When we mention modern shopping in India one name stands and that name is Kishore Biyani. He transformed the way Indians purchase items: He transformed small shops into large stores where families would visit buying food, clothes, and their necessities. He is a recognized man and he is the founder of Future Group, a large company that introduced such brands as Big Bazaar, Pantaloons, Central, and others. The blog tells his story of his childhood, struggles, success, family, and interesting details.
Kishore Biyani was born on August 9, 1961, in Mumbai (then known as Bombay). He grew up in a family involved in business and trade. Even as a young boy, Kishore was interested in business ideas and taking action, rather than just studying.
Kishore Biyani Age
As of 2026, Kishore Biyani age is 64 years and actively involved in business talks and retail planning. Even today, people call him one of the most influential figures in India’s shopping industry.
Kishore Biyani Education
Kishore graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in commerce at the Bombay University. He was also in H.R. College of commerce and economics in Mumbai where he studied commerce. At the time he was taking college, he was more enthusiastic about actual business affairs and acquiring knowledge through the real life.
His education gave him a basic start, but his real lessons were from people and stores — where shoppers told him what they wanted. This skill helped him build stores that felt right for Indian families.
Kishore Biyani Career
Biyani started small but grew very big. His first business steps were in selling cloth and garments. In the early 1980s, he saw people liked stonewashed fabric, and he started selling it to local garment makers. By 1987, he started his own clothing business called Manz Wear Private Limited and later created a brand called Pantaloons. The name came from how trousers were called patloon in Hindi.
In 1996, he formed what became known as Future Group, a company that made big shopping stores full of different products. After that, he founded Big Bazaar in 2001 — a massive shopping store where families could buy everything in one place, just like a modern market. Families loved it because it combined great prices with many choices, all under one roof. Future Group later grew into many brands like Central, Brand Factory, Foodhall, and EasyDay, becoming one of the most loved retail names in India.
Even big journeys have hard times. Kishore faced tough challenges too. The company was also forced at some point to contend with huge debts and sluggish sales. His economy slowed down around 2008 and he was forced to cut on the number of employees and rearrange most of his business units. As money pressures rose, he sold parts of his company, like Pantaloons, to keep the group alive and growing. Over time, parts of Future Group have been sold or reorganised as markets changed. Even with these changes, Kishore stayed focused on building stores and giving customers the products they needed.
Kishore Biyani Family
Kishore Biyani is married to Sangita Biyani. The couple has two daughters: Ashni and Avni. Both daughters have been involved in business and creative work as they grew older. Kishore always talks about family being important. Kishore Biyani family often says that creativity, flexibility, and trying new things are values he learned from his home and used in business.
Kishore Biyani Investments
Under Kishore’s leadership, Future Group didn’t just run stores. It additionally made investments in numerous business components including fashion brands and clothing lines, food and grocery stores, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), logistics and supply networks and technology and analytics to retail. He also entered other business ventures via partnerships and joint ventures thus expanding his business to other companies than retail.
Biyani has been recognised many times for his work in business and retail. He helped bring modern shopping to millions of Indian customers and created brands that almost every family in India knows. His book called It Happened in India became one of the best selling business books and the book has made many young entrepreneurs think outside the box. The summary of his most significant accomplishments and awards follows below.
Awards and Achievements
Details
Pioneer of modern retail in India
Brought new shopping ideas that changed the way people shop.
Created Big Bazaar
A retail chain that became part of everyday shopping life.
Built multiple retail formats
Big Bazaar, Central, Brand Factory, Foodhall, EasyDay, and more.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognised for his business skills (from business sources).
Most admired retail leader
Known for a strong understanding of Indian consumers.
Author of a bestselling book
Wrote It Happened in India, sharing his business journey.
According to Forbes, in 2019, Kishore Biyani net worth is estimated to be around $1.78 billion. This made him one of India’s wealthiest retail leaders at that time.
Kishore Biyani Social Media Presence
Kishore lacks a popular social media profile that many celebrities have today. Mostly, his work is distributed by business news, interviews, and press releases, and not by personal social accounts.
