₹1 Lakh Can Be Your Ticket to the World of Startups

Imagine this. You’ve just received a ₹1 lakh bonus or maybe you’ve been saving it steadily, month by month.

Most people go for the usual suspects. A fixed deposit for “safety.” A mutual fund SIP for “growth.” Or perhaps some gold, because that’s what everyone in the family does.

But what if you could use that same ₹1 lakh to become an investor in a startup, a company that’s building the future?

Sounds big, right? It is. And the best part? It’s possible. Even if you’re not a millionaire or an HNI. Even if you don’t have a finance degree. Even if you’ve never invested beyond your savings account.

Wait, Startups is Private Equity?

Let’s strip away the jargon.

Private equity just means investing in companies that are not listed on the stock market. These could be small family businesses, growing tech firms, or, more excitingly, startups, the companies solving bold problems and chasing massive opportunities.

Think of it like this: When you invest in a public company, you’re buying a piece of history. But when you invest in a startup, you’re buying a piece of the future.

And that ₹1 lakh? That could be your stake in a company that one day becomes the next Zomato, Rapido, or Ather.

But Isn’t It Risky?

Absolutely. Startups don’t come with guarantees. Some succeed wildly. Others fail.

But that’s where diversification and smart curation come in. Platforms like Creddinv handpick startups, vet them for you, and make sure you're not shooting in the dark.

According to a report by Bain & Company (2024), early-stage startup investments in India have seen IRRs (internal rate of return) between 20–30% annually for successful funds. Compare that with:

• FDs giving 6–7% annually (SBI, August 2025)
  
  
• Gold giving 8–9% annually over the last 5 years (World Gold Council)
  
  
• Nifty 50 growing ~11% annually over the last 10 years (NSE)
  
  

Of course, those numbers don’t tell the full story. With startups, you’re betting long-term. And like all high-reward opportunities, the risk is real but so is the upside.

Disclaimer: Startup investments are illiquid and carry the risk of capital loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult a financial advisor before investing.

So, Who Is This For?

You might think startup investing is only for “finance people” or tech bros with too much money. Not true.

• If you’re a 25-year-old looking to explore new-age investing beyond stocks, you’ll find startup investing exciting and educational.
  
  
• If you’re in your 40s, this could be a smart way to diversify your portfolio and back companies that could complement your professional expertise.
  
  
• If you’re a retired professional, it’s a chance to put your capital into meaningful ventures that create impact and employment, while potentially offering good returns.
  
  

You don’t need to be loud on LinkedIn or live in Mumbai. You just need curiosity and a willingness to look beyond traditional wealth-building tools.

And What Can ₹1 Lakh Really Do?

Let’s be honest! ₹1 lakh won’t buy you an apartment. It may not move the needle much in the stock market either. But in the startup world, it’s powerful.

Your ₹1 lakh could make you a co-owner in a high-growth startup.

If that startup grows and raises future rounds at higher valuations, your stake grows in value. And one day, when the startup raises the next round or exits, through an acquisition or IPO, you get your return.

For instance, early angel investors in Ola saw multi-fold returns. Even modest success stories like Mamaearth or Boat have delivered 3x–10x returns to early believers. Of course, these are exceptional cases but they started with someone taking that first step.

Why Start Now?

Because you don’t need to be perfect to begin. In fact, the best way to learn about private equity is to participate.

Investing in startups is definitely about making money but also supporting innovation, taking intelligent risks, and building wealth beyond the usual routes.

So, next time you think about what to do with that extra ₹1 lakh, ask yourself: Do I want to hold a stake in the future?

Creddinv makes that choice easier. We’re here to help you explore the startup ecosystem with confidence, care, and clarity, no matter your age or background.

Let’s make your money a little more ambitious.