Indian startups boost senior salaries: Rs 80 lakh to Rs 4 crore cash pay in FY25

Indian startups are not only growing profitably with INR 2,300 Cr in combined profits but are also aggressively hiring senior executives, offering cash salaries up to Rs 4 crore. This surge reflects renewed investor confidence fueled by $2.96 billion funding and IPO preparations, signaling a robust phase for India’s tech ecosystem.

Sources:
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Updated 1h ago
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Sources: M
Indian startups are significantly increasing senior executive salaries in FY25, with cash pay packages ranging from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 4 crore, excluding ESOPs. This rise coincides with a robust 20% growth in operating revenue among 20 tracked new-age tech companies, which collectively reported INR 85,830 crore in FY25, up from INR 71,243 crore in FY24.

The financial health of these startups is improving, as 14 out of 20 companies posted profits with a combined profit of INR 2,300 crore. This marks a shift from the previous years when many startups faced funding shortages, layoffs, and operational challenges.

Senior-level hiring is gaining momentum, driven by both established and early-stage startups that have recently secured funding. Companies like Battery Smart, Nawgati, and Better Nutrition are actively recruiting leadership roles.

Funding inflows have surged, with Indian tech startups raising $2.96 billion in Q1 2025, a 24% increase over the previous quarter and a 21% rise year-over-year, according to market intelligence platform Tracxn. This capital boost is fueling confidence and enabling startups to offer competitive salaries to attract top talent.

“Senior-level hiring is picking up across Startup Inc after a lull,” industry insiders note, highlighting a renewed focus on operational efficiency and growth.

The trend reflects a maturing startup ecosystem that balances growth with profitability, signaling a positive outlook for India’s tech sector in FY25 and beyond.
Sources: M
Indian startups are boosting senior executive salaries in FY25, with cash pay ranging from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 4 crore, amid a 20% revenue growth and rising profitability. Senior-level hiring is accelerating, supported by a $2.96 billion funding surge in Q1 2025, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
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The Headline

Indian startups show strong FY25 growth and senior hiring

Key Facts
  • 20 new-age tech companies reported an operating revenue of ₹85,830 Cr in FY25, marking a 20% increase from ₹71,243 Cr in FY24.1
  • 14 out of these 20 startups ended FY25 with profits totaling ₹2,300 Cr, indicating significant financial improvement.1
  • The profitability trend is expected to continue in FY25 with more startups likely to post profits and reduce losses.1
  • Senior-level hiring is rebounding across Indian startups, driven by recent funding rounds, IPO preparations, and AI-first hiring strategies.M
  • Startups such as Battery Smart and Snabbit are actively hiring for leadership positions to scale their operations.M
  • India’s tech startups raised $2.96 billion in Jan-March 2025, a 24% increase over the previous quarter and a 21% rise year-over-year.M
  • Salaries for senior hires in startups range from ₹80 lakh to ₹4 crore on the cash component alone, excluding ESOPs.M
Of the 20 startups that have released their financial statements for FY25 so far, 14 ended the year with profitable numbers and a cumulative profit of INR 2,300 Cr.
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According to search firms, salaries for senior hires range anywhere between Rs 80 lakh to Rs 4 crore on the cash component alone, not factoring in ESOPs.
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Key Stats at a Glance
Operating revenue in FY25
₹ 85,830 Cr
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Operating revenue growth percentage
20%
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Number of profitable startups in FY25
14
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Cumulative profit in FY25
₹ 2,300 Cr
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Funding raised in Jan-March 2025
$2.96 billion
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Background Context

2022 funding winter forced startups to focus on profitability

Key Facts
  • The funding winter of 2022 forced many Indian startups to shut shop or resort to mass layoffs to extend their runway and reduce cash burn.1
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