India’s start-up ecosystem is moving into a phase of disciplined growth and stronger market maturity as companies focus on artificial intelligence, IPO readiness and long-term talent strategies amid a challenging global economic environment, according to insights shared at the Aon Start-Up Conclave 2026.
The conclave, featuring Roopank Chaudhary, Jang Bahadur Singh, Pratik Kar and Aashima Sharma, highlighted that despite subdued global technology funding and slower economic growth, Indian start-ups continue to attract investor interest and maintain an active IPO pipeline.
The report said sectors such as generative AI, fintech, health technology, cleantech and green energy are drawing higher investment as companies shift toward efficiency-led growth. Around 23 Indian start-ups are currently at different stages of IPO preparation, while nearly 25 have already filed draft papers with regulators. Between 70 and 120 start-ups are expected to go public by 2030.
The conclave also noted that salary growth in the sector is expected to stabilise at 9.7 percent in 2026 as firms adopt cautious hiring and focus on high-impact talent. Companies preparing for IPOs are increasingly strengthening governance structures, leadership alignment and workforce productivity.
Artificial intelligence is also reshaping workforce models, with firms moving toward specialised and mission-based teams instead of traditional hierarchical structures. Equity-based compensation and flexible employee benefits are becoming central to talent retention strategies.
In Kolkata, the city is gradually emerging as an important eastern India start-up hub, particularly in fintech, SaaS and healthcare technology segments. Start-ups in Kolkata are benefiting from lower operational costs, access to skilled talent and improving investor attention. Market observers believe the city could play a larger role in India’s next phase of start-up expansion as regional entrepreneurship gains momentum beyond traditional metro centres.
