How Many People Have 10 Crore in India? Startup Funding Demystified

Most people in India will never see 10 crore in their bank account. But if you’re a founder hoping to score funding, you probably wonder, “How many people in India even have that kind of cash?” Honestly, the answer might surprise you—and could totally change how you pitch your startup.

First, 10 crore stands at that sweet spot: big enough to make headlines, not so huge that it’s out of reach for every well-off family. In dollars, that’s just over $1.2 million at today’s rates. It sounds massive, and for most, it is. Here’s the kicker: India’s sheer population means you’ll find more 10-crore folks here than you might expect, but they don’t exactly live next door to everyone.

• Why 10 Crore Is a Big Deal in India
• How Many Indians Have 10 Crore—and Where Are They?
• The Connection Between 10 Crore Holders and Startup Funding
• How Founders Can Reach These High-Net-Worth Individuals
• Money Myths: What 10 Crore Really Buys in 2025

Why 10 Crore Is a Big Deal in India

If you grew up hearing about “crorepatis” in India, you know 10 crore is like entering a whole new league. Here’s why: according to Credit Suisse’s Global Wealth Report, less than 1% of Indian adults have assets worth $1 million (roughly 8 crore). So, if someone’s got 10 crore, they’re sitting above even that tiny elite group.

In the real world, 10 crore is enough to buy a pretty premium flat in central Mumbai or Delhi or kickstart a serious business. It’s not just about a fat bank account—it means access to exclusive circles, better schools, and big investment opportunities. For most founders, connecting with someone who holds 10 crore can mean the difference between hustling for angel cheques and seriously leveling up your startup’s growth.

Here’s another angle: the Income Tax Department in India classifies high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) as those with assets north of 5 crore. 10 crore? That’s double the entry ticket to the wealth club. HNIs typically get hit with higher taxes, more paperwork, and more attention from banks and investment firms. They’re the first ones approached for exclusive investment deals, including fast-growing startups.

• The average Indian never crosses even 1 crore in net assets.
• The difference between 1 crore and 10 crore is massive in lifestyle, network, and influence.
• Banks, real estate agents, and luxury brands target these 10-crore holders with special offers you and I will never see in our inboxes.

If you’re chasing 10 crore for your business, you’re playing in a high-stakes game. You need to know who these people are and what they care about. Forget the media hype—10 crore in India is rare, and anyone who has it takes their money moves pretty seriously.

How Many Indians Have 10 Crore—and Where Are They?

So, how many people in India can actually claim a net worth of 10 crore or more? The answer: not as many as you might think, but they’re out there, and they matter a lot in the startup scene.

Latest surveys, like the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report and the Hurun India Wealth Report from 2023, give us some decent estimates. According to the Hurun report, roughly 6 lakh (600,000) Indian households cross the 10 crore wealth mark. That’s out of over 30 crore (300 million) households total—so yeah, we’re talking about the top 0.2%.

Add to that, nearly every city has folks sitting on old family money or new tech fortunes. But the concentration is wild. Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru totally dominate the map. If you want numbers, check out this breakdown:

Here’s something to chew on: many of these ultra-wealthy are first-gen entrepreneurs—people who made it in tech, finance, or real estate. But a chunky slice still comes from old business families who’ve been around since before your parents were born.

If you’re on the hunt for 10 crore worth individuals for your business push, look at two clusters: urban hotspots and Tier-1 suburb zones. Gated communities in big metros, posh addresses like Mumbai’s Altamount Road, Delhi’s Vasant Vihar, or Bengaluru’s Koramangala—they’re basically goldmines if you’re connecting with potential investors. If you’re dreaming of meeting them over chai, try exclusive clubs, high-end networking events, or industry conferences. It’s not magic. It’s knowing where to look and showing up prepared.

The Connection Between 10 Crore Holders and Startup Funding

If you’re hustling for startup funding in India, the people with 10 crore or more in net worth matter a lot. Most family offices, angel investors, and the smaller end of venture capitalists fit into this bracket. Why? Because 10 crore is enough to write decent-sized cheques and still keep your risk in check. So when you hear of someone investing in dozens of early-stage companies, odds are they're in the 10-crore club or above.

