Kolkata is quickly evolving into one of the most attractive start up environments in India and becomes the IT Hub of East India. The technological environment in the city has seen phenomenal growth in the last 10 years with many Startup Software Companies in Kolkata establishing themselves within the country and abroad. In the field of AI-based solutions to innovative software development, these startups are generating promising opportunities both to freshers and experienced professionals.
Offering competitive pay, new work cultures, and access to international work, Startup Companies in Kolkata provide a good alternative to established IT centers such as Bangalore and Hyderabad and, at the same time, a lower cost of living and a deep cultural background.
What Makes Kolkata a Good Place for Startups
- Strategic Location: Kolkata is located in Eastern India, a gateway to the markets of Southeast Asia and the northeast states, giving it distinct business growth opportunities.
- Cost-Effective Operations: The city is also much cheaper to operate than such metros as Mumbai or Bangalore and, therefore, can be appealing to bootstrapped start-ups and early-stage companies.
- Talented Human Resource: Kolkata boasts of some of the best tech schools such as IIT Kharagpur, Jadavpur University and a number of engineering colleges, which has created a continuous stream of talented human resources.
- Government Support: West Bengal government has developed IT parks, SEZs and start-up-friendly policies such as tax incentives as well as simplified regulatory systems to new businesses.
- Infrastructure development: The Salt Lake Sector V, New Town and Rajarhat have evolved to be well developed IT centres with contemporary office space and good connectivity.
- Cultural Advantage: The city has an intellectual background and creative ecosystem that encourages creativity and a better work life balance compared to most other Indian tech centers.
What are Some Challenges Startup Companies in Kolkata Face
- Low Accessibility of Financing: Bangalore or Mumbai have better networks of venture capitalists and angel investors, so a local startup will face more difficulties raising funds.
- Talent Retention: A large number of talented professionals are moving to other metros, which offer a better perception of opportunities, posing an issue of retention to Startup Companies in Kolkata.
- Brand Perception: The city is yet to overcome the perception problem because companies tend to label Eastern India with old technology and not with advanced modern technology.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Although it is changing, some of the areas still do not have world-class infrastructure, and traffic congestion might affect productivity during monsoons.
- Market Access: Geographical location can be a restriction to sometimes meet face-to-face clients and network with large businesses.
- Lack of Maturity in the ecosystem: The ecosystem (accelerators, mentorship and co-working space) provided to the startups is still in its early stage, as opposed to the established hubs.
Types of Startups in Kolkata
Software & IT Startups
These firms are the leaders in the startup environment in Kolkata which provide custom software development, web and mobile application, cloud services and information technology consultancy. They serve both domestic and global customers in different industries.
AI & ML Startups
Kolkata is experiencing artificial intelligence and machine learning projects, with a specialization on conversational AI, computer vision, predictive analytics, and automation solutions to real-life business problems in an efficient manner.
Food & FMCG Startups
Innovative food-tech companies such as quick-service restaurant chains, cloud kitchens, food delivery platforms and FMCG brands that combine technology with traditional Bengali culinary knowledge have become part of the city.
E-commerce & Retail Startups
These startups are changing the way consumers shop, whether it is through online market places or retail-tech solutions, which have it all; fashion, electronics and handcrafted products with technology enhanced customer experience.
Niche/Innovative Startups
Kolkata is home to isolated edtech, health tech, fintech, proptech, cleantech companies, which fill a particular market gap with a novel business model and technology-first solutions, designed to tackle complex problems.
How to Join a Startup in Kolkata
- Develop good LinkedIn, Wellfound (AngelList), Instahyre and Cutshort profiles.
- Participate in tech meetups and hackathons and startup events in Webel IT Park.
- Become members of such organizations as Kolkata Ventures and Headstart Kolkata.
- Connect with founders and initial employees via social media.
- Send cold email of a real interest in their mission.
- Get startups internships to get experience.
- Give back to open-source projects and create your portfolio.
- Personal projects: work on personal projects that depict problem-solving skills.
- Customize your resume in order to focus on pertinent skills and projects.
- Read company blogs and interact with them.
- Get ready to technicum examinations and culture-fit interviews.
- Conduct product and market research about the company.
- Be passionate, agile in learning and culturally fit.
- Express knowledge of their product in interviews.
- Focus on flexibility more than on conventional qualifications.
