Bengaluru has continued to dominate India’s startup hiring landscape, retaining its position as the country’s largest startup jobs hub in 2026, according to a new report by talent platform Foundit.

The report revealed that Bengaluru accounted for 20 per cent of all startup jobs in April 2026, slightly lower than the 21 per cent share recorded during the same period last year.

While the city remains India’s startup capital, the report suggests that startup opportunities are now spreading rapidly beyond traditional metro cities.

Tier-2 cities emerge as new startup hotspots

One of the biggest shifts highlighted in the report is the rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in startup hiring.

Cities such as Jaipur, Kochi, Indore and Coimbatore are emerging as strong startup destinations, together contributing a growing share of new job creation.

These cities now account for 36 per cent of startup jobs, compared to 31 per cent in 2025.

Hyderabad records sharp rise

Among major cities, Hyderabad saw one of the strongest increases in startup hiring. Its share doubled from 5 per cent in 2024 to 10 per cent in 2026.

The report noted that startups are increasingly focusing on specialised hiring rather than rapid expansion.

AI and fintech lead hiring demand

Artificial intelligence-focused startups emerged as the fastest-growing hiring segment, while fintech, SaaS, healthcare, and electric mobility sectors continued to drive recruitment.

IT software and services accounted for 34 per cent of startup jobs, with AI and data-related roles making up nearly one-third of hiring in the segment.

Healthcare hiring also grew steadily, rising from 6 per cent in 2024 to 11 per cent in 2026.

Experienced professionals preferred

The report showed startups are now prioritising experienced professionals over freshers. Mid-level professionals with four to six years of experience formed the largest hiring segment.

Higher-paying roles above Rs 15 lakh annually are largely concentrated in AI, data science, product strategy, and technology leadership positions..