The snapshot on Indian startups by region brings together multiple interrelated indicators to provide a holistic view of the growth, inclusivity, and socio-economic impact of the country’s startup ecosystem. Year-wise increase in the number of startups recognised refers to the annual growth in startups officially acknowledged under the Startup India initiative, reflecting the evolving pace of entrepreneurial activity. Total recognised startups (K) indicates the cumulative number of startups (in thousands) that have been granted recognition, meeting specific criteria of innovation and incorporation. The percentage of total recognised startups from each region highlights the regional contribution to the national startup landscape. Women-led startups (K) account for the number of recognised startups with at least one woman director, while the percentage of women-led startups from each region assesses gender representation within entrepreneurial leadership. Startups from Tier 2/Tier 3 cities (K) and their corresponding percentage signify the decentralisation of entrepreneurship beyond metropolitan areas. Employment generated (Lakh) measures the total number of direct jobs created by these startups, and average employment per startup provides an efficiency metric for job creation per venture.

Together, these indicators offer rich insights into the dynamics of India’s startup ecosystem. They reveal not only the volume and regional distribution of entrepreneurial ventures but also the inclusivity of the ecosystem in terms of women’s participation and geographic spread into emerging cities. This is especially important for understanding how startups contribute to balanced regional development, women’s economic empowerment, and job creation. Policymakers can use these indicators to design targeted support mechanisms, identify underrepresented regions or groups, and evaluate the outcomes of startup-focused policies over time. For investors and ecosystem stakeholders, these metrics inform strategic decisions by identifying high-growth areas and emerging innovation hubs. Thus, this composite snapshot is essential for fostering an inclusive, innovation-driven, and regionally equitable startup environment across India.