Announcing Griffin Retreat: 100 Unicorn & Soonicorn Founders, A Trillion Dollar Dream

Announcing Griffin Retreat: 100 Unicorn & Soonicorn Founders, A Trillion Dollar Dream

As India celebrates the 9th anniversary of Startup India and the fourth edition of National Startup Day announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we at Inc42 are more than proud to announce — Griffin Retreat — a gathering of 100 unicorn and soonicorn founders for the first time in India.

It feels like just yesterday that India’s startup ecosystem was taking its first tentative steps. The year was 2014 — a time when the landscape was modest yet brimming with promise: 25,000 startups, 7 unicorns, $5 billion in funding, and just 3 publicly listed new-age tech companies. It was the dawn of an era, and we at Inc42 were there, witnessing the ecosystem come alive, documenting its journey, and amplifying its voice.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. India now stands as a global startup powerhouse, with over 70,000 startups, 118 unicorns, $158 billion in funding, and more than 35 publicly listed tech companies.

Over the past decade, India’s startups have redefined industries, created millions of jobs, and reshaped the economy. Yet, building a unicorn is only the first chapter of this story. The greater challenge lies in sustaining growth, navigating public markets, and creating legacies that endure.

Today’s founders stand at a critical juncture, where scaling ventures must be paired with resilience, foresight, and the ability to lead with purpose.

At Inc42, we’ve been privileged to be at the heart of this transformation. From hosting impactful summits to curating tailored content and programmes, we’ve empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to navigate through challenges and contribute to India’s digital revolution. But the next leg of this journey requires a systemic change.

Consider this: The world’s largest economy, the United States, has 773 listed tech companies with a combined market cap of $21 trillion, which accounts for 40% of the total market cap of all listed US companies. In contrast, listed tech companies in India account for just 2% of the total market cap — a clear signal of the untapped potential.

Now, imagine the possibilities by 2030…

An ecosystem with over 200,000 startups, more than 350 unicorns, and 250+ publicly listed companies contributing a remarkable 10% of India’s $10 trillion market cap. This isn’t just a dream — it’s a vision we are all set to realise.

Achieving this vision demands more than just ambition; it requires building a robust pipeline that transforms private ventures into public market leaders.

At Inc42, we believe this is where India’s startup ecosystem is headed, and we are here to accelerate its journey toward a $1 trillion digital economy.

Griffin Retreat is where this journey begins…

Unfolding The Next Chapter Of India’s Tech Story

Taking a company public is one of the most complex transitions a founder can navigate. It’s not just a financial milestone, it’s a fundamental shift in how you lead, scale, and sustain growth.

Griffin Retreat is designed to address this head-on.

Picture this: 100 of India’s most ambitious unicorn and soonicorn founders converging for 3 days at The Oberoi Amarvilas, a stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal. By day, they’ll engage in personalised conversations and closed-door discussions about navigating IPO roadshows, managing analyst expectations, and creating value for retail investors. By night, they’ll forge deeper connections over secret suppers and unparalleled experiences under the stars.

These aren’t theoretical exercises; they’re grounded in real-world experience. Griffin isn’t about broad, generic advice — it’s about tailored, actionable insights that meet founders where they are.

At Griffin Retreat, every breakout is personal and the goal is clear — to equip founders not just to survive the transition but to thrive in public markets.

When we envisioned Griffin Retreat, we weren’t thinking of just another gathering. We wanted to create a sanctuary — a space where founders could shed the burdens of constant decision-making, connect with peers who understand the weight of leadership, and rediscover the joy of building something that matters.

We saw this magic when 60+ D2C & Modern Retail founders came together at The D2C Retreat by Inc42 at Oberoi Wildflower last year.

The griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, became our symbol. Strength and courage meet vision and wisdom. It’s the embodiment of what founders need to become as they lead not just companies but entire industries.

Griffin isn’t about unicorns — it’s about what comes after. It’s about building legacies…

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Why Founders Need Griffin

Being a founder is a paradox. You’re surrounded by people — your team, your investors, your customers — yet the journey often feels isolating. The pressure to lead, to decide, to deliver never stops. Griffin Retreat offers a rare pause.

Here, founders will find their peers — not as competitors but as collaborators. Imagine a conversation where a founder who’s taken their company public shares their playbook with someone just embarking on the journey. Or a breakout session where leaders discuss the nuances of building a CXO bench that can scale with the company. These aren’t panels; they’re personalised, peer-driven conversations where the stakes are real and the outcomes are actionable.

Griffin Retreat is where this vision takes root. The ideas, partnerships, and collaborations sparked here will ripple across the ecosystem, fuelling growth, creating millions of jobs, and contributing significantly to India’s GDP.

Why Agra? There’s a reason Griffin Retreat is taking place in Agra, with the Taj Mahal as its backdrop. The Taj isn’t just a monument, it’s a testament to vision, craftsmanship, and execution. Its enduring legacy is a reminder that bold ambitions, paired with relentless action, create history.

What Awaits at Griffin Retreat?

Griffin Retreat isn’t about pitches or superficial exchanges. Griffin Retreat is designed for depth, not breadth. It’s about creating a space where trust flourishes and meaningful connections form. Over three days, India’s most visionary founders will:

  • Engage in Closed-Door Dialogues: Candid, confidential conversations about the realities of going public, from regulatory compliance to market positioning.
  • Collaborate in Tailored Breakouts: Sessions curated to address the specific needs of founders, whether it’s managing boards, building resilient CXO teams, or preparing for the public markets.
  • Immerse in Unique Experiences: Beyond the boardroom, founders will connect over wine tastings, secret suppers, and reflective moments inspired by the Taj Mahal.

This isn’t networking; this is building a tribe..

An Invitation to India’s Visionaries

Griffin Retreat is more than an unconference — it’s a moment to reflect, reset, and reimagine. It’s a space where founders can step away from the noise of daily operations and focus on the bigger picture: the impact they want to create and the legacy they want to leave.

This is your invitation to join a community of leaders who are not just building companies but shaping industries. To find your tribe. To embrace the role of architect for India’s digital future.

Because while unicorns inspire, Griffins lead — and the future needs leaders like you…

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Announcing Griffin Retreat: 100 Unicorn & Soonicorn Founders, A Trillion Dollar Dream-Inc42 Media
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