India’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, fueled by innovation, digital adoption, and government initiatives like Startup India. With the right idea and execution, aspiring entrepreneurs can build profitable businesses even with limited capital.

If you’re looking to launch a startup in India 2025, here are 25 low-investment, high-potential business ideas tailored for the Indian market.

25 Low-Investment Startup Ideas for 2025

1. Cloud Kitchen

India’s food delivery market, valued at ₹4,000 crore, grows 15% annually as urbanites seek convenience. A cloud kitchen lets you cook from home, partnering with Swiggy or Zomato to serve local favorites like biryani or niche diets (e.g., vegan). Focus on a small menu to minimize costs and chaos.

• Investment: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh (kitchen setup, packaging).
• Steps: Obtain FSSAI certification, design a WhatsApp menu, and register on delivery apps.
• Example: Rebel Foods, India’s largest cloud kitchen operator, started with Faasos in Pune and now runs 4,000+ kitchens, earning ₹1,000 crore annually.
• Tools: Canva for menus, Instagram Reels for promos.
• Tip: Test recipes with family to perfect flavors. In Bangalore, target IT hubs like Whitefield for bulk orders. Scale by adding cuisines or a second kitchen.

2. Affiliate Marketing

With India’s e-commerce market hitting ₹7 lakh crore by 2025, affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions (5–50%) by promoting products on blogs or social media. No inventory, just a knack for content.

• Investment: ₹0–₹5,000 (domain, hosting).
• Steps: Join Amazon Associates, pick a niche (e.g., tech gadgets), and create a blog or YouTube channel.
• Example: Harsh Agrawal’s ShoutMeLoud blog earns ₹50 lakh+ yearly via affiliate links for hosting and tech products.
• Tools: WordPress for blogging, Canva for visuals.
• Tip: Start with a niche you love, like fitness, to build trust. In Delhi, leverage LinkedIn to share tech reviews. Scale by adding email newsletters.

3. Freelance Content Writing

Businesses need blogs, ads, and website copy, with India’s digital marketing spend growing 30% yearly. If you write well, freelance for startups or global clients.

• Investment: ₹10,000–₹50,000 (laptop, internet).
• Steps: Build a portfolio on Medium, join Upwork, and pitch to Indian startups.
• Example: Shradha Sharma, founder of YourStory, started as a content creator and now runs India’s top startup storytelling platform.
• Tools: Grammarly for editing, Google Docs for collaboration.
• Tip: Offer free samples to local businesses in Mumbai to land gigs. Scale by hiring writers to form an agency.

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4. Social Media Management

India’s 500 million+ social media users create endless demand for managing brand accounts. Offer content creation and scheduling for small businesses.

• Investment: ₹5,000 (Canva Pro, scheduling tools).
• Steps: Learn platforms like Instagram, create sample posts, and pitch to cafes or boutiques.
• Example: Social Samosa, a Mumbai-based agency, started small and now serves 100+ brands with social media strategies.
• Tools: Hootsuite for scheduling, Adobe Express for graphics.
• Tip: In Chennai, target restaurants for vibrant food posts. Scale by managing multiple clients or training a team.

5. Online Tutoring

India’s e-learning market is worth ₹3,000 crore, driven by demand for academic and skill-based courses. Teach math, coding, or English via Zoom.

• Investment: ₹2,000–₹10,000 (webcam, mic).
• Steps: Identify your expertise, join Vedantu or Byju’s, and market on WhatsApp groups.
• Example: Byju’s started as a tutoring venture by Byju Raveendran and now serves 150 million students.
• Tools: Zoom for classes, Google Classroom for resources.
• Tip: Record free snippets for YouTube to attract students in Kolkata. Scale by offering group classes or courses.

6. Dropshipping

India’s e-commerce market grows 25% yearly, making dropshipping a low-risk way to sell without inventory. Suppliers ship directly to customers.

