Introduction:

Kolkata is an emerging startup hub in India. Startups here are also backed with strong government support and have world-class facilities. These startups are leveraging the latest technologies and local talent to make waves across Eastern India. They contribute to the job creation in India, as well as help in building the country’s economy. Here, we’ll explore the top 10 startups in Kolkata that are disrupting industries and making waves in Eastern India.

Below is the list of these startups with details about their founding and revenue 

*not in any particular order

Alt Carbon

• Founded: 2023
• Founders: Sparsh Agarwal, Shrey Agarwal

Alt Carbon turns farm waste, such as coconut shells, into “carbon credits” that help companies offset their emissions in the fight against global warming. It not only pulls carbon out of the air but also boosts crop yields and soil health for farmers.

Funded by Omnivore, Alt Carbon is scaling across India and South Asia to join hands with farming communities in the fight against climate change. Their goal is to trap billions of tons of CO2 while also opening up doors to sustainable agriculture. This new enterprise is starting a green revolution in Eastern India.

Key features:

• Improve soil health and increase crop yields for farmers.
• Partnerships with farmers for direct carbon credits and an income boost.
• Scalable tech for large-scale deployment in rural areas.

Videonetics

• Founded: 2008
• Founder: Tinku Acharya

Videonetics is a leader in AI & deep learning-based video surveillance and analytics. The company’s platform performs real-time threat detection, traffic management and facial recognition using deep learning. Videonetics’ services are used across cities, airports, and industries. The startup was ranked first in India for video management software. The firm is enhancing safety and efficiency, making Eastern India smarter and safer.

Key features:

• Edge AI for instant video insights without cloud dependency.
• Custom apps for retail, transport, and critical infrastructure.

Scalable systems for easy integration.

iMerit

• Founded: 2012
• Founders: Radha Basu

iMerit is revolutionizing AI by providing high-quality data annotation and model training services. It helps companies build accurate AI models for computer vision and natural language processing. The company is working with sectors like health care, finance and self-driving cars. 

The firm is also employing unprivileged people in India, including women and people with disabilities. iMerit is closing the AI skills gap and boosting inclusive growth in Eastern India.

Key features:

• Expert annotation for complex AI tasks like image labelling.
• Focus on ethical AI with a diverse, trained workforce.
• Solutions for industries needing precise data for machine learning.

Mihup

• Founded: 2016
• Founders: Tapan Barman, Biplab Chakraborty

Mihup is Kolkata’s rising startup in conversational AI. The firm is building platforms that make human-machine interactions smarter and faster. Its tools analyze calls in contact centers, offering real-time insights to improve customer service in banking, e-commerce, and automotive sectors. 

With proprietary speech-to-text tech handling over 100 million interactions, Mihup’s AVA virtual agent automates routine queries. The firm has raised $10.8 million by partnering with giants like Tata Motors, and it plans to expand globally. 

Key features:

• AI-driven analytics for spotting trends in customer calls.
• Multilingual virtual agents for seamless support.
• ISO-certified security for safe, scalable deployments.

NowPurchase

• Founded: 2017
• Founders: Naman Shah, Aakash Shah

Kolkata-based startup NowPurchase is trying to smooth the process for metal factories looking to source raw materials and operate smoothly. It focuses on the foundry and castings business, an industry in which suppliers frequently have trouble locating scrap, alloys and supplies. 

The company provides real-time pricing and a quality assurance program, as well as predictive tools to determine stock levels through its online marketplace. It also recycles scrap and provides financing options, helping small factories cut costs and avoid delays. It boosts efficiency in Eastern India’s industrial hubs while simplifying supply chains.

Key features:

• Real-time pricing and chatbots for quick supplier discovery.
• AI tools for smart inventory and personalized recommendations.
• On-ground support for quality assurance and scrap recycling.

StockEdge

• Founded: 2015
• Founders: Vivek Bajaj, Vinay Pagaria, Vineet Patawari

StockEdge helps Kolkata’s retail investors with data-driven support for their stock market analysis. Its app provides real-time NSE/BSE data and charts to make trading accessible for beginners. StockEdge is a part of Kredent InfoEdge, which promotes financial literacy through free resources and premium insights. StockEdge has millions of users, fostering informed decisions and growing India’s investor base. It’s turning Kolkata into a hub for savvy stock enthusiasts.

