THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PREDICTORS OF STARTUP SUCCESS: A STUDY AT HPCL

Snigdha Khalde; Sameer Kulkarni; Bhawna Sharma

doi:10.29121/ShodhPrabandhan.v2.i2.2025.43

Authors

Snigdha Khalde Student at Amity Business School, Amity University, Mumbai Author
Dr. Sameer Kulkarni Associate Professor, PhD. Guide- Amity, Business School Mumbai, Amity University, India Author
Dr. Bhawna Sharma Director International Affairs & Programs, Officiating HOI, Amity Business School, Amity University Mumbai Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhPrabandhan.v2.i2.2025.43

Keywords:

Startup Success Predictors, Product-Market Fit, Founding Team & Leadership, Market Timing & Traction, Financial Strategy & Sustainability

Abstract

This paper, titled “The Most Significant Predictors of Startup Success”, conducted by Snigdha Khalde from Amity University, Mumbai under Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), explores the key factors that determine why some startups thrive, while most of them fail. Despite their role in driving innovation and growth, nearly 90% of startups fail early on.
Analysing over 50 real-world cases through analytical models and investor frameworks, the research identifies seven core predictors of success including founding team dynamics, market timing, product-market fit, financial strategy, and early traction. It also introduces quantitative assessment tools to help founders and investors evaluate startup viability.
A case study on SUGAR Cosmetics validates these findings, showcasing how strategic alignment with these predictors leads to sustained growth.
This paper presents a concise, data-driven framework that empowers entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to better identify, support, and scale high-potential startups.

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