Teenagers are often told to focus on school and wait their turn — but these Indian teens didn’t. Instead, they built companies worth millions while most of their peers were prepping for board exams. Whether through innovation, hustle, or sheer determination, they turned youthful ambition into serious business. Here are 8 inspiring young CEOs who made their first million before the age of 20.
TILAK MEHTA: At just 13, Tilak Mehta launched Papers N Parcels, a digital courier startup in Mumbai that offers same-day delivery through the city’s iconic dabbawala network. The idea came from a personal need — and quickly turned into a city-wide logistics solution. Today, the company is valued at over Rs 100 crore (approx. $12 million), and Tilak continues to juggle his academic responsibilities with entrepreneurial leadership.
ADVAIT THAKUR: Advait Thakur was only 12 when he founded Apex Infosys India, a tech firm offering AI-powered solutions and web services. A certified Google developer by his early teens, Advait’s work spans across automation, digital marketing, and smart tech. His company crossed the $1 million mark, and he continues to expand its global footprint — all while still in his teens.
SHRAVAN KUMARAN & SANJAY KUMARAN: Brothers Shravan and Sanjay Kumaran from Chennai launched GoDimensions at just 12 and 10, respectively. They started by developing mobile apps focused on productivity and education, and have released over 10 apps across platforms. With a growing valuation and partnerships, they became two of India's youngest tech entrepreneurs — proving that age is no barrier to coding or CEO roles.
SREELAKSHMI SURESH: Sreelakshmi Suresh began designing websites at the age of 6 and started her first company, eDesign, by 10. Later, she founded TinyLogo, a firm offering digital branding services. With a client list ranging from schools to corporates, her ventures have collectively crossed the million-dollar mark. She remains a role model for young girls in tech and continues to innovate while studying.
HARSHWARDHANSINH ZALA: Harshwardhansinh Zala founded Aerobotics7 at 14, focusing on creating drones to detect and defuse landmines. His innovative product earned him a Rs 5 crore MoU with the Gujarat government and widespread acclaim. Harsh decided to focus fully on his mission, stepping away from traditional academics to build a company that's saving lives with smart tech.
RITESH AGARWAL: The most well-known name on this list, Ritesh Agarwal, launched OYO Rooms at just 17. What began as a simple idea to standardize budget stays grew into a global hospitality giant valued at over $9 billion at its peak. Backed by the Thiel Fellowship and a $100,000 grant, Ritesh became one of India’s youngest billionaires and a textbook case of teenage disruption.
AKHILENDRA SAHU: Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, Akhilendra launched ASTNT Technologies at 16. The company offers web hosting, digital marketing, and news services. Known as one of India’s youngest serial entrepreneurs, he built his career through freelancing and YouTube tutorials.
ARJUN DESHPANDE: Born in 2002 in Maharashtra, Arjun founded Generic Aadhaar at 16, offering low-cost generic medicines. Backed by Tata Trusts and acknowledged by President Droupadi Murmu, his venture scaled into a Rs 500 crore company with nearly 2,000 retail outlets and around 10,000 employees.