Now, here’s something even more interesting: High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) are taking startup investing way more seriously than just a few years ago. Thanks to things like relaxed SEBI rules and platforms like AngelList, India's “new rich” are jumping into direct deals. It’s not unusual to see doctors, real-estate kings, or tech pros turn startup angels, especially after making quick bucks in real estate or the stock market.

Rough estimate? According to the official Hurun India Wealth Report 2024, there are about 4.5 lakh (450,000) households in India worth more than ₹7 crore. If you stick to the magic number, about 2.6 lakh people have personal wealth of ₹10 crore or more. Most live in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Altogether, they hold a big stash of capital looking for new, fast-growth places to park itself—in short, your startup funding.

This concentration matters; it’s simpler to target your pitch in these hotspots. Plenty of deals today get closed at city networking events, industry panels, even private dinners. Many of these HNIs want equity in the next big winner. Some want bragging rights. Others want to help a new founder just because they once were one. For anyone raising funds, unlocking these networks is half the battle—and knowing exactly where the cash piles up saves you a ton of wasted effort.

How Founders Can Reach These High-Net-Worth Individuals

If you’re hunting for that elusive startup funding and want to get on the radar of folks with 10 crore or more, you can’t just shoot cold emails and hope for a miracle. High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) in India are approached all the time, so you need a real strategy.

The first thing to know: they usually don’t advertise themselves. Most keep a low profile. Still, here’s what the heavy hitters in the Indian startup scene are actually doing to make connections:

• Tap Into Angel Networks: Groups like Indian Angel Network and Mumbai Angels act like magnets for HNIs looking for fresh ideas. By applying to pitch sessions, you get your business idea in front of dozens at once—sometimes even virtually.
• Attend Startup Events and Conferences: Big events—think TiE Global Summit, TechSparks, or local pitching fests—often have HNIs mingling alongside VCs. Don’t just attend for the talks. Stick around at networking hours. Casual, one-on-one chats can go farther than a demo day pitch.
• Leverage Your Existing Network: Founders who already landed early funding say referrals work best. If you have a mentor, early investor, or even a friend in finance, ask if they know anyone investing at the 10-crore level. An intro from a trusted contact beats any cold call.
• Get Active on LinkedIn: Search for angel investors, founders who have exited, family office heads, and major startup group admins. Engage with their posts, share your progress, and send personalized (not spammy) connection requests. A lot of first conversations start online before meeting in person.
• Don’t Overlook Family Offices: Many wealthy Indian families run their investments through what’s called a family office. These teams don’t always shout about their deals, but you’ll find some by looking up lists like CAMP or 256 Network. A well-written email that shows you’ve done your homework can open doors.

And here’s a pro tip: HNIs tend to invest if they see others they trust backing your idea. So, start small if you must, but build that circle of believers step by step. The more credibility you rack up, the more likely 10-crore backers will take your call seriously.

Money Myths: What 10 Crore Really Buys in 2025

People toss around the figure 10 crore like it’s a golden ticket. But what does it actually buy you in 2025? For many, 10 crore feels like a dream, but once you see what it covers, the reality is a bit more down-to-earth—especially if you’re living in top cities or trying to make that money last.

Let’s break it down with real numbers, not just guesswork or hype. Here’s what 10 crore can get you in some common wealth goals for Indians right now:

If you’re thinking of retiring with 10 crore, you’ll need to plan. Assuming you spend 25 lakh a year (pretty standard for an upper middle-class lifestyle in a metro), 10 crore lasts about 40 years—but that ignores inflation and medical costs, which love to surprise you.

• Buying a big house? In Mumbai, 10 crore might only get you a normal-sized flat, not a luxury penthouse.
• Want to start investing in startups as an angel? Most first-time investors put in 25–50 lakh per deal, so that 10 crore goes faster than people think if you’re serious and active about it.
• Fancy cars, foreign trips, premium healthcare—they all nibble at that crore pile way faster these days than they did a decade ago.

Here’s a tip: If you’re looking for someone who might have 10 crore to invest in your startup, you want real numbers and not just fancy lifestyle markers. Just because someone drives a fancy car doesn’t mean they’re sitting on angel-level liquidity. True high-net-worth individuals are often quiet about it, and most have their money locked up in property, businesses, or slow-moving investments.

Don’t get blinded by online stories promising overnight riches. Think practically. 10 crore is big—but in startup funding, serious wealth whispers, it doesn’t shout.