Key features:

• Interactive charts and screeners for quick stock picks.
• Sector analytics and trading strategies for all levels.
• Free educational content to build investor confidence.

Arohan Financial Services

•  Founded: 2006
•  Founders: Shubhankar Sengupta, Vineet Rai

Arohan provides financial help to the underprivileged households and businesses across India. It provides microloans for income-generating activities, like farming and shopkeeping, without the requirement for collateral.

The startup offers microloans to women in rural Eastern India. With a focus on women borrowers, Arohan has served over 2.4 million customers, promoting financial inclusion and sustainability. It uses digital tools like the apnaArohan app for cashless loans. 

Key features:

• Quick, collateral-free loans tailored for underserved groups.
• Digital app for seamless, home-based loan services.
• Strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) focus with training and flood relief initiatives.

Wow! Momo

• Founded: 2008
• Founders: Sagar Daryani, Binod Homagai

Wow! Momo is Kolkata’s startup success story, turning the small Kiosk into a large Quick Service Restaurant chain with over 780 outlets across 75 cities under its various brands. This QSR chain offers steamed, fried, and innovative variants like MoBurgs. The firm plans to open 1,000 new stores in 100 cities within the next 18 months. The firm is creating thousands of jobs while building a homegrown Food and Beverages empire.

Key features:

• Omnichannel presence through app, delivery and cloud kitchens.
• Emphasize local hiring and sustainable sourcing.

Taxmantra

• Founded: 1983
• Rebranded: 2010
• Founder: Alok Patnia

It makes taxation & compliance easy for startups and businesses all over India. The startup offers virtual CA services like filings, audits, and advisory. It helps SMEs to save time, costs, and efforts. Taxmantra‘s expert team ensures hassle-free growth. Its online platform offers quick tax filings and consultations.

Key features:

• Tailored advisory for startups on funding and compliance.
• Global support for international business expansion.

Labkafe

• Founded: 2015
• Founder: Aniket Thakur

It provides affordable lab for school and college education in the city of Kolkata, by making it more cost-effective. The company is engaged in everything from designing lab furniture to providing equipment and chemicals. The company saves money by cutting out middlemen and offers end-to-end services, including installation and maintenance.

Key features:

• Custom lab furnishing at an affordable rate with robust furniture.
• Education and after-sales care to secure trouble-free school running.

Conclusion:

The article mentioned the top 10 promising startups from Eastern India that are mixing local insights with global ambitions. From climate tech to Food & Beverages, they tackle critical problems such as financial inclusion. They’re going to bring thousands of jobs here and inspire youth. As they continue to take on new challenges and create sustainable growth and impact society, we are seeing how they truly are leading India’s ecosystem.

FAQs:

What makes Kolkata a hotspot for startups?

Kolkata’s mix of talent from top colleges, low costs, and government support, like startup policies, creates a fertile ground for innovation in tech and services.

How do these startups contribute to job creation?

Collectively employing over 11,000 people, they focus on local hiring, skill training, and inclusive roles for women and rural youth.

Which sector sees the most growth among Kolkata startups?

Fintech and AI lead, with companies like Arohan and Mihup driving digital transformation in underserved Eastern markets.

Are these startups funded or bootstrapped?

A mix—Wow! Momo and Videonetics have big funding, while Labkafe and Taxmantra thrive bootstrapped, showing diverse paths to success.

How can I invest in Kolkata startups?

Platforms like StockEdge offer tools to track them; many raise via angel networks or seek partnerships for expansion.

How has the pandemic affected these companies?

Many pivoted to digital—like Mihup’s AI tools and NowPurchase’s e-procurement—boosting resilience and growth.

What’s the future outlook for Kolkata’s startup scene?

With plans for 1,000+ new outlets and AI hubs, expect 20-30% annual growth, fueled by IPOs and global tie-ups.