Top 10 Startup Companies in Kolkata (2026 Ranked) – Table
| Name | Sector | Founded In | Known For |
| Mihup | AI & Conversational Intelligence | 2016 | Voice AI platform for contact centers and automotive |
| Capital Numbers | Software Development | 2012 | Custom software, web and mobile app development |
| AI Planet | AI/ML EdTech | 2020 | AI learning platform and marketplace |
| ParallelDots | AI & Computer Vision | 2014 | Retail shelf monitoring with AI image recognition |
| WebGuru Infosystems | Web Development & Digital Marketing | 2005 | Website design, app development, digital marketing |
| Xempla | PropTech & AI | 2017 | Decision support system for asset management |
| Wow! Momo | Food & Quick Service | 2008 | Fast-food chain specializing in momos |
| Arohan Financial | FinTech | 2006 | Microfinance and financial inclusion services |
| Data Sutram | AI & Analytics | 2018 | Location intelligence platform for businesses |
| Assessli | EdTech & AI | 2019 | AI-powered adaptive assessment platform |
Top 10 Startup Companies in Kolkata (For Freshers & Professionals)
1. Mihup
- Sector: Artificial Intelligence & Conversational Intelligence
- Founded In: 2016
- Funding: $10.8 Million (Series B)
- Team Size: 51-200 employees
- Website Link: https://mihup.ai
- Address (Kolkata): Millennium City IT Park, Tower-2, 3A & 3B, 3rd Floor, DN-62, DN Block, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091
Mihup is an innovative conversational AI application that completely changes the way businesses engage customers by voice technology. The company focuses on AI solutions in the form of real-time solutions in contact centers with the provision of interaction analytics, agent support, and virtual agent assistance. The technology created by Mihup is used in such large organizations as banking, insurance, fintech, healthcare, and automotive industries. Having collaborated with international brands and supported by partners like Accel and Ashish Kacholia, Mihup is one of the most prosperous Startup Companies in Kolkata.
Key Products/Services:
- Interaction Analytics Platform
- Agent Assist Solutions
- Automated Virtual Agents
- Conversational AI Engine
Hiring Status: Actively hiring for AI engineers, software developers, and business development roles
2. Capital Numbers
- Sector: Software Development & IT Services
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: Bootstrapped (Revenue: ₹100 Crore+)
- Team Size: 500-1000 employees
- Website Link: https://www.capitalnumbers.com
- Address (Kolkata): Mani Casadona IT Building, 8th Floor, 8E4, East Tower, Plot 2F/4, Action Area I, Newtown, Kolkata-700156
Capital Numbers is a large and most successful Startup Software Company in Kolkata, which provides a complete package of digital engineering solutions worldwide. The company focuses on the development of software on a custom basis, mobile applications, cloud engineering, artificial intelligence/machine learning solutions and data analytics. Capital Numbers is ISO 9001 and 27001 certified, and serves a clientele of more than 250 clients in different parts of the world, including Fortune 500 companies. The company has 50+ awards of excellence in software development and it provides flexible engagement models.
Key Products/Services:
- Custom Software Development
- Mobile App Development
- AI/ML Solutions
- Cloud Engineering Services
Hiring Status: Continuously hiring developers, designers, and tech professionals across multiple technologies
3. Planet Infrastructure Management Pvt Ltd
- Sector: Artificial Intelligence & EdTech
- Founded In: 2020
- Funding: $306K (Seed Round)
- Team Size: 30-50 employees
- Website Link: http://www.planetinfra.com/ai-ml
- Address (Kolkata): 1803, BP- 3, Martin Burn Business Park, BP Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091
Planet Infrastructure is changing AI education by creating an AI career hub, which is a community-based student learning platform, and an AI marketplace. The platform provides people and companies with the necessary skills in data science and AI by means of micro-courses, practical application, and real-world projects. Planet Infrastructure marketplace offers ready-to-use AI models and API, which make artificial intelligence available to everyone. Planning Infrastructure is making AI education global by supporting a vibrant community of 300,000+ members and providing accelerators such as Start it @KBC and Microsoft for Startups.
Key Products/Services:
- AI Learning Platform
- AI Marketplace & APIs
- Data Science Courses
- Community-Driven Projects
Hiring Status: Hiring AI engineers, content creators, and community managers
4. ParallelDots
- Sector: Artificial Intelligence & Computer Vision
- Founded In: 2014
- Funding: $6.5 Million (Series A)
- Team Size: 100-150 employees
- Website Link: https://www.paralleldots.com
- Address (Kolkata): Development center in India with US headquarters
ParallelDots uses the state-of-the-art AI based image recognition technology to transform retail execution to FMCG companies around the world. ShelfWatch is the flagship product of the company that automates the monitoring of the retail shelves in more than 40 countries and 1 million stores with monthly analyses of more than 10 million images. ParallelDots aids Fortune 500 FMCG brands optimize in-store performance, track compliance with the shelves, and optimize sales using real time analytics. The startup symbolizes the innovation possibilities of Startup Software Companies in Kolkata in the world arena.
