In India’s thriving startup ecosystem, getting your founder story heard is a powerful way to build brand credibility, attract investors, and inspire others. With over 400,000 startups in India as of 2025, standing out requires strategic public relations (PR). Fortunately, several Indian news platforms actively accept and promote founder stories, offering entrepreneurs a stage to share their journeys. This article explores the top platforms accepting founder stories, provides insights on crafting compelling narratives, and offers a roadmap to simplify startup PR.
Table of Contents
Why Founder Stories Matter
Founder stories are more than personal anecdotes—they humanize brands, showcase resilience, and connect with audiences emotionally. According to a 2023 report by YourStory, 68% of Indian startup founders who shared their stories on media platforms saw increased brand visibility, with 42% reporting improved investor interest. These narratives highlight challenges, innovations, and triumphs, making them a potent tool for PR.
Top Indian News Platforms Accepting Founder Stories
Here’s a curated list of Indian news platforms known for featuring founder stories, based on their reach, credibility, and openness to startup content:
| Platform | Focus | Submission Process | Reach (Monthly) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YourStory | Entrepreneurship, startup ecosystem | Submit via website form or email to editorial team | 10M+ | Features success stories, funding news, and profiles |
| Inc42 | Tech, startups, and innovation | Pitch via email or “Get Featured” section | 10M+ | In-depth analysis, D2C focus, and founder interviews |
| Economic Times Startups | Business, funding, and entrepreneurship | Contact via editorial desk or PR agencies | 15M+ | Covers funding rounds, IPOs, and founder journeys |
| StartupReporter.in | Emerging startups, business insights | Submit via website or email to editorial team | 2M+ | Focus on new ventures and actionable insights |
| IndianStartupNews | Startup ecosystem, funding updates | Submit via website contact form | 1M+ | Covers niche startups and regional stories |
1. YourStory
YourStory is India’s leading startup media platform, reaching over 10 million readers monthly. It profiles entrepreneurs across sectors, from fintech to healthcare. Founders can submit their stories through the website’s contact form, focusing on unique challenges or innovations. For example, YourStory’s coverage of Rafia Afi’s Break Free Stories highlighted her healing retreats for women, boosting her startup’s visibility.
2. Inc42
Inc42 is a go-to platform for tech and startup news, known for its in-depth founder interviews. With a readership of over 10 million, it offers programs like D2CX Foundations to help founders craft their narratives. Pitching to Inc42 requires a concise story outline emphasizing your startup’s impact. Their coverage of Zomato’s turnaround under Deepinder Goyal is a testament to their influence.
3. Economic Times Startups
Part of India’s largest business daily, Economic Times Startups covers funding, acquisitions, and founder stories. With a reach of 15 million, it’s ideal for established startups. Founders can connect through PR agencies or the editorial desk. Their recent coverage of Lenskart’s pre-IPO strategies showcased founder Peyush Bansal’s vision.
4. StartupReporter.in
StartupReporter.in focuses on emerging ventures, offering a platform for lesser-known founders. It’s trusted for its concise updates and entrepreneur journeys. Submissions are straightforward via their website, making it accessible for early-stage startups.
5. IndianStartupNews
Based in Raipur, IndianStartupNews highlights regional and niche startups. With a growing audience of 1 million, it’s perfect for founders outside metro cities. Their recent feature on Nuvie’s $450,000 funding round shows their commitment to new voices.
Crafting a Compelling Founder Story
To get featured, your story must resonate. Here are key tips:
- Highlight the Problem-Solution Dynamic: Explain the problem your startup solves and how your journey led to the solution. For instance, Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma emphasized financial inclusion in his early pitches.
- Be Authentic: Share personal struggles and triumphs. Ritesh Agarwal’s story of building OYO from budget hotel stays resonated widely.
- Data-Driven Impact: Use metrics like user growth or revenue to quantify success. For example, BharatPe’s 50 lakh merchant base added credibility to its story.
- Tailor to the Platform: Align your pitch with the platform’s focus—tech for Inc42, broader business for Economic Times.
Insights and Trends
A 2025 report by Startup India noted that 18% of Indian startups are women-led, up from 12% in 2020, indicating a growing diversity in founder stories. Platforms like YourStory and Inc42 are increasingly featuring women entrepreneurs, such as Neha Bansal of Lenskart, reflecting this shift. Additionally, regional stories from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are gaining traction, with IndianStartupNews leading in this space.
Graph: Growth in Startup Media Coverage (2020-2025)
Source: Estimated from platform reports and industry trends
The graph shows a 150% increase in startup-related articles from 2020 to 2025, driven by platforms like YourStory and Inc42. This reflects the growing appetite for founder stories as India’s startup ecosystem expands.
How to Pitch Effectively
- Research the Platform: Understand their audience and content style. YourStory prefers inspirational narratives, while Inc42 seeks data-driven insights.
- Craft a Concise Pitch: Keep it under 200 words, highlighting your startup’s uniqueness and impact.
- Follow Up: If no response within a week, send a polite follow-up email.
- Leverage Networks: Connect with journalists via LinkedIn or startup events like ET Soonicorns Summit.
Challenges and Opportunities
While these platforms offer visibility, competition is fierce. Over 3,000 startups pitch monthly, but only 10-15% get featured. To stand out, focus on unique angles, such as sustainability or social impact. For example, YourStory’s coverage of a climate-tech startup closing the plastic waste loop gained traction for its novelty.
Conclusion
India’s startup news platforms are a goldmine for founders seeking PR. By leveraging YourStory, Inc42, Economic Times Startups, StartupReporter.in, and IndianStartupNews, entrepreneurs can amplify their stories, attract funding, and build trust. Craft authentic, impactful narratives, tailor pitches to each platform, and stay persistent. As India’s startup ecosystem grows, your founder story could be the key to unlocking your startup’s full potential.
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Last Updated on: Monday, July 28, 2025 3:24 pm by Siddhant Jain | Published by: Siddhant Jain on Monday, July 28, 2025 3:24 pm | News Categories: News, India, Startup, Tech, Trending, Trending
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