT-backed conversational AI platforms.
These ventures are bridging traditional industries with modern IT solutions, making Kolkata a key hub for technology-driven growth.
Product-focused software startups in Kolkata
When it comes to software startups in Kolkata, product development and SaaS are emerging strongly:
- Sasta Sundar and Labkafe are transforming healthcare and education supply chains with robust digital platforms.
- Mihup‘s AI software is powering real-time multilingual conversations.
- Taxmantra‘s proprietary tools simplify taxation and compliance.
Such ventures show how software startups in Kolkata are addressing gaps in accessibility, compliance, and user experience.
From idea to IPO: Success stories and scale
Kolkata’s startup ecosystem is also producing scale-up success stories:
- Fusion CX filed its DRHP with SEBI to raise nearly ₹1,000 crore through an IPO.
- Kisah Apparels raised ₹13 crore in its latest round at a valuation of over ₹100 crore.
These examples highlight how Kolkata based startups are attracting national-level investors and preparing for global expansion.
Where to find a living list of startup companies in Kolkata
For investors, job seekers, or entrepreneurs looking for inspiration, platforms like Inc42, Seedtable, Wellfound, and AmbitionBox provide regularly updated lists of startups in Kolkata. These resources not only showcase established players but also highlight emerging ventures across diverse industries.
Ecosystem drivers: Infrastructure and support
Kolkata’s growth as a startup hub is supported by:
- Bengal Silicon Valley Tech Hub – A mega infrastructure initiative focused on IT, AI, and R&D.
- Centre of Excellence in Data Science & Machine Learning – Providing incubation, mentorship, and early-stage funding.
These initiatives ensure startup companies in Kolkata have access to the tools, talent, and support needed to scale globally.
Challenges and outlook for startups in Kolkata
Despite rapid growth, challenges remain for startups in Kolkata. These include limited access to venture capital compared to Bengaluru or Delhi, and a smaller tech-focused talent pool. Bureaucratic hurdles also slow down business operations. However, with proactive government policies and private investment, the city is well on its way to becoming a national innovation leader.
Conclusion
The list of startup companies in Kolkata reflects the city’s transition from a traditional business hub to a modern innovation ecosystem. From AI startups in Kolkata to software startups in Kolkata, entrepreneurs are proving that the city is not just about culture and heritage, but also about technology, disruption, and scale. For anyone tracking India’s entrepreneurial landscape, Kolkata is a startup destination to watch closely.