Kishore Biyani Interesting Facts
Here are some simple and fun facts about him:
He started business by selling cloth fabric before building big stores.
He chose store names that Indians could easily remember, like Pantaloons and Big Bazaar.
His book It Happened in India explains how retail business changed in the country.
He focused on stores that felt familiar and affordable to ordinary Indian families.
Even when times got difficult, he changed how business worked to keep the company alive.
FAQs
Q1. Where is Kishore Biyani home?
Ans. His home is located in Mumbai.
Q2. What is Kishore Biyani net worth?
Ans. In 2019, Forbes listed his net worth at around $1.78 billion.
Q3. Which Kishore Biyani books are known?
Ans. He co-authored It Happened in India, a bestselling book about his business journey.
Q4. What is Kishore Biyani Education?
Ans. He completed his commerce degree from H.R. College and Bombay University.
Q5. Who is Kishore Biyani son?
Ans. He does not have son.
Q6. What is Kishore Biyani Future Group?
Ans. Future Group is a retail company that runs big stores across India, like Big Bazaar, Central, and Brand Factory.
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Startup India
The entrepreneurial scenario in India has changed over the last decade. The Indian government is supporting innovation through its Startup India initiative, creating employment opportunities and accelerating economic growth. In this blog, let's discuss Startup India, including its objectives, benefits, and eligibility criteria; also, know how to get a startup registered under this initiative.
What is Startups ?
A startup is the early stage of a company that is formed to develop a unique product or service, introduce it into the market, and scale it to make substantial revenues. Startups are an important part of innovation, job creation, and diversification in the economy. In India, startups play a critical role in driving technology adoption and solving complex challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
Characteristics of a Startup
Innovation: Key concentration in developing new products, services, or processes.
Scalability: Ability to grow rapidly with low incremental costs.
Disruption: Challenge traditional business models or industries.
Importance of Startups in India
Job Creation: Startups are significant employment generators.
Economic Growth: Contribute to GDP by introducing new industries.
Technological Advancement: Drive innovation and technology adoption.
What is the Startup India Initiative?
Startup India is one of the flagship initiatives of the Government of India, launched on January 16, 2016. It aims to build a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation and startups across the country. The idea is to give an impetus to economic growth and employment generation in a substantial way. Startup India seeks to encourage entrepreneurship by giving a boost to innovation and design, thus leading to the growth and success of the startup ecosystem.
Standup India Scheme Standup India scheme was announced on April 5, 2016, to finance new enterprises, to boost the entrepreneurship culture in India. The program ensures the availability of loans through the Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one member of the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST), and at least one woman, per bank branch. The support in this new scheme is granted to businesses in the trading, services, or manufacturing sectors. This will supposedly help about 250,000 borrowers.
Key Objectives of Startup India
Making Business Easier: Simple rules, compliance, and legal steps.
Financial Help: Provide access to government funds and venture capital.
Building Skills: Offer training and mentorship programs.
Encouraging Innovation: Support research and development with grants.
Features of Startup India
Startup India Hub: This is a place where startups can connect with investors and mentors.
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): This is a ₹10,000 crore fund managed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
Tax Benefits: Eligible startups can get exemptions from income tax and capital gains tax.
Startup Recognition: Startups can receive official recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The Startup India scheme eligibility criteria
If you want to get funding through the Start-up India scheme, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. Knowing these requirements well will help you successfully go through the application process.
Business Experience: Start-ups applying for this scheme must have been operating for more than five years.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Company Structure: To get funds under this scheme, the company must be either a partnership or a private limited company.
Turnover Limit: The company should have an annual turnover of no more than Rs. 25 crore.
No Reconstruction: Start-ups that have emerged from the splitting or restructuring of an existing business are not eligible for this scheme. Companies that have divided an organization into two or more parts will be disqualified.
If a company is developing a new product or service, it can benefit from the Start-up India policy.
Here are the requirements:
The start-up must create, utilize, or sell a product or service that is based on new technology or intellectual property.