Key Products/Services:
- ShelfWatch Image Recognition
- Retail Compliance Monitoring
- Shelf Analytics Platform
- Promotion Execution Tracking
Hiring Status: Actively recruiting AI/ML engineers and computer vision specialists
5. WebGuru Infosystems
- Sector: Web Development & Digital Marketing
- Founded In: 2005
- Funding: Bootstrapped
- Team Size: 100-250 employees
- Website Link: https://www.webguru-india.com
- Address (Kolkata): Plot-Y8, Block-EP, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091
WebGuru Infosystems is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company specialising in digital solutions and has a good experience in the industry which is almost 20 years old. The company has been providing affordable and tailored web and mobility solutions to its customers in India, USA, UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia. With its expertise in technology, healthcare, and a variety of other industries, WebGuru focuses on responsive website design, e-commerce, mobile development, and overall services in digital marketing. It has a record track of 100+ developers and 19+ years, which makes it a stable option among Startup Companies in Kolkata.
Key Products/Services:
- Website Design & Development
- Mobile App Development
- E-Commerce Solutions
- SEO & Digital Marketing
Hiring Status: Regular hiring for web developers, designers, and digital marketers
6. Xempla
- Sector: PropTech & AI
- Founded In: 2017
- Funding: $350K-400K
- Team Size: 20-50 employees
- Website Link: https://www.xempla.ai/
- Address (Kolkata): Suite 1012, 10th Floor, Merlin Infinite, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091
Xempla is developing the first decision support system in the world to manage enterprise assets to assist operations and maintenance teams in making decisions that are better in the process of life cycle of the assets. The platform will deal with critical issues in the industry such as skill gaps, the aging workforce issues, and knowledge transfer requirements in facilities management. Xempla is an AI-based solution to assist 25,000+ autonomously maintained assets to support predictive analytics, fault detection, and energy efficiency optimization of commercial real estate and smart buildings.
Key Products/Services:
- Asset Performance Management
- Predictive Analytics Platform
- Autonomous Maintenance Systems
- Energy Efficiency Solutions
Hiring Status: Hiring Python developers, front-end engineers, and solution associates
7. Think To Share
- Sector: AI & Software Development
- Founded In: 2010
- Funding: Bootstrapped
- Team Size: 50-100 employees
- Website Link: https://thinktoshare.com/
- Address (Kolkata): 52B, Durga Charan Doctor Ln, Maula Ali, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
Think To Share will be unique in terms of prior experience in providing AI-based solutions that optimize business activities and promote their development. The company specializes in automation, data analytics, and intelligent process optimization, providing their individual strategies that can and always improve the outcome of the clients. Being among the pioneering Startup Companies in Kolkata, Think To Share is a company that balances technical brilliance with business acumen in assisting clients in different industries to make the best use of artificial intelligence to gain competitive advantage.
Key Products/Services:
- AI Development Solutions
- Data Analytics Platforms
- Process Automation Tools
- Business Intelligence Systems
Hiring Status: Hiring AI specialists and software engineers
8. Unified Infotech
- Sector: Software Development & Digital Transformation
- Founded In: 2010
- Funding: Bootstrapped
- Team Size: 100-250 employees
- Website Link: https://www.unifiedinfotech.net
- Address (Kolkata): Ground Floor, Tower C-1, Candor Kolkata One Tech Space IT/ITES SEZ, Block DH, Action Area 1-D, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata-700156
United Infotech is a multi-award digital transformation partner that has 14 years of experience and serves clients ranging between startups to Fortune 500 companies. The company provides a wide range of services such as web designing, mobile application development, bespoke software development and digital strategy consulting. The high-quality delivery and customer-centricity have provided Unified Infotech with a good reputation in the Startup Software Companies in Kolkata that is why it is a good place to work as the firm gives the professionals an opportunity to work on a variety of projects and up to date technologies.
Key Products/Services:
- Custom Software Development
- Mobile App Solutions
- UI/UX Design
- Digital Strategy Consulting
Hiring Status: Actively hiring across development and design roles
9. BluWebMedia
- Sector: IT Services & Software Development
- Founded In: 2014
- Funding: Bootstrapped
- Team Size: 20-50 employees
- Website Link: https://www.bluwebmedia.co.in/
- Address (Kolkata): Shaila Tower, J1/16, Salt Lake, EP Block, Sector V, Saltlake, 704, Kolkata-700091
BluWebMedia IT Services is the agile culture of Startup Software Companies which is found in Kolkata. The company specializes in the development and product engineering service to both startups and well-established businesses, focusing on software development. BluWebMedia aims at providing high-quality solutions and fast turnaround, relying on modern technologies and iterative approaches. The lean nature of the company enables freshers to experience the practical part of software development and management of clients in various ways.
