ET Startup Awards 2026 | Bootstrap Champ: Habuild stretches profits without bending to VC cash

The ET Startup Awards 2026 recognized digital wellness platform Habuild as the Bootstrap Champ, honoring its ability to achieve sustainable growth without significant marketing expenditures. Founded in 2020 by Saurabh and Trishala Bothra, and Anshul Agrawal, Habuild's mission is to make yoga more accessible to a wider audience in India. The company has experienced substantial growth without external funding.

According to Paras Chopra, founder of Wingify and Lossfunk, who has previously won the Bootstrap Champ award in 2017, Habuild's impressive profit margins and success in scaling the business without relying on online marketing are truly impressive. A juror praised Habuild's ability to retain users by helping them establish healthy habits and maintain a routine, noting the platform's significant potential market.

The company's strategy includes leveraging WhatsApp and YouTube for content distribution, adopting a freemium model with a subscription fee of Rs 3,999 for continued use after the initial 14 to 21 days.

CEO Saurabh Bothra attributed the award to the hard work and dedication of the Habuild team, expressing gratitude for their efforts. The platform has cultivated a large user base through word-of-mouth referrals and a strong presence on YouTube. Additionally, Habuild is expanding its AI capabilities to develop tools for its users, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.