• Investment: ₹10,000–₹50,000 (website, ads).
• Steps: Set up a Shopify store, source products via Meesho, and advertise on Instagram.
• Example: Meesho, started by Vidit Aatrey, empowers small sellers to dropship, with 1.4 million entrepreneurs earning ₹50,000–₹2 lakh monthly.
• Tools: Shopify for storefront, Oberlo for sourcing.
• Tip: In Hyderabad, sell trendy phone cases to Gen Z. Scale by adding new product lines.

7. Pet Care Services

India’s pet care market is worth ₹7,400 crore, with urban pet ownership soaring. Offer grooming, walking, or daycare.

• Investment: ₹10,000–₹30,000 (grooming tools).
• Steps: Get basic training, market via local WhatsApp groups, and partner with vets.
• Example: PetSutra in Bangalore started as a small grooming service and now offers boarding, earning ₹50 lakh yearly.
• Tools: Square for payments, Instagram for pet photos.
• Tip: In Pune, target gated communities for steady clients. Scale by adding boarding or pet products.

8. Handmade Crafts Store

India’s handloom market is worth ₹50,000 crore, with demand for unique jewelry or decor. Sell on Etsy or Instagram.

• Investment: ₹5,000–₹20,000 (materials).
• Steps: Create a signature product (e.g., earrings), set up an Instagram shop, and post making-of videos.
• Example: IndieGood, a sustainable handmade brand, earns ₹1 crore annually via online sales.
• Tools: Etsy for sales, Canva for product shots.
• Tip: In Jaipur, sell Rajasthani crafts to tourists. Scale by collaborating with artisans.

9. Food Truck

India’s street food culture thrives, with food trucks gaining traction at festivals and offices. Serve momos or fusion tacos.

• Investment: ₹1–3 lakh (second-hand truck, equipment).
• Steps: Get FSSAI approval, buy a used truck, and park near colleges.
• Example: The Bombay Food Truck in Mumbai started with ₹2 lakh and now caters events, earning ₹10 lakh yearly.
• Tools: Zomato for visibility, Square for payments.
• Tip: In Delhi, target Hauz Khas for nightlife crowds. Scale by catering corporate events.

10. Digital Product Sales

India’s digital economy grows 20% yearly, perfect for selling e-books or templates. Use Gumroad for sales.

• Investment: ₹0–₹10,000 (design tools).
• Steps: Create a Canva template, set up a Gumroad store, and promote on LinkedIn.
• Example: Ankur Warikoo sells personal finance e-books, earning ₹5 crore+ via digital products.
• Tools: Gumroad for sales, Canva for designs.
• Tip: In Bangalore, target startups with pitch deck templates. Scale by creating courses.

11. Wedding Planning

India’s $50 billion wedding market grows 20% yearly, needing planners for venues and decor. Start small with local events.

• Investment: ₹20,000–₹1 lakh (staff, marketing).
• Steps: Network with caterers, build a portfolio, and advertise on Instagram.
• Example: Wizcraft started with small weddings and now manages global events like IIFA.
• Tools: Trello for planning, Canva for mood boards.
• Tip: In Chennai, focus on budget weddings to build reputation. Scale by handling corporate events.

12. Yoga Instructor

India’s wellness market, worth ₹1.5 lakh crore, drives demand for yoga classes. Teach online or in-person.

• Investment: ₹5,000 (certification).
• Steps: Get certified, host Zoom classes, and post free sessions on YouTube.
• Example: Sarvesh Shashi’s Sarva Yoga started in Chennai and now has 100+ studios, earning ₹50 crore yearly.
• Tools: Zoom for classes, Instagram for promos.
• Tip: In Mumbai, target stressed professionals. Scale by offering retreats.

13. Graphic Design Services

India’s digital ad market grows 25% yearly, needing logos and visuals. Freelance for startups or agencies.

• Investment: ₹20,000 (Adobe software).
• Steps: Build a Behance portfolio, join Fiverr, and pitch to local brands.
• Example: Designhill, founded by Rahul Aggarwal, started as a freelance gig and now serves 1 million+ clients.
• Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Canva for quick designs.
• Tip: In Hyderabad, target tech startups for branding. Scale by forming a studio.