Key Products/Services:
- Product Engineering Services
- Custom Software Development
- Web Application Development
- Technology Consulting
Hiring Status: Periodically hiring developers and engineers
10. I3Tk
- Sector: IT Services & Blockchain
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: Bootstrapped
- Team Size: 50-100 employees
- Website Link: https://www.i3tk.org/
- Address (Kolkata): 01-0317, DH-6/24, DH Block(Newtown), Action Area 1D, Newtown, Kolkata, Chakpachuria, West Bengal 700160
INT provides complete web and blockchain development, digital marketing, and analytics to their clients worldwide. The various business enterprises that the firm takes pride in are cloud management, testing, business process outsourcing, and development of mobile applications. Being one of the known Startup Software Companies in Kolkata, INT gives the professionals a chance to work on the new technology such as blockchain without losing the solid grounds in the traditional software development. The company focuses on the continuous learning and developing the skills of the members.
Key Products/Services:
- Blockchain Development
- Web Development Services
- Digital Marketing Solutions
- Cloud Management Services
Hiring Status: Hiring for blockchain developers and digital marketing professionals
Government Grants & Funding Opportunities for Startups
- Start-up India Scheme: Start-up business owners get recognition, tax advantages, relaxed compliance, and access to government contracts with registered start-ups. Companies that are eligible get the benefits of 3 year tax holidays and self-certification compliance.
- MSME Schemes: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises grants credit-based capital subsidies, technology upgradation programs and market development aid programs specifically to tech startups and software firms.
- West Bengal Startup Policy: the state government offers financial facilities, infrastructural facilities at subsidized cost in the IT parks, and marketing facilities to start-up companies in Kolkata via nodal agencies.
- SISFS Scheme: Software Technology Parks of India provides subsidies to develop infrastructures, quality certification, and protection of intellectual property, especially software start-ups in Sector V and New Town.
- NIDHI Program: this initiative by the Department of Science and Technology offers technology startups seed funding, incubation services, and grants under a range of schemes such as PRAYAS, EIR, and Seed Support System.
- Credit Guarantee Schemes: CGTMSE offers loans (on collateral-free, up to ₹2 crore) to start-ups, and state-level schemes are also available with extra credit facilities to technology-driven ones in West Bengal.
Conclusion
The startup companies in Kolkata landscape have changed drastically to become a dynamic tech ecosystem that competes with others. Whether it is the AI-based solutions such as Mihup or an overall development house such as Capital Numbers, these companies do provide excellent career opportunities to freshers and experienced professionals.
With a competitive pay, innovative workplace cultures, internationalization and affordable cost of living, Kolkata has become a more competitive choice in finding tech talents. Although there are still issues such as the lack of access to funding and retaining talent, the increasing number of infrastructure, government involvement, and the accomplishments of local startups give hope. Startup Companies in Kolkata offer the optimal combination of career, meaningful work, and quality of life to any person who thinks about becoming a part of the startup ecosystem. Kolkata is bright in terms of its tech startup industry.
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FAQs
What is the mean salary of the startup companies in Kolkata?
Freshers may get ₹3-6 lakh per annum and a professional with experience (3-5 years) may get ₹8-15 lakh. Positions such as AI engineers may cost ₹15-25 lakhs or higher, depending on the company and skills.
Do the Startup Companies in Kolkata hire freshers?
Yes, active recruitment of freshers is conducted by a large number of startups, in particular, such companies as Capital Numbers, WebGuru Infosystems, and Xempla. They prefer agility in learning and problem-solving abilities and cultural fit instead of long experience and are well-suited to new graduates.
What is the work life balance at the startups in Kolkata?
Work-life balance is different between different companies and growth stages. Early startups can need more working hours in their critical stages, but most established startups in Kolkata have reasonable working hours in comparison with other metros with flexible policies.
Which skills are the most in-demand in such startups?
React, Node.js (full-stack development), Python, AI/ML, mobile app development (React Native, Flutter), cloud technologies (AWS, Azure), and data analytics are very in demand. Social competencies such as communication and flexibility are also significant.
What are the ways in which I can get employment opportunities with these companies?
Wellfound (AngelList), LinkedIn, Instahyre, and career pages of the company. Cover local tech events, visit social media-based startup communities in Kolkata and think about direct outreach to founders using LinkedIn to become more visible.
