India’s startup ecosystem is experiencing a significant surge, with hiring up by 32% year-on-year in April 2025, signaling a strategic pivot towards sustainable and innovation-led scaling, according to a new report by jobs platform foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME).
The report highlighted that India’s white-collar job market also remains strong, posting 18% year-on-year growth.
In particular, startup job postings surged 12% over the past three months, pointing to renewed hiring confidence in the sector. This momentum is further reinforced by a 22% rise in new startup registrations over the past year.
“There is a notable shift in the way startups are scaling in India,” said V. Suresh, CEO of foundit. “Growth is no longer confined to major metropolitan areas; we are witnessing robust expansion into Tier-2 cities, signaling a more balanced and inclusive model of growth.”
Tier-2 Cities Emerge as Startup Hubs
The report highlighted a significant geographic shift. The share of startup job postings from Tier-2 cities grew threefold — from 9% in April 2024 to 31% in April 2025. Cities like Coimbatore, Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar are fast emerging as major startup hubs.
Meanwhile, traditional metro cities like Bengaluru, Delhi/NCR, and Mumbai recorded declines in startup job shares, although Chennai and Hyderabad maintained steady levels.
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Startups are not only expanding geographically but also showing a preference for experienced talent. Hiring for mid-career professionals (4-6 years and 7-10 years of experience) rose to 28% and 15% respectively, while fresher hiring (0-3 years’ experience) dropped from 53% to 41% year-on-year.
IT Services and Healthcare Lead Hiring Trends
Sector-wise, IT services led startup hiring, accounting for 32% of all postings — up from 23% last year. Healthcare hiring also grew, moving from 6% to 9% year-on-year, indicating a growing focus on deep tech and health-focused solutions.
In contrast, sectors like media and entertainment, and edtech saw steady declines in hiring activity.
“These trends point to a more deliberate, future-oriented approach that prioritizes sustainable growth and lasting impact over rapid, short-term expansion,” Suresh added.
A Future of Balanced, Innovation-Led Scaling
The data reflects a broader transition where startups are focusing on building resilient businesses rather than prioritizing rapid scaling alone. As India’s startup landscape continues to mature, the emphasis on sustainability, talent quality, and geographic diversification is expected to shape the next wave of entrepreneurship and job creation across the country.