14. Tiffin Service

Urban India’s busy workforce craves home-cooked meals, with tiffin services booming. Deliver to offices or students.

• Investment: ₹10,000–₹30,000 (kitchen supplies).
• Steps: Create a weekly menu, market via WhatsApp, and deliver locally.
• Example: Dabbawala in Mumbai, a 125-year-old tiffin service, serves 2 lakh meals daily, inspiring modern startups.
• Tools: WhatsApp for orders, Google Maps for delivery.
• Tip: In Pune, target students in hostels. Scale by hiring delivery staff.

15. Travel Agency

India’s tourism market, worth ₹2 lakh crore, grows 10% yearly. Plan trips for tourists or corporates.

• Investment: ₹20,000–₹50,000 (website, marketing).
• Steps: Build a website, partner with hotels, and advertise on Instagram.
• Example: Thomas Cook India, started as a small agency, now earns ₹5,000 crore with curated tours.
• Tools: WordPress for website, Canva for brochures.
• Tip: In Delhi, focus on Himalayan treks. Scale by offering international packages.

16. Blogging

India’s digital ad market, worth ₹40,000 crore, supports bloggers monetizing via ads or affiliates. Write about passions.

• Investment: ₹5,000 (domain, hosting).
• Steps: Start a WordPress blog, pick a niche (e.g., travel), and optimize for SEO.
• Example: Anuradha Goyal’s IndiTales blog earns ₹20 lakh+ yearly via travel affiliate links.
• Tools: Yoast/Rankmath for SEO, Google Analytics for insights.
• Tip: In Bangalore, blog about tech startups. Scale with sponsored posts.

17. Virtual Assistant

India’s gig economy grows 20% yearly, with businesses needing admin support. Handle emails or scheduling.

• Investment: ₹5,000 (laptop, internet).
• Steps: Join Belay, create a LinkedIn profile, and pitch to startups.
• Example: Priya, a Hyderabad VA, started on Upwork and now earns ₹50,000 monthly serving US clients.
• Tools: Trello for tasks, Slack for communication.
• Tip: In Chennai, target e-commerce brands. Scale by managing multiple clients.

18. Pickle-Making Business

India’s packaged food market, worth ₹2 lakh crore, loves homemade pickles. Sell online or locally.

• Investment: ₹10,000–₹20,000 (ingredients, jars).
• Steps: Perfect a recipe, get FSSAI certification, and sell on Amazon.
• Example: Mother’s Recipe, started by Desai Brothers, grew from a small pickle brand to ₹500 crore in sales.
• Tools: Amazon Seller for sales, Canva for labels.
• Tip: In Gujarat, sell spicy mango pickles. Scale with new flavors.

19. Podcast Production

India’s podcast market grows 30% yearly, with brands needing editing and production. Serve creators or businesses.

• Investment: ₹10,000–₹20,000 (mic, software).
• Steps: Learn Audacity, join Fiverr, and pitch to Indian podcasters.
• Example: IVM Podcasts, started by Amit Doshi, produces 50+ shows, earning ₹10 crore yearly.
• Tools: Audacity for editing, Anchor for distribution.
• Tip: In Bangalore, target tech podcasters. Scale by producing branded content.

20. Organic Farming

India’s organic food market, worth ₹10,000 crore, grows 20% yearly. Grow veggies on a rooftop or small plot.

• Investment: ₹20,000–₹50,000 (seeds, tools).
• Steps: Start with herbs, sell via WhatsApp groups, and get organic certification.
• Example: UrbanKisaan in Hyderabad uses hydroponics to earn ₹50 lakh yearly from urban farms.
• Tools: WhatsApp for sales, Google Sheets for inventory.
• Tip: In Pune, sell to health-conscious cafes. Scale with subscription boxes.

21. Resume Writing

India’s job market, with 1 crore annual openings, needs polished resumes. Help job seekers stand out.