The focus should be on enhancing an existing product or developing a new one that adds value for customers or improves workflow.
The start-up must not engage in projects that are not unique or do not provide value to customers or enhance workflow.
To get a Startup India loan, start-ups must secure various approvals and submit specific documents:
Obtain approval from the Inter-Ministerial Board under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
Acquire a recommendation from an incubator affiliated with a recognized post-graduate college.
Secure a recommendation from a government-recognized incubator.
File a patent for your product or service and have it published in the Indian Patent Office Journals.
If your services involve funding and equity, register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Provide a funding letter from any state or central government scheme that supports innovation.
How to Register Under Startup Under Startup India Scheme?
Step 1: Start Your Business
The first step in starting your business is to choose a legal structure, such as a Private Limited Company, Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). You will need to complete the standard registration process, which involves submitting an application and obtaining a Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership registration.
Step 2: Register with Startup India
Once you have created your business, the next step is to register it as a startup. This process is straightforward and can be completed online. First, visit the Startup India website and click the 'Register' button. Enter your name, email address, and mobile number, then create a password and click 'Register.' You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) in your email. Enter this OTP and provide additional information, such as your user type, business name, and the stage of your startup. Finally, click 'Submit' to create your Startup India profile. Completing this registration will help your business be recognized as a startup under the Startup India scheme, granting you access to various benefits and support.
Step 3: Obtain DPIIT Recognition
After creating your profile on the Startup India website, the next step is obtaining recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This recognition provides benefits such as quality intellectual property services, relaxed public procurement rules, self-certification for labour and environmental laws, simplified winding-up procedures, access to the Fund of Funds, and tax exemptions for three years.
Step 4: Submit the Documents for Registration
To complete the registration process and obtain DPIIT recognition for your startup, please submit the following documents:
1. The incorporation or registration certificate of your startup.
2. Proof of funding, if applicable.
3. An authorization letter from the company's authorized representative
4. Evidence of your concept, such as a website link, pitch deck, or video (this applies to startups at the validation, early traction, or scaling stage).
5. Information regarding any patents and trademarks you hold.
6. A list of any awards or certificates of recognition you have received.
7. Your Permanent Account Number (PAN).
Step 5: Self-Certification of Eligibility Conditions
You need to confirm that your business meets the following conditions:
1. Your business must be a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or partnership firm.
2. Your business has been registered in India for no more than five years.
3. Your company's turnover does not exceed ₹100 crore.
4. Your company is consistently innovating or improving existing systems.
5. Your business is based on an original idea, rather than a split or reorganization of an existing business.
Step 6: Obtain Your Recognition Number
When applying for registration, you will receive your recognition number immediately. The authority will send you the certificate of registration or incorporation after reviewing your uploaded documents. Ensure that you upload accurate information to avoid errors, as mistakes can lead to fines of up to 50% of your paid-up capital or a minimum of Rs. 25,000. By fulfilling the eligibility and registration requirements, your company can participate in the Startup India scheme and enjoy various benefits provided by the government.
Wrapping Up
The Startup India initiative has revolutionized the entrepreneurial landscape in India by offering financial, regulatory, and infrastructural support. If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative idea, registering under this program can unlock numerous opportunities for growth and success. Begin your startup journey today and contribute to India’s transformation into a global hub for innovation.
FAQ’s
Q1. What is the aim of the Startup India initiative?
Ans: Startup India aims to promote entrepreneurship, support innovation, and create a robust startup ecosystem in India.
Q2. How long does it take to register under Startup India?
Ans: The registration process typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on document verification.
Q3. Are there any fees for registering under Startup India?
Ans: No, the registration process under the Startup India initiative is free of cost.
Q4. Can a sole proprietorship register under Startup India?
Ans: No, only Private Limited Companies, LLPs, and Partnership Firms are eligible to register.
Q5. What are the tax benefits available to startups?
Ans: Startups can avail of income tax exemptions for three consecutive years and exemptions on long-term capital gains.
Q6. Is the Startup India initiative open to foreign startups?
Ans: No, the initiative is exclusively for startups registered and operating in India.