Quick-commerce platform Zepto has secured the top position in LinkedIn’s 2026 Top Startups India ranking for the fourth year in a row. Professional networking platform LinkedIn released the annual list on Thursday, October 15, highlighting companies attracting talent and gaining attention from jobseekers across the country.
Topmate.io ranked second, followed by Matiks in third place. The latest ranking includes 13 new entrants among the top 20 startups, reflecting the changing landscape of India’s startup ecosystem. Artificial intelligence (AI) companies have also secured a significant presence, alongside businesses in quick commerce, education, financial services and consumer products.
According to LinkedIn, the rankings are based on employment trends, professional engagement, interest in job opportunities and the ability to attract experienced talent.
Zepto Retains No. 1 Position as AI Startups Gain Momentum
Zepto continued its winning streak by topping the list for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Snabbit, an on-demand household help platform, made a notable improvement, rising from 14th place in the previous year’s ranking to sixth in 2026.
AI-focused businesses also featured prominently, accounting for six of the top 20 positions. Zetheta Algorithms ranked fifth, Weekday secured eighth place, and Sarvam appeared at ninth. Other companies in the ranking represent a range of emerging business models and technology-driven services.
Commenting on the findings, Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and Senior Managing Editor, LinkedIn India News, said the ranking reflects the growing ambitions of India’s startup ecosystem, including the continued development of quick commerce and the expanding role of AI in business.
LinkedIn Top 20 Startups India 2026: Complete List
The following companies secured positions in LinkedIn’s 2026 ranking.
| Rank | Startup |
|---|---|
| 1 | Zepto |
| 2 | topmate.io |
| 3 | Matiks |
| 4 | Figuring Out Media & Education |
| 5 | Zetheta Algorithms |
| 6 | Snabbit |
| 7 | Emergent |
| 8 | Weekday (YC W21) |
| 9 | Sarvam |
| 10 | PALMONAS |
| 11 | Swish |
| 12 | Pronto |
| 13 | GoodSpace AI |
| 14 | Lucidity |
| 15 | Immunoscript Life Science |
| 16 | FirstClub |
| 17 | Arrowhead |
| 18 | Bhanzu |
| 19 | Scapia |
| 20 | Akasa Air |
Top Startups Across Major Indian Cities
LinkedIn also released separate startup rankings for six Indian cities, highlighting companies attracting professional interest in different regional markets.
Zepto secured the leading position in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. In Mumbai, Figuring Out Media & Education topped the list, with Zepto in second place and PALMONAS in third.
PALMONAS led the Pune ranking, followed by Zepto and EMotorad. These city-level rankings feature businesses across several sectors, including quick commerce, electric mobility, AI, education and financial services.
How LinkedIn Selected the Top Startups
LinkedIn assessed companies using four key indicators: workforce growth, professional engagement, interest in job openings and their ability to attract experienced professionals.
The evaluation covered the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. To qualify, companies had to be privately held, independently operated, no more than seven years old and employ at least 30 full-time workers in the relevant city.
Companies that reduced their workforce by 10% or more during the assessment period were excluded from consideration.
The ranking focuses on hiring activity, workforce trends and professional interest rather than a company’s profitability or overall financial performance. It provides a snapshot of the startups gaining visibility among professionals and potential employees in India’s evolving business environment.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The rankings and selection criteria are based on the information provided about LinkedIn’s 2026 Top Startups India list. Readers should refer to LinkedIn’s official publication for the complete ranking, methodology and any additional details.