• Investment: ₹5,000 (templates, software).
• Steps: Create sample resumes, market on LinkedIn, and offer LinkedIn profile makeovers.
• Example: ResumeBuilder, founded by Sushant Kumar, serves 10,000+ clients, earning ₹2 crore yearly.
• Tools: Canva for designs, Grammarly for polish.
• Tip: In Delhi, target fresh graduates. Scale with career coaching.

22. Childcare Center

India’s working parents drive a ₹5,000 crore daycare market. Offer safe, fun childcare.

• Investment: ₹20,000–₹50,000 (toys, space).
• Steps: Set up a home-based center, get safety certifications, and market to local parents.
• Example: Kidzee, started by Essel Group, began small and now runs 1,900+ centers.
• Tools: Google Ads for reach, WhatsApp for parent updates.
• Tip: In Mumbai, target dual-income families. Scale with after-school programs.

23. Print-on-Demand

India’s custom merchandise market grows 25% yearly, perfect for selling t-shirts or mugs. No inventory needed.

• Investment: ₹10,000 (design tools, ads).
• Steps: Set up a Printful store, create designs, and advertise on Instagram.
• Example: Bewakoof, started by Prabhkiran Singh, began with quirky tees and now earns ₹200 crore yearly.
• Tools: Printful for fulfillment, Canva for designs.
• Tip: In Kolkata, sell regional slogan tees. Scale with corporate gifting.

24. Career Coaching

India’s Gen Z, with 37 crore youth, seeks career guidance. Offer coaching for jobs or skills.

• Investment: ₹5,000 (certification).
• Steps: Get certified, host free webinars, and market on LinkedIn.
• Example: Avanti Sankaran’s Avanti Fellows coaches 10,000+ students, earning ₹5 crore yearly.
• Tools: Zoom for sessions, Canva for slides.
• Tip: In Bangalore, target tech job seekers. Scale with group workshops.

25. Event Photography

India’s event photography market grows with weddings and corporate events. Capture moments for clients.

• Investment: ₹50,000 (camera, lenses).
• Steps: Build a portfolio, join WedMeGood, and market on Instagram.
• Example: Stories by Joseph Radhik, a top wedding photographer, started small and now charges ₹5 lakh per event.
• Tools: Lightroom for editing, Instagram for portfolio.
• Tip: In Jaipur, focus on destination weddings. Scale with videography services.

Compare the 25 Best Startup Ideas for 2025

Tips to Turn Your Startup Idea into Reality

1. Research Your Market: Use Google Trends or social media to spot demand. For example, searches for “cloud kitchen” spiked 30% in 2024 in India.
2. Start Small: Test your idea with a minimal budget. A tiffin service can start with 5 customers before scaling to 50.
3. Leverage Digital Tools: Use Canva for visuals, WhatsApp for customer chats, and Instagram for marketing.
4. Network Locally: Join startup events or chambers of commerce to find mentors and clients.
5. Get Legal: Register your business and get licenses (e.g., FSSAI for food ventures) to avoid hassles.
6. Track Finances: Use apps like QuickBooks to manage expenses. Save 6 months of living costs before going full-time.
7. Competition: Stand out with a unique angle, like vegan desserts in a cloud kitchen.
8. Cash Flow: Low-investment doesn’t mean instant profits. Budget for 3-6 months of slow growth.
9. Marketing: Invest time in learning SEO or social media ads to reach your audience without breaking the bank.
10. Scalability: Some ideas (e.g., tutoring) are time-intensive. Plan how to scale, like hiring more teachers.

Conclusion: What Ascertain Your Path

India’s startup boom is your chance to shine, and you don’t need deep pockets to start. These 25 ideas prove that with ₹10,000–₹3 lakh, you can launch a venture that taps into India’s growing market. The key is to start small, solve a real problem, and stay consistent. Whether it’s a cloud kitchen feeding busy professionals or a blog inspiring thousands, your idea can make an impact.