In Memoriam: Founders, Startup Leaders That We Lost In 2025

by · Inc42

SUMMARY

  • In 2025, unfortunately, the startup ecosystem has lost five startup founders who’ve left behind the business they created from scratch
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Every now and then the Indian startup ecosystem gets a sobering reality check; founder and employee wellness become hot topics, but the toll of creating a business from scratch is often very heavy. And sometimes, founders and employees pay the ultimate price. 

For instance, in 2025, unfortunately, the Indian startup ecosystem had more than one instance of death by suicide among employees. What 2025 showed us again is that employee and founder health and wellness should be an everyday concern, especially as the stakes get higher.

There is a big need to address how startup leaders and employees deal with pressure and stress, which is not always related to work. Plus, the past year also had a few reminders that life can be fleeting, as some founders passed away due to accidents. 

As we wrap up the year, we remember five startup founders who we untimely lost in 2025.