India's business landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the rise of billionaires and a booming startup ecosystem that has seen the emergence of over 108 unicorns. These high-growth companies, valued at over $1 billion each, are part of a larger economic wave positioning India as a global startup hub. However, behind the scenes, a select group of business coaches is playing a critical, often understated, role in shaping the future of these unicorns and the billionaires at the helm.
As India’s startup ecosystem grows, with unicorns valued at a collective $340 billion, business leaders are increasingly seeking guidance on scaling operations, improving leadership, and navigating complex market conditions. Among those providing this essential support are renowned business coaches like Saurabh Kaushik and Ram Charan, whose decades of experience and strategic insights are proving invaluable to the country's entrepreneurial elite.
India’s Billionaire and Unicorn Boom
The Indian economy is evolving rapidly, with projections indicating that it will reach the $5 trillion mark by 2026. This growth has been bolstered by sectors such as technology, fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce. Supported by government initiatives like Startup India and Make in India, the ecosystem has thrived, attracting both domestic and international venture capital. In 2022 alone, Indian startups raised over $35 billion in venture funding.
As of 2023, the country is home to 166 billionaires with a combined wealth exceeding $750 billion, placing India among the top global markets for high-net-worth individuals. However, with rapid growth comes the challenge of sustaining momentum, managing risk, and evolving leadership styles to suit the demands of scaling companies. This is where the role of business coaches becomes essential.
The Role of Business Coaches in Navigating Challenges
Business coaches, though often operating behind the scenes, have become trusted advisors to CEOs and founders, particularly those running unicorns and large-scale businesses. These coaches offer a variety of services, from leadership development to strategic planning, and help business leaders navigate the complexities of rapid growth.
“Coaches provide a critical outside perspective, helping CEOs sharpen their strategic thinking, improve operational efficiency, and build strong leadership teams,” says a source familiar with the coaching industry. “Their guidance is invaluable, especially when companies are faced with high-stakes decisions about scaling and long-term sustainability.”
Saurabh Kaushik: Guiding Billionaires and Unicorn Founders/ Owners
One of the key figures in this coaching landscape is Saurabh Kaushik, whose discreet yet impactful coaching style has made him a go-to coach and advisor for many of India's billionaires and unicorn founders. Kaushik’s approach is rooted in helping business leaders unlock new levels of growth by focusing on strategic execution and long-term vision.
Kaushik’s work is primarily centred around building personal mastery, leadership capabilities, succession planning, scalability planning, and enabling businesses to thrive in both national and international markets. His approach is particularly valued by entrepreneurs looking to scale quickly while maintaining operational agility.
He is renowned for coaching seasoned business owners, founders, and peak-performance celebrities, helping them gain clarity, unlock their full potential, and guiding them through a strategic roadmap to achieve significant success in both their business and personal lives. He assists them in adopting cutting-edge strategies and building strong organizational structures capable of withstanding market uncertainties.
Ram Charan: Coaching India’s Top Business Leaders & C-Suites
Ram Charan, a prominent name in business coaching, also continues to influence many Indian billionaires and CEOs. Known for his practical, crisp approach, Charan has worked with some of the world's largest corporations, including GE, Tata Group, and Verizon. His extensive experience advising global corporations has equipped him with deep insights that are particularly relevant to Indian unicorn founders looking to expand into international markets.
Charan’s coaching philosophy centers on execution—helping companies move from strategy to results. His work involves guiding CEOs through the operational complexities of scaling businesses while keeping a close eye on leadership development and cultural transformation within organizations.
The Future of India’s Unicorns Landscape
As India marches towards a $5 trillion economy, the importance of strong leadership, strategic vision, and operational excellence cannot be overstated. The rise of unicorns in India—108 and counting—signals a promising future, but sustaining this momentum requires more than capital and innovation. It demands leadership excellence, adaptability, and strategic foresight.
Key challenges facing unicorn founders today include:
- Managing hypergrowth while ensuring operational efficiency.
- Expanding into global markets while navigating regulatory and cultural differences.
- Maintaining sustainable profitability, especially as investors shift their focus from growth to bottom-line results.
In these areas, business coaches like Saurabh Kaushik and Ram Charan continue to add significant value. Their guidance helps business leaders focus on execution, leadership development, and long-term strategies—key elements that are driving India's current and future business success.